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Recent graduate with a degree in business to counseling/ psychology masters

Hi!!
So I just graduated with an undergrad degree in business marketing and entrepreneurship this past june. I've been able to work full time in marketing agencies and companies throughout college and have about 2 years experience in this field and I'm leaning that this was not the best fit/ does not sit well with me.
So my question is if I were to switch fields into counseling/ psychology (something I've been considering for many many years now for various personal reasons) - what would a master's workload look like? What kinds of programs exist for people with no background at all? Would teen/child psych careers be possible?
Any and all advice would be much appreciated! #business #psychology #career

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David’s Answer

Just for your consideration: Working at an agency is extremely difficult and very much suited for a specific type of person. I did agency work at the beginning of my career and did not enjoy it at all. When I switched to the business side of the house things got much better. In a corporate role you're given the space and time to more fully explore the field and try new things. At an agency it's all about billable hours and project trackers.

Before you give up on it fully, consider finding a marketing specialist role at a medium/large business. The pressure and pace will be much more manageable and you might find that you rediscover the excitement that got you interested in the field in the first place.
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Kim’s Answer

Surya,

Before jumping back into school, I would encourage you to get some work-related experience in something related to counseling/psychology. I would hate for you to see that you really don't like that either! Jobs are much different when viewed from the "inside" as opposed to looking at them from the outside. You may want to consider volunteering with CASA - Court Appointed Special Advocates - working with abused and neglected children. https://marylandcasa.org/ Do whatever you can to get some experience working with kids, at least in a mentoring role - scouting, church, coaching, etc. This would give you some "transferable skills" to transition into counseling.

Another idea: with your degree and experience, you should be able to become a recruiter for a private company. Because the unemployment rate is so low, companies are having trouble attracting top talent. Or working for the government - city government, etc. You would be marketing the company to perspective applicants. You should also be able to get positions in the state SNAP or Workforce programs, helping people on food stamps, unemployed, etc. While these are more "Social services," the experience is also transferable.

You do not want to be looking for work with a master's degree and no experience. That would mean you are looking for someone to "give you a chance" rather than marketing yourself, and, given your marketing experience, you know it is important to be able to market yourself!

Also, one thing to watch out for: depending on the nature of your "personal reasons" for wanting to go into this line of work, you may find it difficult to leave work behind at the end of the day. You will need to learn to compartmentalize, and only think of work while at work.

I hope there are some useful ideas here. Best of luck to you!
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Ronald’s Answer

https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/533509800

Consider entry level careers in unrelated fields to get in the door and get to know potential avenues for employment and further study. Sometime a stint in an unrelated field can give you insight from the outside that can prove invaluable to you decision making process.
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Kimberly’s Answer

Think outside the box: What about obtaining a teacher's certification in business. This will give you an opportunity to work with the teen/adolescent population while still putting your undergrad to good use, and business teachers are in high demand. Here's the good part: You could then get a Master's degree in school counseling. Most states require school counselors teach for at least three years prior to counseling. Most counseling programs require that your undergrad be in sociology, psychology, social work, etc. This way you get the best of all worlds. You have a teacher's certification, you get to work with your desired population, your undergrad won't go to waste, you'll have time to obtain a graduate degree in school counseling while gaining experience, and teaching allows a great schedule to pursue future goals!
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Tiffany’s Answer

Consider beginning with volunteering at a facility that aligns with the area of psychology that is of interest to you. This may give you insight into the field as well as an opportunity to speak with other psychologists first hand about their paths into the field. If you wish to enter directly into a master's program, you would have to consider the prerequisites necessary to apply. Identify programs that will give you an opportunity to gain experience in various ways.
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