8 answers
shuma
Student
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Question
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How do I find the right career path in psychology when I feel completely unsure about what I want?
I'm a junior in college studying psychology with a minor in English. Lately, I've been feeling really unsure about what career path to take. I know I want to do something meaningful where I can help people, but I struggle with anxiety and don't feel comfortable in jobs that require a lot of talking or social interaction. I'm looking for psychology careers that let me work more independently without too much pressure to talk all the time, but still help me feel connected and valued. Any advice would mean a lot. Thank you!!
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8 answers
Annah Edmonds
Licensed Clinical Counselor and Art Therapist
151
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Annah’s Answer
Shuma, you are not the only psychology student experiencing their own psychological distress. It is quite common for those of us working in the field to be drawn to it because of our own mental health struggles. If you are not already meeting with a therapist, I suggest you pursue some kind of counseling to address your own symptoms. This will better inform your professional work and improve your ability to function as a human being. I stand by this advice even if you choose work with a low-level of patient or person interaction. There are many ways to do meaningful work, and you may find yourself drawn to something that is psychology adjacent. First, if you do pursue clinical therapy there are ways to work somatically- with the body, with animals (such as equine-assisted), or with the expressive arts that are not so reliant upon talking. You may also pursue research which can be quite technical and may or may not involve interaction with participants. Perhaps you also look at management positions, such as program or project management, or grant writing- to name just a few. Discover where your talents lie and see what jobs might match up. Maybe you prefer animals to people; check out animal behavioral science. Maybe you are drawn to lab work or want to sit in front of a computer- preferring interactions with technology to patients. Mental health apps are becoming increasingly popular as are bespoke templates for therapists to provide patients. Anxiety should not stop you from pursuing a career in psychology if that is what you truly want, however there may be other factors to consider, and it may be wise to look at everything influencing your thought process. Even during graduate school, I was uncertain what I wanted to do with my degree. It took me almost a decade later (post-grad) to further define my specific interests within the field as there are numerous ways to practice. For me it is a lifelong pursuit. I also have a history of anxiety and part of being a therapist (for me) involves a personal commitment to my own development and growth. I cannot guide you to making a decision; I do believe you are in a perfect position to think deeply about what you want and why. If you have fears, this is normal and natural. If you have preferences- follow them using your intuition based on what you know about yourself so far. Seek help and community. Take the time it takes before jumping into something that is not right for you. Get out into the world and work, volunteer abroad, find out who inspires you- whether a psychologist, social worker, social justice advocate, or poet! Feed your soul and your soul will guide you. If this sounds woo-woo, it is the advice I wish I had been given. Face your fears and learn when a something (a feeling or thought) needs to be challenged or explored. Learn about your personality and personal strengths. I wish you the best on your singular majestic journey!
Erika Ramirez
1
Answer
Rancho Cucamonga, California
Updated
Erika’s Answer
Hello Shuma,
You're asking a very important question because it will shape your future. It's great that you've added a minor. My minor led me to my current career. I'm about to graduate with a master's in counseling, and my minor was in Family & Human Development. Have you ever taken any personality assessments? Have you met with a campus counselor to talk about your feelings? I suggest watching "A Day in the Life" videos on YouTube for careers you're interested in. That's how I got into school counseling. Also, look up similar jobs and read about their roles and requirements so you know what to expect. Have you considered the research side of psychology? You could work in research without much social interaction with strangers.
You're asking a very important question because it will shape your future. It's great that you've added a minor. My minor led me to my current career. I'm about to graduate with a master's in counseling, and my minor was in Family & Human Development. Have you ever taken any personality assessments? Have you met with a campus counselor to talk about your feelings? I suggest watching "A Day in the Life" videos on YouTube for careers you're interested in. That's how I got into school counseling. Also, look up similar jobs and read about their roles and requirements so you know what to expect. Have you considered the research side of psychology? You could work in research without much social interaction with strangers.
Patrick Meyer
Executive - Data Analytics and AI
946
Answers
Naperville, Illinois
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Shuma, please understand that it is completely understandable to feel uncertain about your career path, especially when you're at a crossroads in your academic journey. As a junior studying psychology with a minor in English, you're already building a solid foundation for a range of meaningful career opportunities. However, given your concerns about anxiety and a preference for less social interaction, it’s essential to explore psychology careers that allow for independent work while still providing opportunities to help others.
First, it may be helpful to understand that the field of psychology is incredibly diverse, offering various roles that don't necessarily require constant social interaction. For example, consider pursuing research psychology, where you can contribute to the field through studies and data analysis, often working independently or with a small team. Many researchers in psychology focus on topics such as mental health, cognitive processes, or educational development, which can directly impact society by informing treatment approaches or policies. Websites like the American Psychological Association (APA) [www.apa.org] and the Association for Psychological Science (APS) [www.psychologicalscience.org] provide valuable resources and job boards in this area.
Additionally, Shuma, you may want to explore clinical or counseling psychology with a focus on less direct, one-on-one patient interaction. For example, working in a therapeutic role where you conduct assessments, research, or provide specialized interventions via written communication (such as in online therapy platforms) could be a good fit. Telehealth platforms, such as BetterHelp or Talkspace, allow mental health professionals to connect with clients in a less traditional, often less socially demanding environment. As someone with an English minor, your strong writing and communication skills could be incredibly useful in providing therapeutic content or creating written resources that assist clients in their mental health journeys.
Shuma another option to consider is industrial-organizational psychology, where you could work with businesses to improve employee well-being, workplace culture, or organizational performance. This type of psychology often involves conducting research, designing surveys, and analyzing data, which allows for independent work. The focus is on improving systems and processes, rather than direct social interactions, while still offering opportunities to make a meaningful impact on individuals and organizations. The Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP) [www.siop.org] provides further insights into this career path.
Lastly, Shuma, please remember that exploring different career paths is a process, and internships or volunteer opportunities can offer a more hands-on way to determine what feels right for you. Seek out opportunities that align with your interests and comfort level. Websites such as PsychologyJobs [www.psychologyjobs.com] and Indeed [www.indeed.com] can help you explore job listings, giving you a better sense of what might suit your personality and professional goals.
Ultimately, Shuma the key is to identify what aspects of psychology resonate with you, and then focus on areas that offer the balance of independence and meaningful work that you're seeking.
First, it may be helpful to understand that the field of psychology is incredibly diverse, offering various roles that don't necessarily require constant social interaction. For example, consider pursuing research psychology, where you can contribute to the field through studies and data analysis, often working independently or with a small team. Many researchers in psychology focus on topics such as mental health, cognitive processes, or educational development, which can directly impact society by informing treatment approaches or policies. Websites like the American Psychological Association (APA) [www.apa.org] and the Association for Psychological Science (APS) [www.psychologicalscience.org] provide valuable resources and job boards in this area.
Additionally, Shuma, you may want to explore clinical or counseling psychology with a focus on less direct, one-on-one patient interaction. For example, working in a therapeutic role where you conduct assessments, research, or provide specialized interventions via written communication (such as in online therapy platforms) could be a good fit. Telehealth platforms, such as BetterHelp or Talkspace, allow mental health professionals to connect with clients in a less traditional, often less socially demanding environment. As someone with an English minor, your strong writing and communication skills could be incredibly useful in providing therapeutic content or creating written resources that assist clients in their mental health journeys.
Shuma another option to consider is industrial-organizational psychology, where you could work with businesses to improve employee well-being, workplace culture, or organizational performance. This type of psychology often involves conducting research, designing surveys, and analyzing data, which allows for independent work. The focus is on improving systems and processes, rather than direct social interactions, while still offering opportunities to make a meaningful impact on individuals and organizations. The Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP) [www.siop.org] provides further insights into this career path.
Lastly, Shuma, please remember that exploring different career paths is a process, and internships or volunteer opportunities can offer a more hands-on way to determine what feels right for you. Seek out opportunities that align with your interests and comfort level. Websites such as PsychologyJobs [www.psychologyjobs.com] and Indeed [www.indeed.com] can help you explore job listings, giving you a better sense of what might suit your personality and professional goals.
Ultimately, Shuma the key is to identify what aspects of psychology resonate with you, and then focus on areas that offer the balance of independence and meaningful work that you're seeking.
Kerri Butler
Vocational RTW Claim Manager
3
Answers
Reno, Nevada
Updated
Kerri’s Answer
Bravo for taking proactive steps to understand yourself. Several jobs in psychology require less public-facing interaction. In addition to Guille's suggestion of exploring educational and sports psychology, there are opportunities in research and corporate practice as well. Narrowing down a future career path includes learning what real-life psychology options exist. Focus directly on it. How many kinds of jobs can you identify that utilize psychology expertise? If good 'ol Google.com doesn't spawn sufficient ideas, try www.onetonline.org. This platform has many career research tools and a helpful "Interest Profiler" survey.
Despite nailing down a solid list of career options, the second half of your question is still lurking. What do you do about feeling unsure about "what you want? " Welcome to the club, my friend. I've had a remarkable, 30-plus year career in business and still have no clue exactly what I want. However, knowing what I DON'T want has been instrumental in enjoying contentment in my work life. How do you feel about footing the cost of grad school or getting your doctorate? Do you want to avoid a demanding job schedule that would interfere with family or free time? Would limited income potential in a future job be a "no go" for you? How about traveling vs. working near home? By process of elimination, you may narrow down a few ideas that make more sense than others.
Finally, although they are not always easy to find, mentors can be a valuable part of life's journey. Be on the lookout for resources and people to support your career effort. When you are successful, and I'm sure you will be, take what you have learned and share it with others. Best of Luck to you!
Despite nailing down a solid list of career options, the second half of your question is still lurking. What do you do about feeling unsure about "what you want? " Welcome to the club, my friend. I've had a remarkable, 30-plus year career in business and still have no clue exactly what I want. However, knowing what I DON'T want has been instrumental in enjoying contentment in my work life. How do you feel about footing the cost of grad school or getting your doctorate? Do you want to avoid a demanding job schedule that would interfere with family or free time? Would limited income potential in a future job be a "no go" for you? How about traveling vs. working near home? By process of elimination, you may narrow down a few ideas that make more sense than others.
Finally, although they are not always easy to find, mentors can be a valuable part of life's journey. Be on the lookout for resources and people to support your career effort. When you are successful, and I'm sure you will be, take what you have learned and share it with others. Best of Luck to you!
Guille Esquivel
Athlete Manager
6
Answers
Inglewood, California
Updated
Guille’s Answer
Educational psychology or sports psychology might be good options that may help with your anxiety since most issues will be related to those topics rather than familial issues.
Thank you for the advice.
shuma
Yolanda Yan
expert
2
Answers
Shanghai, China
Updated
Yolanda’s Answer
Begin by exploring activities that match your interests, and over time, you'll discover the right path.
Justyna Kustra
EMEA Talent Attraction Manager
2
Answers
Kraków, Lesser Poland Voivodeship, Poland
Updated
Justyna’s Answer
Start by reflecting on your interests and strengths within psychology. What is that you like about it? Why?
Then, gain practical experience through internships, volunteering, or informational interviews. Don't hesitate to explore diverse coursework and online resources. - there are plenty!
Remember, flexibility is key; your path may evolve, change get back, and....... that's okay.
Focus on building transferable skills and networking to open future opportunities.
Then, gain practical experience through internships, volunteering, or informational interviews. Don't hesitate to explore diverse coursework and online resources. - there are plenty!
Remember, flexibility is key; your path may evolve, change get back, and....... that's okay.
Focus on building transferable skills and networking to open future opportunities.
Keoki Staker
Carpenter
2
Answers
West Des Moines
Updated
Keoki’s Answer
If you r feeling anything other than happiness about your career then it’s not the path to take