10 answers
Eve
Student
New York, New York
2
Questions
Asked
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What career paths does Psychology take you?
I'm a college sophomore that majors in Psychology and I would like to know if I'm making the right decision. #psychology #college-major #career-choice
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10 answers
Katharine Flanagan
Security Awareness intern
7
Answers
Menlo Park, California
Updated
Katharine’s Answer
Like most liberal arts degrees, psychology builds the foundation for students to explore many different career paths. There are the class psychology-based jobs (psychology, psychiatrist, social worker, counselor) but there are also opportunities to work in non-profits, HR, and more. It's important to think about what you like so that you can start to narrow down what you enjoy and want to do. For instance, I'm a psychology major, but I have several minors and my career will probably be built off of one of those, with psychology just providing a foundation. It took me a while to figure out what my real interests were, and I was only able to do that just by trying things out -- signing up for a wide variety of extracurriculars, registering for classes that were nothing like what I was used to. My advice would be to explore, and that will guide what you want to do. The good thing about psychology is that it is broad enough you can do anything. The bad thing about psychology is that it is broad enough it's hard to know what to do.
Take
Take a variety of psych electives . Does the abnormal psych class interest you? If so, maybe a counseling career is for you. Is your favorite class on cognitive aging? Maybe a career working a senior care facility.
Try classes outside of your major. See what you enjoy.
Sign up for clubs and groups. Maybe you will fall in love with tutoring and choose to become a teacher. Maybe you will write for the paper and choose a career in writing. There are many options.
Katharine recommends the following next steps:
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1590
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Eve the majority of students with a bachelor's degree in psychology go on to work in human or social services. Some typical jobs in this field of work are: career counselor, psychiatric technician, rehabilitation specialist, and case manager. These jobs all require skills which a bachelor's degree in psychology provides, such as the ability to evaluate the needs of a client, to keep accurate and organized records, to express empathy and compassion, and to work towards the best interests of your client.
SIX COMMON CAREE PATHS WITH BACHELOR'S DEGREE IN PSYCHOLOGY
A bachelor's degree in psychology provides training in a number of skills which can be applied to many occupations and disciplines. As you search for a job, it would be helpful to make a list of these skills which potential employers may find attractive. For example, throughout your schooling you have most likely done a good deal of academic writing and research. This skill would make you a viable candidate for many positions, such as business manager, library assistant, probation officer, and many others. Take inventory of your strengths, and consider how they might be of value in a range of occupations.
1.) CAREER COUNSELOR – Your goal would be to help career oriented students and job seekers discover their potential. Working as a career counselor you'll assist people perform self assessments, find careers, make career changes or in vocational rehabilitation. Not only is being a career counselor fulfilling as a psychology graduate you are uniquely qualified to help individuals in their career discovery process – since some much of career discovery involves self discovery.
2.) CHILD CARE WORKER – After earning your degree in psychology will allow you to work directly in psychology by becoming a partial care worker in a mental health setting such as child care. Childcare workers work in daycare, after-school programs and other child care settings.
3.) PSYCHIATRIC TECHNICIAN – While your undergraduate degree in psychology does not qualify you for a career as a psychologist, it does prepare you to work in the field of mental health and human services. A few job positions available to undergraduate psychology majors include mental health technician, social work assistant and psychiatric technician.
4.) PROBATION & PAROLE OFFICER – Psychology majors are also well qualified to pursue careers in criminal justice. In fact, psychology graduates are well suited for careers as probation and parole officers. Probation and parole officers supervise and work with individuals convicted of crimes. You'll monitor convicts, track behaviors, coordinate with other professionals or therapists, and make recommendations to the courts.
5.) REHABILITATION SPECIALIST – Assist people struggling with physical and mental disabilities reintegrate into society, become self sufficient and live on their own. While this position often requires a master's degree, a bachelor's degree in psychology is also adequate preparation for this career.
6.) SOCIAL SERVICE SPECIALIST – Social service is a hot spot for psychology graduates seeking career opportunities. Professionals with a bachelor's degree in psychology can find jobs in various social service sectors including non-profit organizations and government agencies. You can pursue a career in social service provide community support, direct client counseling and various case management services.
Despite this competitive job market, there are ways to optimize your degree's potential, as well as your own employability. As you work your way through your degree, consider which classes will provide useful skills which you can use to market yourself to employers. Any classes which strengthen your understanding of human behavior and decision-making, your writing and communication skills, and your organizational skills will be of particular value further down the road.
Hope this was Helpful Eve
First, Continue to explore some of the best reasons to earn a psychology degree, including the opportunity to learn more about yourself and others and the chance to study a challenging yet fascinating subject.
Next, Learn some of the major factors you should consider before you decide to major in psychology. All college degrees come with pros and cons, and psychology is no different. Thinking about what you will do with your degree after you graduate is a great place to start.
Visit with your academic advisor or campus career center and discuss any insight you may have gained from the experience. Students sometimes overlook the many resources that are available through their own college or university. An academic advisor can help you assess your strengths and interests in order to determine which college major might be best.
Job shadowing can be an excellent way to learn about a professional's day-to-day responsibilities and decide whether their career appeals to you. It can also provide valuable opportunities to network with professionals in your chosen field. You're likely to only job shadow for a day or just a few hours, so you must make the most of your time. Remember these tips to get the maximum benefit from job shadowing.
SIX COMMON CAREE PATHS WITH BACHELOR'S DEGREE IN PSYCHOLOGY
A bachelor's degree in psychology provides training in a number of skills which can be applied to many occupations and disciplines. As you search for a job, it would be helpful to make a list of these skills which potential employers may find attractive. For example, throughout your schooling you have most likely done a good deal of academic writing and research. This skill would make you a viable candidate for many positions, such as business manager, library assistant, probation officer, and many others. Take inventory of your strengths, and consider how they might be of value in a range of occupations.
1.) CAREER COUNSELOR – Your goal would be to help career oriented students and job seekers discover their potential. Working as a career counselor you'll assist people perform self assessments, find careers, make career changes or in vocational rehabilitation. Not only is being a career counselor fulfilling as a psychology graduate you are uniquely qualified to help individuals in their career discovery process – since some much of career discovery involves self discovery.
2.) CHILD CARE WORKER – After earning your degree in psychology will allow you to work directly in psychology by becoming a partial care worker in a mental health setting such as child care. Childcare workers work in daycare, after-school programs and other child care settings.
3.) PSYCHIATRIC TECHNICIAN – While your undergraduate degree in psychology does not qualify you for a career as a psychologist, it does prepare you to work in the field of mental health and human services. A few job positions available to undergraduate psychology majors include mental health technician, social work assistant and psychiatric technician.
4.) PROBATION & PAROLE OFFICER – Psychology majors are also well qualified to pursue careers in criminal justice. In fact, psychology graduates are well suited for careers as probation and parole officers. Probation and parole officers supervise and work with individuals convicted of crimes. You'll monitor convicts, track behaviors, coordinate with other professionals or therapists, and make recommendations to the courts.
5.) REHABILITATION SPECIALIST – Assist people struggling with physical and mental disabilities reintegrate into society, become self sufficient and live on their own. While this position often requires a master's degree, a bachelor's degree in psychology is also adequate preparation for this career.
6.) SOCIAL SERVICE SPECIALIST – Social service is a hot spot for psychology graduates seeking career opportunities. Professionals with a bachelor's degree in psychology can find jobs in various social service sectors including non-profit organizations and government agencies. You can pursue a career in social service provide community support, direct client counseling and various case management services.
Despite this competitive job market, there are ways to optimize your degree's potential, as well as your own employability. As you work your way through your degree, consider which classes will provide useful skills which you can use to market yourself to employers. Any classes which strengthen your understanding of human behavior and decision-making, your writing and communication skills, and your organizational skills will be of particular value further down the road.
Hope this was Helpful Eve
Doc recommends the following next steps:
Thank You Katharine. “If our hopes of building a better and safer world are to become more than wishful thinking, we will need the engagement of volunteers more than ever.” — Kofi Annan
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Thank You Jill. “Our generation has the ability and the responsibility to make our ever-more connected world a more hopeful, stable and peaceful place.” — Natalie Portman
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Vineeth Rua
Client Support
90
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Vineeth’s Answer
psychology is the study of the human mind and behavior, offering the chance to explore unanswered questions about the brain, such as how it functions under stress, how it learns language, how it remembers facts or how mental illness can affect the way it works. During your psychology degree, you can choose to specialize in specific areas of psychology such as health, clinical, educational, research, occupational, counseling, neuro, sport and exercise, and forensic.
There are many different options available to psychology degree holders, depending on your specializations and interests, such as:
• Psychologist
• Psychotherapist
• Social worker
• Counselor
• Educational psychologist
• Human resource manager
• Teacher
• Research roles
• Media roles
There are also a few less typical roles for psychology graduates, including jobs in media and other creative industries. Overviews of these typical and not-so-typical careers with a psychology degree are outlined below.
Psychology careers in healthcare and therapy
• Chartered psychologist
• Psychotherapist
• Social worker
• Counselor
Psychology careers in education
Psychology careers in research
A psychology degree may also provide a good basis for careers in IT, finance, the legal sector, government administration, and market research.
There are many different options available to psychology degree holders, depending on your specializations and interests, such as:
• Psychologist
• Psychotherapist
• Social worker
• Counselor
• Educational psychologist
• Human resource manager
• Teacher
• Research roles
• Media roles
There are also a few less typical roles for psychology graduates, including jobs in media and other creative industries. Overviews of these typical and not-so-typical careers with a psychology degree are outlined below.
Psychology careers in healthcare and therapy
• Chartered psychologist
• Psychotherapist
• Social worker
• Counselor
Psychology careers in education
Psychology careers in research
A psychology degree may also provide a good basis for careers in IT, finance, the legal sector, government administration, and market research.
Alison Buck
Executive Recruiter - Talent Acquisition
4
Answers
Hershey, Pennsylvania
Updated
Alison’s Answer
As a recruiter, I've noticed that some hiring managers with open positions in HR, healthcare, analytics, education, sales and operations, project management, and people leadership find that those with a Bs Psych is a great foundation for what they need to do in their role. This can be a launch pad for pursuing a Masters or PhD to specialize in a certain area, once you discover more about your passions, strengths, and types of work environments you prefer.
Deepak Sharma
Technical Support
50
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Deepak’s Answer
You can be a psychology, lecturer, you can become counselor, work with NGOs to help traumatized people and also work with companies for better mental health of employ to achieve targets
Barbara Voss
Program and Project Management
9
Answers
Bellevue, Washington
Updated
Barbara’s Answer
Hi Eve,
I have an MA in psychology and I work in a software company as a Sr. Program Manager. I find that my understanding of psychology has helped me manage small to large projects that involve small to large teams of people (5-300+). I also specifically studied systems theory and applied it when I worked as an MFT. Using tools to change systems can be used in a family, government, corporations, non-profits, etc. I've found I use my psychology training in all I do because I love psychology and think about things through that framework! I have had many different jobs and multiple careers in multiple industries working with all types of people.
I found my career unfolded because many jobs that exist today did not exist when I started working. What do you enjoy about psychology? Or other fields you're considering? Also, consider the salary you want, esp. as a woman, and what you need to thrive. Many jobs requiring psychology training undervalue the work required in the job and underpay, esp. women.
I have an MA in psychology and I work in a software company as a Sr. Program Manager. I find that my understanding of psychology has helped me manage small to large projects that involve small to large teams of people (5-300+). I also specifically studied systems theory and applied it when I worked as an MFT. Using tools to change systems can be used in a family, government, corporations, non-profits, etc. I've found I use my psychology training in all I do because I love psychology and think about things through that framework! I have had many different jobs and multiple careers in multiple industries working with all types of people.
I found my career unfolded because many jobs that exist today did not exist when I started working. What do you enjoy about psychology? Or other fields you're considering? Also, consider the salary you want, esp. as a woman, and what you need to thrive. Many jobs requiring psychology training undervalue the work required in the job and underpay, esp. women.
Britni Scott
Human Services Caseworker
38
Answers
Tinley Park, Illinois
Updated
Britni’s Answer
Hi,
The first thing you want to ask yourself is why did you pick psychology? What are your interests in it and what job career are you looking to get. I changed my major 5 times before I settle on one bests for me. You should talk to an advisor about your interests and hopes for the future to make sure psychology is the best fit for you. Hope this helps, good luck!
The first thing you want to ask yourself is why did you pick psychology? What are your interests in it and what job career are you looking to get. I changed my major 5 times before I settle on one bests for me. You should talk to an advisor about your interests and hopes for the future to make sure psychology is the best fit for you. Hope this helps, good luck!
Lillian Tsui
Talent Partner
9
Answers
Updated
Lillian’s Answer
Hi! I majored in Psychology and love that this major can really lead to endless job options. While majoring in Psychology, I did about 5 internships during undergrad (mostly in Media/Entertainment) since I knew I had a passion for that field. It was nice to be able to take classes I was interested in (Psychology) but also intern in other areas as well. It was nice to be able to explore different career options and figure out what I enjoyed and didn't like. I've had several career changes, and I think working in different internships and jobs really led me to hone in and find my passion and true interests. Currently, I'm a recruiter and absolutely love my job!
Jasmine Abbott-Andrews
Customer Representative
6
Answers
Nashville, Tennessee
Updated
Jasmine’s Answer
Hey Eve,
I graduated with a Bachelor's in Psychology and Pre-Medicine but have floated around in many different career paths since graduating. I say that to say Psychology is a great foundation to have with any career you are interested in pursuing! I recommend sticking with Psychology since you are a Sophomore unless your credits transfer easily to another major. Check with your advisor to see!
I graduated with a Bachelor's in Psychology and Pre-Medicine but have floated around in many different career paths since graduating. I say that to say Psychology is a great foundation to have with any career you are interested in pursuing! I recommend sticking with Psychology since you are a Sophomore unless your credits transfer easily to another major. Check with your advisor to see!
Stone Tanuvasa
Tech Support
14
Answers
Tucson, Arizona
Updated
Stone’s Answer
Psychology can take you to a lot of different career paths, so I would suggest trying to narrow in on what exactly about Psychology interests you? Not only can you apply psychology in a psychology field, but you can also use it in practically every job. For example, my Mom actually majored in Psychology, and that got her into businesses such as Cryovac and IBM, but she has not actually worked a psychology-specific position.
For me, I've always been interested in Criminal/Abnormal Psychology, trying to identify what makes a sociopath or psychopath "click". I could take the direction of studying the brain versus being legal consultation on someone's sanity or intent to be productive. You could also move towards clinical psychology as well, focusing on the average person or maybe even getting MORE specific by helping mainly children, teens, LGBTQ+ teens, couples, married couples, etc.
The first thing you should ask yourself is WHY you are interested in Psychology or WHAT about Psychology holds your attention. Using that, look up that specific field of psychology, and maybe even look up jobs in that field as well- that's actually how I learned about being someone who testifies in court whether a criminal has truly reformed or not. If you want to be more active in the criminology field, you could even apply psychology to an FBI position such as the Behavioral Science Unit or Behavioral Analysis Unit (one of them was from a TV Show while the other is the actual department- forgot which was which, so my apologies).
For me, I've always been interested in Criminal/Abnormal Psychology, trying to identify what makes a sociopath or psychopath "click". I could take the direction of studying the brain versus being legal consultation on someone's sanity or intent to be productive. You could also move towards clinical psychology as well, focusing on the average person or maybe even getting MORE specific by helping mainly children, teens, LGBTQ+ teens, couples, married couples, etc.
The first thing you should ask yourself is WHY you are interested in Psychology or WHAT about Psychology holds your attention. Using that, look up that specific field of psychology, and maybe even look up jobs in that field as well- that's actually how I learned about being someone who testifies in court whether a criminal has truly reformed or not. If you want to be more active in the criminology field, you could even apply psychology to an FBI position such as the Behavioral Science Unit or Behavioral Analysis Unit (one of them was from a TV Show while the other is the actual department- forgot which was which, so my apologies).