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What should be the first step after undergraduate school in finding a job related to psychology?
I plan on taking a gap year to get experience within the field before going back to graduate school in hopes of a Masters. I don't know how to find a job in the field though and want experience. What should I do?
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3 answers
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Zainab’s Answer
My best advice to undergraduates in getting a job with no experience is to apply for internship programs that align with your area of interest and also look for organizations that have volunteer positions available for undergraduates to improve their skills and knowledge in their field for job readiness and also to gather experience. If you're lucky some organizations retain their dedicated volunteers.
Updated
Yoga Dwi’s Answer
That’s a great plan! Taking a gap year to gain experience will strengthen your graduate school application and help you explore career options in psychology. Here’s how to get started:
1. Identify Your Areas of Interest
Do you want to work in clinical, counseling, research, social work, or another area?
Are you more interested in direct patient interaction, research, or community outreach?
2. Look for Entry-Level Jobs in Psychology
Since most psychology jobs require a graduate degree, consider roles like:
✅ Mental Health Technician / Behavioral Health Technician – Assist in hospitals, rehab centers, or psychiatric clinics.
✅ Case Manager / Social Work Assistant – Help clients navigate resources in nonprofits, hospitals, or community centers.
✅ Research Assistant (RA) – Work in psychology research labs at universities, private companies, or government organizations.
✅ Substance Abuse Counselor Assistant – Gain experience in addiction counseling (some states allow work with a bachelor’s).
✅ Crisis Hotline Worker – Provide support through crisis intervention phone lines.
✅ ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) Therapist – Work with children with autism in behavioral therapy settings.
✅ Human Resources (HR) Assistant – Apply psychology knowledge in workplace settings.
3. Where to Find Psychology-Related Jobs
Indeed, Glassdoor, LinkedIn – Search for “Psychology BA” or “Behavioral Health” jobs.
University Research Labs – Many universities hire psychology graduates as research assistants.
Hospitals & Clinics – Look for entry-level roles in mental health facilities.
Nonprofits & Government Programs – Organizations like NAMI, AmeriCorps, and Teach for America offer psychology-related roles.
4. Gain Experience Through Volunteering & Internships
Volunteer at mental health clinics, crisis hotlines, or shelters to get hands-on experience.
Shadow professionals in psychology fields (therapists, clinical psychologists, social workers).
Look for part-time or remote research assistant roles at universities.
5. Network with Professionals in the Field
Join APA (American Psychological Association) or Psi Chi for networking opportunities.
Connect with professors, alumni, or professionals on LinkedIn for mentorship.
Attend conferences, webinars, and workshops related to psychology.
6. Consider Certifications to Boost Your Resume
Mental Health First Aid Certification – Helps with crisis intervention skills.
Certified Behavioral Technician (CBT) – Useful for ABA therapy roles.
Counseling or Crisis Training – Some organizations offer short-term training programs.
1. Identify Your Areas of Interest
Do you want to work in clinical, counseling, research, social work, or another area?
Are you more interested in direct patient interaction, research, or community outreach?
2. Look for Entry-Level Jobs in Psychology
Since most psychology jobs require a graduate degree, consider roles like:
✅ Mental Health Technician / Behavioral Health Technician – Assist in hospitals, rehab centers, or psychiatric clinics.
✅ Case Manager / Social Work Assistant – Help clients navigate resources in nonprofits, hospitals, or community centers.
✅ Research Assistant (RA) – Work in psychology research labs at universities, private companies, or government organizations.
✅ Substance Abuse Counselor Assistant – Gain experience in addiction counseling (some states allow work with a bachelor’s).
✅ Crisis Hotline Worker – Provide support through crisis intervention phone lines.
✅ ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) Therapist – Work with children with autism in behavioral therapy settings.
✅ Human Resources (HR) Assistant – Apply psychology knowledge in workplace settings.
3. Where to Find Psychology-Related Jobs
Indeed, Glassdoor, LinkedIn – Search for “Psychology BA” or “Behavioral Health” jobs.
University Research Labs – Many universities hire psychology graduates as research assistants.
Hospitals & Clinics – Look for entry-level roles in mental health facilities.
Nonprofits & Government Programs – Organizations like NAMI, AmeriCorps, and Teach for America offer psychology-related roles.
4. Gain Experience Through Volunteering & Internships
Volunteer at mental health clinics, crisis hotlines, or shelters to get hands-on experience.
Shadow professionals in psychology fields (therapists, clinical psychologists, social workers).
Look for part-time or remote research assistant roles at universities.
5. Network with Professionals in the Field
Join APA (American Psychological Association) or Psi Chi for networking opportunities.
Connect with professors, alumni, or professionals on LinkedIn for mentorship.
Attend conferences, webinars, and workshops related to psychology.
6. Consider Certifications to Boost Your Resume
Mental Health First Aid Certification – Helps with crisis intervention skills.
Certified Behavioral Technician (CBT) – Useful for ABA therapy roles.
Counseling or Crisis Training – Some organizations offer short-term training programs.
Updated
Eric Scott’s Answer
Hey, I just wanted to share something a bit different with you. I noticed you're posting from New York, and I'm here in Philadelphia. We’re facing a big challenge with the opioid crisis and a shortage of mental health professionals. There’s a real need for psychiatrists and psychologists, and they’ve been searching for people to help for quite a while. It might be worth checking out the opportunities here. Even if it’s not your long-term plan, getting started in this field could open doors to bigger opportunities later. Just a thought!