Practicum Interview Guidelines and Considerations

Placements are most successful for both students and practicum educators when expectations, needs and opportunities are clarified in the initial interview. We encourage sites to treat the placement interview as a professional interview, complete with questions that help the organization determine if the student would be a good fit at the site. 

Considerations for agencies

  • Mandatory trainings/orientations: Discuss any trainings or orientations that may be required, particularly those that may fall outside of the scheduled practicum calendar.  
  • Additional requirements (such as PPD tests, background checks and references): It is important to clarify if the agency has any additional requirements, such as specialized screenings (e.g., criminal background checks, drug screenings) or immunizations and any costs that students may incur. 
  • Student hours: Our expectation is that students will be at placement during hours that preserve the integrity of their learning, never less than 3-hour shifts. (See Practicum Education Calendar for specific details.) Be sure to discuss a practicum schedule (i.e., days and hours) at the interview.
  • Use of vehicles and any parking expenses: Due to liability issues, students are not allowed to transport clients in their personal vehicles. You can discuss whether students need a vehicle to travel between different agency sites or for home visits. Provide details about whether the agency reimburses interns for mileage and if there is a parking fee.
  • Populations served: Agency interviewers should share examples of populations and situations common in their setting, such as clients facing death, suicide or sexual trauma. Discussing students' preparation and comfort level can be helpful, but avoid discussing their personal life experiences during the interview.
  • Recommended courses: The interviewer may want to discuss what courses the student has taken and make suggestions about any particular course that may be useful in getting the most out of the practicum.
  • Learning experience: We ask that agencies provide as much diversity in the range of experiences as possible. It is beneficial for the agency interviewer to share with the student typical examples of situations encountered in the practicum setting. Providing agency brochures or other information for the student to take to read is also helpful.
  • Dress code: It is useful to clarify terms such as “casual” or “professional” as they may mean different things to different people.  Please be specific (i.e., jacket and tie are required, or dress is casual but no jeans or sneakers).
  • School setting placements: Please discuss the school system's spring break versus that of UB. To get the minimum required hours, students often need to exchange the time off from UB with that of the school if they do not coincide.