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Is it worth it?
Becoming a psychologist requires at least 12 years of studying, but I found out that they don't earn as much I thought they earn. Suppose I graduate from a prestigious university like Harvard med school, and then become a psychologist; will all the studying and hard work be worth it? Will I get a good salary?
#medical #money #psychology
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Doc’s Answer
If psychology is your passion, then you should absolutely pursue it with all your heart Samyukta.
Psychology is one of the most popular college majors throughout the world. Despite the popularity of the degree Samyukta, a lot of students wonder exactly how to make a living after majoring in psychology. People often stress the importance of pursuing a career that is best for the current situation or economy. You might feel pressured to pursue a college major or a job path simply because it appears to be the most practical or financially rewarding option. But you should feel excited and passionate about the field you are pursuing. Samyukta one of the biggest misunderstandings among students planning on majoring in psychology is that they expect to start making big bucks immediately after earning their doctorate degree. Yes, there is certainly the potential to earn a high salary after graduating from a prestigious university like Harvard med school, but this JOB is just to get your foot in the door of your profession, the rest of your career will be up to your reputation. Establishing your own private therapy practice gives you the opportunity to have full control over your career. If you enjoy working for yourself and have an entrepreneurial spirit, becoming a psychologist can be an excellent career choice.
CAREER AND PROFESSIONAL GOALS
With any advanced degree, it’s important to consider what your future career prospects are, and how interested you are in those careers. If you want to earn a PhD for the intellectual prestige and money, I recommend that a doctorate program probably isn’t right for you. Careers in psychology can be lucrative, but the upfront cost is often great. If you’re considering a doctorate because you generally “like to help people,” then a doctorate program probably isn’t right for you either. There are plenty of career opportunities available where you can help people without having to earn a doctorate. And if you’re not interested in a career that doesn’t require a doctoral degree, then a doctorate program definitely isn’t right for you. Earning a doctorate can sometimes over qualify you for positions, so it’s important to discipline yourself and know your career aspirations before making this commit for the next 12-13 years.
However, if you’re interested in conducting research to further the study of psychology, working in academia, or working as a licensed psychologist, a doctorate program is probably right for you. One of the greatest things about psychology is the huge range of specialization options. Forensic psychology, social psychology, counseling psychology, school psychology, and developmental psychology are just a few that you might want to consider. No matter what your interest might be, there is probably an area of psychology that would appeal to you. The key is to carefully research your chosen field to determine how much education and training you will need to enter that field. Time, cost, and commitment aside Samyukta, a Doctorate in Psychology is the right choice for your career goals, and a doctorate pays off after graduation. With a doctorate degree, you will qualify for a greater range of jobs than those who only hold a Master’s degree—and you’ll have a good shot of landing the job you really want, too. In an analysis of a Doctorate Employment Survey, the APA’s Center for Workforce Studies discovered that 72 percent of responding psychologists at the time secured their first choice for employment after graduate school, with 73 percent finding a job within three months of earning their doctorate.
Is a career in psychology right for you? Well, the short answer is it depends on YOU. There are advantages and disadvantages to being a psychologist. But chances are if you enjoy helping people, facing new challenges, and are willing to continually learn and grow you'll enjoy psychology Samyukta.
What you achieve inwardly will change your outer reality.
Psychology is one of the most popular college majors throughout the world. Despite the popularity of the degree Samyukta, a lot of students wonder exactly how to make a living after majoring in psychology. People often stress the importance of pursuing a career that is best for the current situation or economy. You might feel pressured to pursue a college major or a job path simply because it appears to be the most practical or financially rewarding option. But you should feel excited and passionate about the field you are pursuing. Samyukta one of the biggest misunderstandings among students planning on majoring in psychology is that they expect to start making big bucks immediately after earning their doctorate degree. Yes, there is certainly the potential to earn a high salary after graduating from a prestigious university like Harvard med school, but this JOB is just to get your foot in the door of your profession, the rest of your career will be up to your reputation. Establishing your own private therapy practice gives you the opportunity to have full control over your career. If you enjoy working for yourself and have an entrepreneurial spirit, becoming a psychologist can be an excellent career choice.
CAREER AND PROFESSIONAL GOALS
With any advanced degree, it’s important to consider what your future career prospects are, and how interested you are in those careers. If you want to earn a PhD for the intellectual prestige and money, I recommend that a doctorate program probably isn’t right for you. Careers in psychology can be lucrative, but the upfront cost is often great. If you’re considering a doctorate because you generally “like to help people,” then a doctorate program probably isn’t right for you either. There are plenty of career opportunities available where you can help people without having to earn a doctorate. And if you’re not interested in a career that doesn’t require a doctoral degree, then a doctorate program definitely isn’t right for you. Earning a doctorate can sometimes over qualify you for positions, so it’s important to discipline yourself and know your career aspirations before making this commit for the next 12-13 years.
However, if you’re interested in conducting research to further the study of psychology, working in academia, or working as a licensed psychologist, a doctorate program is probably right for you. One of the greatest things about psychology is the huge range of specialization options. Forensic psychology, social psychology, counseling psychology, school psychology, and developmental psychology are just a few that you might want to consider. No matter what your interest might be, there is probably an area of psychology that would appeal to you. The key is to carefully research your chosen field to determine how much education and training you will need to enter that field. Time, cost, and commitment aside Samyukta, a Doctorate in Psychology is the right choice for your career goals, and a doctorate pays off after graduation. With a doctorate degree, you will qualify for a greater range of jobs than those who only hold a Master’s degree—and you’ll have a good shot of landing the job you really want, too. In an analysis of a Doctorate Employment Survey, the APA’s Center for Workforce Studies discovered that 72 percent of responding psychologists at the time secured their first choice for employment after graduate school, with 73 percent finding a job within three months of earning their doctorate.
Is a career in psychology right for you? Well, the short answer is it depends on YOU. There are advantages and disadvantages to being a psychologist. But chances are if you enjoy helping people, facing new challenges, and are willing to continually learn and grow you'll enjoy psychology Samyukta.
What you achieve inwardly will change your outer reality.
I appreciate the continuous dedication to provide us students with such valuable knowledge. Thank you for inspiring the lives of many!
Aun
Thank You Aun. Alone, we can do so little; together we can do so much.
Doc Frick
Thanks for such a detailed answer, John!!
I am very much grateful to you.
Samyukta
Your Welcome Samyukta. The real opportunity for success lies within the person and not in the job.
Doc Frick
Thank You for your Continued Support Dhairya. Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision, the ability to direct individual accomplishments toward organizational objectives.
Doc Frick
Thank You Alycia. “How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.” –Anne Frank
Doc Frick
Updated
Micaela’s Answer
Samyukta, I had the same question many years ago as I explored my love of psychology and helping people. It really comes down to what you would like to spend your time doing: research? clinical work? teaching? Realize that throughout your life your drive or purpose may change. I started in the clinical field with an M.A. in Counseling Psychology and became licensed as a clinical therapist and a clinical addiction counselor. I spent my days with clients in institutional settings such as prisons, treatment centers, and acute hospital care providing group/individual therapy. I absolutely loved it! I didn't need a Ph.D. to do these things. But it's not for everyone, some people enjoy teaching at a college level or doing research and for these both, you would need a Ph.D. However, if you pursue an M.A., you can always go back for a Ph.D. later...just a thought. After 10 years in the clinical field, I moved into administration as an executive and I have been here ever since.
One recommendation to get real-life experience is to become a Mental Health Technician in acute psychiatric care - it will be an immersive experience and you can see a variety of diagnoses and treatments.
Good luck!
Mica
One recommendation to get real-life experience is to become a Mental Health Technician in acute psychiatric care - it will be an immersive experience and you can see a variety of diagnoses and treatments.
Good luck!
Mica
Updated
Charles’s Answer
My advice is that what you will get from a long regimen of study depends on what your passion is. If you can picture yourself in the psychologist role. Will you be comfortable dealing with people and using your professional skills to deal with problems in your area of expertise. You may find that the years of study will bring you years of contented work efforts and a true sense of accomplishment.
I wish you the best.
Chuck B
I wish you the best.
Chuck B
Updated
wendi’s Answer
This will depend on the extent of the field of study. See the link. Masters and Doctorate might take you into the 12 years but not all fields require that.
www.bls.gov
www.bls.gov