Psyched to Work! (P2W!) 2026

Psyched to Work! (P2W!) is an innovative job shadow program designed to connect MSU Denver Psychology and Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS) majors with professionals in the community. Now in its fourth year, P2W! helps students gain real-world career insights through structured job shadowing experiences. The program directly addresses the American Psychological Association’s 2023 challenge to better prepare psychology undergraduates for their post-graduation careers, aligning with MSU Denver’s mission of career-readiness.

Throughout this year-long program, students engage in professional development training, which includes exercises in networking, crafting strong resumes, and developing elevator pitches. The program culminates with multiple one-day job shadows at different workplaces, each selected to align with the students' career interests

Why support P2W!?
P2W! is making a proven impact on student success. During the 2023-24 academic year 46 students completed job shadowing with 100 placements at 29 host sites. After the program our data indicates that 21% of participants received a job, internship, or volunteer opportunity with our hosts. The students in our program have a retention rate at MSU Denver of 95%, far exceeding the university’s 65% overall rate. Last year 54% of participants were first-generation students, 50% identified as BIPOC, and 33% were Hispanic.

Your support of P2W will help fund professional development resources, including headshots, professional attire, supplies and networking events for students. It will also provide funding for a student assistant who will work with the program coordinators to help run the program.