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Beth
Student
Miami Gardens, Florida
19
Questions
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What is the best part about psychology?
I want to know what it's like studying psychology. The best and the worst. #psychology
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Vince Bottom
Research Coordinator
18
Answers
Davis, California
Updated
Vince’s Answer
Here's my take on psychology.
The best: In academic careers, you get to study in a relatively new field that the general public doesn't really understand that well. This means there is a lot of possibility for innovation, and the different branches of the field could rapidly change to new paradigms. That can make for an exciting career for someone interested in scientific or research-based innovation or trying to understand different research areas. You may also be entitled to more flexible schedules than people with more traditional office jobs (i.e. decide when you teach, and when you perform research). Though this will depend on specific universities, and many academics still state that they work long hours.
In clinical careers, you have the benefit of interfacing with people and trying to make their lives better. Interacting with others daily may improve your mood more than careers that do not see much person-to-person interaction.
The not-so-best: You will likely need a graduate degree (master's or PhD) to work a decent paying job in any subfield within psychology.
Academia is not what it may have been like 20 years ago in terms of job security, and even then there was not necessarily as much job security as other careers. Academic psychology paths like teaching and research are burdened by an oversupply of PhD holders, which has translated into universities hiring adjunct professors (who they can pay very little, think on par with minimum wage jobs) and not provide full-time benefits such as healthcare to them.
Clinical careers in psychology could be draining if you feel as though your clients do not make progress in therapy or are overburdened with hours. This will depend on a number of factors, and is purely my own speculation from reading about it, as my experience is working in academic psychology.
Other notes: People will ask you if you are reading their mind right now. Never bothered me, and the answer is yes (sometimes)!
The best: In academic careers, you get to study in a relatively new field that the general public doesn't really understand that well. This means there is a lot of possibility for innovation, and the different branches of the field could rapidly change to new paradigms. That can make for an exciting career for someone interested in scientific or research-based innovation or trying to understand different research areas. You may also be entitled to more flexible schedules than people with more traditional office jobs (i.e. decide when you teach, and when you perform research). Though this will depend on specific universities, and many academics still state that they work long hours.
In clinical careers, you have the benefit of interfacing with people and trying to make their lives better. Interacting with others daily may improve your mood more than careers that do not see much person-to-person interaction.
The not-so-best: You will likely need a graduate degree (master's or PhD) to work a decent paying job in any subfield within psychology.
Academia is not what it may have been like 20 years ago in terms of job security, and even then there was not necessarily as much job security as other careers. Academic psychology paths like teaching and research are burdened by an oversupply of PhD holders, which has translated into universities hiring adjunct professors (who they can pay very little, think on par with minimum wage jobs) and not provide full-time benefits such as healthcare to them.
Clinical careers in psychology could be draining if you feel as though your clients do not make progress in therapy or are overburdened with hours. This will depend on a number of factors, and is purely my own speculation from reading about it, as my experience is working in academic psychology.
Other notes: People will ask you if you are reading their mind right now. Never bothered me, and the answer is yes (sometimes)!
Mark Morgan
Telecom Engineer/Truck Driver
148
Answers
Newburgh, Kentucky
Updated
Mark’s Answer
Hi Beth!
Psychology is really a very big field! There's educational, developmental, cognitive, counseling, clinical, working with children, etc. And the list goes on, right? I believe, what defines "best" depends on the person. One of the best things about Psychology is the number of career paths that are available. Another "best" thing about Psychology is that it can be quite lucrative. For me... the best thing would be helping people. If you go through and really research the many career paths you'll find that they all contribute to helping people! Think about it...
Addiction and Recovery
Behavioral Psychology
Child and Adolescent Psychology
Counseling
Organizational Psychology
In my career, I've served in many leadership roles and although I'm no psychologist, I can tell you that it's so rewarding to solve issues, improve morale, and increase productivity in the workplace. My wife is a director for a company and she helps the members on her team both personally and professionally. As a psychologists, think of the people you can save... The families you can help, The organizations you can develop.
Yea... The best and most rewarding part of psychology has got to be helping people!!
Hope this helps!
Mark
Psychology is really a very big field! There's educational, developmental, cognitive, counseling, clinical, working with children, etc. And the list goes on, right? I believe, what defines "best" depends on the person. One of the best things about Psychology is the number of career paths that are available. Another "best" thing about Psychology is that it can be quite lucrative. For me... the best thing would be helping people. If you go through and really research the many career paths you'll find that they all contribute to helping people! Think about it...
Addiction and Recovery
Behavioral Psychology
Child and Adolescent Psychology
Counseling
Organizational Psychology
In my career, I've served in many leadership roles and although I'm no psychologist, I can tell you that it's so rewarding to solve issues, improve morale, and increase productivity in the workplace. My wife is a director for a company and she helps the members on her team both personally and professionally. As a psychologists, think of the people you can save... The families you can help, The organizations you can develop.
Yea... The best and most rewarding part of psychology has got to be helping people!!
Hope this helps!
Mark
This helped a lot, thank you so much!
Beth