Wednesday 22 July 14:00 - 15:30

Hall: 04 - Sala Scherma

Chair: Davcheva Marija

Division: Division 1: Work and Organizational Psychology

The professional development of early career psychologists is pivotal for the advancement of our science psychology
and its application worldwide. Thus, understanding the factors that foster professional development and the ones that
pose challenges for early career psychologists is crucial to create specific career development strategies and
professional development opportunities. In fact, these factors may differ in different countries and cultures as well as
at different career stages. Hence, from work and organizational psychology as well as educational psychology lens
this symposium aims to explore key aspects of professional development from an international perspective, focusing
on how young professionals can recognize their competencies, navigate career uncertainties, and leverage existing
structures for growth.The first presentation will discuss the transition from student to professional in the African region emphasizing some
practical strategies such as virtual mentorship programs and use of technology that can promote professional
development.The second presentation will explore the student professional transition in Canada offering unique views of the
challenges and career opportunities in this region especially involvement in international association and networking
as crucial tools for professional competencies development.The third presentation will describe the transition of students to professionals and the different educational pathwaysin Panama, Latin America. It will provide light on some of the current challenges early career professionals face inthis area and recommendations for policy and practice.The fourth presentation provides a European perspective of the topic focusing on work and organizational psychology.It will also explore the competencies that are essential for psychologists aiming to build international careers, such as
adaptability, cross-cultural communication, and resilience. Additionally,willprovideacomparisonontheprofessionaldevelopmentneedsinthatpast,inthepresentandinthefuturetakingintoconsiderationemergingcareerpathsandprovidingspecificexamplesinthefieldofworkandorganizationalpsychology.ThefifthpresentationwillexplorethechallengesandopportunitiesfacedbyPostdoctoratesinpsychologyinSpain.Itreflectsonthecareeridentityofthisgroupofearlycareerpsychologists,thespecificcareerpathstheymaydevelopandhighlightstheneedforpersonalresourcesthatoptimizetheirmentalhealth.