4 answers
Barbie
Student
1
Question
Asked
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What underated careers should I look into to boost my cv?
Im a criminal justice major in undergraduate.
I want to become a criminal psychologist. I need to boost my cv to prove that I can complete a clinical phd or psyd program. Im currently trying to gain certifications. I'm not sure how building research works, or what lab you can work in for psychology?
But focusing on careers, what are some jobs I can turn over to that will look positive? I have an interview to be a Residental Support Staff working with adults with disabilities I believe.
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4 answers
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1326
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Barbie,
This is a solid question! Criminal psychology is an intense but fascinating field, and building a strong CV for a Clinical Ph.D. or Psy.D. requires strategy. You’re already on the right path by looking at certifications and research experience! But let’s me get you into some underrated but valuable career moves that can make you stand out actually as well.
Hands-On Experience (Real-World Application). Residential Support Staff (like your upcoming interview!) – Absolutely relevant! Working with adults with disabilities builds patience, communication, and crisis management skills.
Crisis Counselor – Suicide prevention hotlines, domestic violence hotlines, or 988 crisis text lines can strengthen your ability to handle real-time emotional distress.
Behavioral Health Technician – Assisting in therapy or rehab centers gives direct exposure to psychological treatment methods.
Juvenile Detention Center Mentor – Working with troubled youth can provide insight into behavioral patterns linked to criminal psychology.
✅ Play up your ability to de-escalate situations, handle emotional distress, and work with vulnerable populations. These are gold for any forensic or clinical psych program.
Research & Lab Work (Building That Scientific Edge)
Finding a Psychology Research Lab:
Most universities have forensic psychology labs—find a professor researching criminal behavior, mental illness in offenders, or recidivism rates and ask if they need research assistants.
If your school doesn’t have a forensic focus, any psychology research counts! Even cognitive, social, or neuropsych research labs can give you valuable experience in data analysis, literature reviews, and study design.
What You’ll Likely Do in a Research Lab:
Data collection & analysis
Literature reviews & writing summaries
Running psychology experiments (interviews, surveys, or behavioral assessments)
Assisting in manuscript writing & publication
✅ If you get a research position, aim to co-author a paper or present findings at a conference. That’s next-level CV flexing.
Then here is Law Enforcement & Legal System Exposure (Connecting Psych to Crime).
Victim Advocate – Supporting crime victims through the legal process.
Probation/Parole Assistant – Helps understand criminal rehabilitation.
Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) – Works with neglected or abused children in legal settings.
Intern at a Medical Examiner’s Office – If you’re fascinated by forensic pathology, this gives insight into crime scene investigations.
My takewawyas is that, Programs love applicants who understand both the psychological AND legal aspects of criminal behavior.
Don't forget, Certifications That Boost Credibility like:
Mental Health First Aid – Shows you're trained to recognize & respond to mental health crises.
Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) – Used in law enforcement & psychiatric settings.
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Certification – Especially useful if working with offenders with mental health disorders.
Trauma-Informed Care Training – Super valuable for forensic psychology.
My final words are To, Make Your CV Work for You! Your CV should scream "I understand criminal behavior, and I know how to apply psychology in real-world situations." You’re already on a great path, so keep stacking experiences that blend psychology, research, and direct client interaction.
And for that Residential Support Staff interview? Walk in confident, show empathy, and emphasize your ability to handle challenging behaviors with patience and professionalism. They’ll love you for it!
You got this girl, I believe in you and if you have any furthur questions or hesitations just reach out! 🤗
This is a solid question! Criminal psychology is an intense but fascinating field, and building a strong CV for a Clinical Ph.D. or Psy.D. requires strategy. You’re already on the right path by looking at certifications and research experience! But let’s me get you into some underrated but valuable career moves that can make you stand out actually as well.
Hands-On Experience (Real-World Application). Residential Support Staff (like your upcoming interview!) – Absolutely relevant! Working with adults with disabilities builds patience, communication, and crisis management skills.
Crisis Counselor – Suicide prevention hotlines, domestic violence hotlines, or 988 crisis text lines can strengthen your ability to handle real-time emotional distress.
Behavioral Health Technician – Assisting in therapy or rehab centers gives direct exposure to psychological treatment methods.
Juvenile Detention Center Mentor – Working with troubled youth can provide insight into behavioral patterns linked to criminal psychology.
✅ Play up your ability to de-escalate situations, handle emotional distress, and work with vulnerable populations. These are gold for any forensic or clinical psych program.
Research & Lab Work (Building That Scientific Edge)
Finding a Psychology Research Lab:
Most universities have forensic psychology labs—find a professor researching criminal behavior, mental illness in offenders, or recidivism rates and ask if they need research assistants.
If your school doesn’t have a forensic focus, any psychology research counts! Even cognitive, social, or neuropsych research labs can give you valuable experience in data analysis, literature reviews, and study design.
What You’ll Likely Do in a Research Lab:
Data collection & analysis
Literature reviews & writing summaries
Running psychology experiments (interviews, surveys, or behavioral assessments)
Assisting in manuscript writing & publication
✅ If you get a research position, aim to co-author a paper or present findings at a conference. That’s next-level CV flexing.
Then here is Law Enforcement & Legal System Exposure (Connecting Psych to Crime).
Victim Advocate – Supporting crime victims through the legal process.
Probation/Parole Assistant – Helps understand criminal rehabilitation.
Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) – Works with neglected or abused children in legal settings.
Intern at a Medical Examiner’s Office – If you’re fascinated by forensic pathology, this gives insight into crime scene investigations.
My takewawyas is that, Programs love applicants who understand both the psychological AND legal aspects of criminal behavior.
Don't forget, Certifications That Boost Credibility like:
Mental Health First Aid – Shows you're trained to recognize & respond to mental health crises.
Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) – Used in law enforcement & psychiatric settings.
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Certification – Especially useful if working with offenders with mental health disorders.
Trauma-Informed Care Training – Super valuable for forensic psychology.
My final words are To, Make Your CV Work for You! Your CV should scream "I understand criminal behavior, and I know how to apply psychology in real-world situations." You’re already on a great path, so keep stacking experiences that blend psychology, research, and direct client interaction.
And for that Residential Support Staff interview? Walk in confident, show empathy, and emphasize your ability to handle challenging behaviors with patience and professionalism. They’ll love you for it!
You got this girl, I believe in you and if you have any furthur questions or hesitations just reach out! 🤗
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
898
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hi Barbie,
This is a huge dream! It’s fantastic that you’re already thinking ahead to build a strong foundation for your future in criminal psychology. There are definitely some underrated career options and experiences that can boost your CV and demonstrate your commitment to the field while highlighting transferable skills.
Your upcoming interview for the Residential Support Staff role is a great step! Working with adults with disabilities will not only give you direct experience in understanding human behavior but also build your interpersonal skills, patience, and empathy, all of which are crucial for a career in psychology.
Here are some other career options and opportunities to consider:
1. Victim Advocate: This role involves supporting crime victims by offering resources, counseling, and guidance through the legal system. It’s closely tied to criminal psychology and demonstrates your dedication to understanding and helping others in crisis.
2. Juvenile Detention Center Counselor or Mentor: Working with at-risk youth can show your ability to connect with individuals who may need psychological support, providing insight into behavior patterns and rehabilitation efforts.
3. Research Assistant: If you're aiming for a PhD or PsyD, research experience is key. Reach out to professors in the psychology or criminal justice departments at your university to see if they’re conducting research you can assist with. Alternatively, look for summer research programs or labs that focus on psychology, criminology, or forensic studies.
4. Crisis Hotline Volunteer: This role demonstrates your ability to handle high-stress situations, communicate effectively, and support individuals in critical moments, which aligns perfectly with skills needed in criminal psychology.
5. Corrections Officer or Case Manager: These positions can provide hands-on experience with individuals in the criminal justice system, giving you a better understanding of offender behavior and rehabilitation processes.
6. Behavioral Health Technician: This involves working with individuals facing mental health challenges, often in clinical or residential settings, offering insights into psychological treatment.
In addition to these roles, focus on certifications and learning opportunities that strengthen your CV. For instance, look into certifications in crisis intervention, trauma-informed care, or mental health first aid. If you’re unsure where to start with research, you can contact professors who specialize in psychology or criminal justice, express your interest, and ask for guidance on how to get involved in their projects or labs.
Every experience you pursue should highlight skills like empathy, communication, research, and an understanding of human behavior. You’re already off to a great start, and with your drive, you’ll make an impressive case for a clinical PhD or PsyD program.
Best wishes!
This is a huge dream! It’s fantastic that you’re already thinking ahead to build a strong foundation for your future in criminal psychology. There are definitely some underrated career options and experiences that can boost your CV and demonstrate your commitment to the field while highlighting transferable skills.
Your upcoming interview for the Residential Support Staff role is a great step! Working with adults with disabilities will not only give you direct experience in understanding human behavior but also build your interpersonal skills, patience, and empathy, all of which are crucial for a career in psychology.
Here are some other career options and opportunities to consider:
1. Victim Advocate: This role involves supporting crime victims by offering resources, counseling, and guidance through the legal system. It’s closely tied to criminal psychology and demonstrates your dedication to understanding and helping others in crisis.
2. Juvenile Detention Center Counselor or Mentor: Working with at-risk youth can show your ability to connect with individuals who may need psychological support, providing insight into behavior patterns and rehabilitation efforts.
3. Research Assistant: If you're aiming for a PhD or PsyD, research experience is key. Reach out to professors in the psychology or criminal justice departments at your university to see if they’re conducting research you can assist with. Alternatively, look for summer research programs or labs that focus on psychology, criminology, or forensic studies.
4. Crisis Hotline Volunteer: This role demonstrates your ability to handle high-stress situations, communicate effectively, and support individuals in critical moments, which aligns perfectly with skills needed in criminal psychology.
5. Corrections Officer or Case Manager: These positions can provide hands-on experience with individuals in the criminal justice system, giving you a better understanding of offender behavior and rehabilitation processes.
6. Behavioral Health Technician: This involves working with individuals facing mental health challenges, often in clinical or residential settings, offering insights into psychological treatment.
In addition to these roles, focus on certifications and learning opportunities that strengthen your CV. For instance, look into certifications in crisis intervention, trauma-informed care, or mental health first aid. If you’re unsure where to start with research, you can contact professors who specialize in psychology or criminal justice, express your interest, and ask for guidance on how to get involved in their projects or labs.
Every experience you pursue should highlight skills like empathy, communication, research, and an understanding of human behavior. You’re already off to a great start, and with your drive, you’ll make an impressive case for a clinical PhD or PsyD program.
Best wishes!
Bright Komor
Nurse
261
Answers
Accra, Greater Accra Region, Ghana
Updated
Bright’s Answer
Criminal psychology is a challenging yet rewarding field that can be enhanced by focusing on underrated careers and experiences. These include direct care/mental health support roles, such as crisis counselors, behavioral technicians, and forensic mental health technicians. Research-focused roles involve research assistants in forensic psychology labs, where data collection, literature reviews, statistical analysis, and manuscript preparation are essential. Community-based roles include victim advocates, probation/parole officers, and youth counselors/mentors.
Forensic-specific experiences include volunteering with a forensic psychology organization, internships with medical examiner's offices or coroners' offices, attending forensic psychology conferences and workshops, and building research experience through networking with faculty and research institutions. In a lab, tasks include data collection, data entry and analysis, literature reviews, manuscript preparation, and publications. Certifications include crisis intervention training, mental health first aid, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) certifications, and CPR and first aid.
In the residential support staff interview, emphasize empathy and compassion, ability to work with challenging behaviors, interest in mental health and rehabilitation, and ability to follow rules and regulations. To make your CV stand out, prioritize finding a research lab, gain diverse experiences, show initiative, and obtain strong letters of recommendation. By focusing on these underrated careers and experiences, you can build a strong CV that will make you a competitive applicant for clinical Ph.D. or Psy.D. programs.
Forensic-specific experiences include volunteering with a forensic psychology organization, internships with medical examiner's offices or coroners' offices, attending forensic psychology conferences and workshops, and building research experience through networking with faculty and research institutions. In a lab, tasks include data collection, data entry and analysis, literature reviews, manuscript preparation, and publications. Certifications include crisis intervention training, mental health first aid, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) certifications, and CPR and first aid.
In the residential support staff interview, emphasize empathy and compassion, ability to work with challenging behaviors, interest in mental health and rehabilitation, and ability to follow rules and regulations. To make your CV stand out, prioritize finding a research lab, gain diverse experiences, show initiative, and obtain strong letters of recommendation. By focusing on these underrated careers and experiences, you can build a strong CV that will make you a competitive applicant for clinical Ph.D. or Psy.D. programs.
Gerald J Olseski Jr
Certified Peer Support Specialist
40
Answers
Riverview, Michigan
Updated
Gerald J’s Answer
It will depend on what your interested in.