Applying a consultative model to the process of entering a profession, understanding organizational politics, and experiencing the need to prove oneself are all important to the new psychologist. Organizational entry for the new professional is analogous in many respects to the entry of a consultant into an organization. Using this assumption, it is then possible to apply a consultative model for making that entry a smooth and productive one. Organizational structure, power, norms, leadership style, sanctions, and rewards are concepts which can be used to enhance the new psychologist's effectiveness. Also important are organizational politics, focusing on the importance of learning the organization's informal and formal history, discovering alliances, and developing strategies for working within the informal communication network. (Author)