5 answers
se
Student
Kathmandu, Central Development Region, Nepal
1
Question
Updated
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Confused if i should choose psychology as my career option!!
Hi, i was wondering if choosing psychology would be a great choice after my 12th. I would like to know from professionals and experienced people working in this field. i would also like to know some of the merits and demerits for choosing this subject. thankyou :)
#psychology #career #college #clinical-psychology #accounting #suggestion #advice
5 answers
Joshua Miller
Analyst & Money Coach
10
Answers
Berkley, Michigan
Updated
Joshua’s Answer
I think I have a different approach to this question. You used the accounting, which was my major, but part of my Master's program included some psychology courses. I think psychology is an incredibly important topic to understand in business. I wish more people took psychology (and management) classes as part of their college education.
However, I also believe that the cost of college is outrageous in the U.S. If you are going to get a 4 year degree and take out student loans to do so, then you should think about the ROI of your degree. If a psychology major's income is half that of a business degree or other degree, but they cost the same in terms of tuition, then the ROI is significantly better getting a different degree.
Many people say follow your passion when it comes to a major and a job, but I don't think that applies to a majority of students right now. I think most (more than 50%) end up taking whatever job they can find that is hiring and many times it is not directly in their field of study. This is why the ROI is important.
The last consideration is that most success will come further down the line in terms of promotions or finding other jobs. I have found well-rounded people who are communicate well find success in any organization. This is probably where the psychology background can be so valuable. I do not think a degree in psychology opens up a lot of doors, but having the exposure to psychology will allow you to excel in whichever career you choose.
In summary, I recommend understanding earnings potential in each major. Regardless of your decision, having some psychology courses/exposure should help you excel in a different field and likely earn more money.
However, I also believe that the cost of college is outrageous in the U.S. If you are going to get a 4 year degree and take out student loans to do so, then you should think about the ROI of your degree. If a psychology major's income is half that of a business degree or other degree, but they cost the same in terms of tuition, then the ROI is significantly better getting a different degree.
Many people say follow your passion when it comes to a major and a job, but I don't think that applies to a majority of students right now. I think most (more than 50%) end up taking whatever job they can find that is hiring and many times it is not directly in their field of study. This is why the ROI is important.
The last consideration is that most success will come further down the line in terms of promotions or finding other jobs. I have found well-rounded people who are communicate well find success in any organization. This is probably where the psychology background can be so valuable. I do not think a degree in psychology opens up a lot of doors, but having the exposure to psychology will allow you to excel in whichever career you choose.
In summary, I recommend understanding earnings potential in each major. Regardless of your decision, having some psychology courses/exposure should help you excel in a different field and likely earn more money.
This was super helpful, thank you!
se
Kelly Fritz
KYC Associate
4
Answers
Columbus, Ohio
Updated
Kelly’s Answer
Hi! This is a great question that most face at this time in their life. I agree with the answers above stating you need to have a goal for a career and see how a degree in psychology fits into that plan.
I do not work in the psychology field, but I did originally pursue this degree while in college. My recommendation would be to take a few classes as see how you like it. I’m not sure how the schools work in your area, but in the US, the first year or so of college is spent taking general courses. In my experience, I took a couple classes and found that psychology wasn’t for me.
Another option would be to find a mentor or internship in the field you are wanting to pursue. This will give you firsthand experience and could lead to other opportunities down the road.
I wish you luck in whatever path your decide to pursue.
I do not work in the psychology field, but I did originally pursue this degree while in college. My recommendation would be to take a few classes as see how you like it. I’m not sure how the schools work in your area, but in the US, the first year or so of college is spent taking general courses. In my experience, I took a couple classes and found that psychology wasn’t for me.
Another option would be to find a mentor or internship in the field you are wanting to pursue. This will give you firsthand experience and could lead to other opportunities down the road.
I wish you luck in whatever path your decide to pursue.
Thank you so much!
se
Alyssa Romero
Human Resources
3
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Alyssa’s Answer
Hi there!
Psychology is quite a broad field but definitely gives you the option to explore so many different career paths. As in Ashley's experience, if you know something else that you are interested in, I would recommend that you minor in that as well so that it steers you in a more specific direction. This will also give you an idea of what that field looks like and help you to determine if you truly do like that field.
Hope this helps!
Psychology is quite a broad field but definitely gives you the option to explore so many different career paths. As in Ashley's experience, if you know something else that you are interested in, I would recommend that you minor in that as well so that it steers you in a more specific direction. This will also give you an idea of what that field looks like and help you to determine if you truly do like that field.
Hope this helps!
Raymond Shreve
Jack of most trades
12
Answers
Panama City Beach, Florida
Updated
Raymond’s Answer
I agree with all of the above answers. I just wish to add something. If you're going to major in psychology make sure you have a detailed plan of your potential career. Check to see the expected growth in the area you would be living. And like they said before minor in whatever that field requires. I have several friends who have a bachelor's degree in psychology but have only worked in restaurants or retail stores since graduation.
Ashley Oliveira
Training Coordinator
5
Answers
New Bedford, Massachusetts
Updated
Ashley’s Answer
Hi There!
Psychology is a great field. I started out with psych as my major with a minor in communications until I realized that I loved communications way more. What are you hoping to do for a long term career? There is a lot of opportunity in the psychology field depending on what you want to do. I would suggest listing out some of the things about psych you are passionate about and would want in your career. These, of course, are not set in stone, but will give you a good starting point to aim for as you start going through school, if that's the direction you want to go in.
Talk to your psych teachers to find out what else they do besides teach with their psych degrees. I would also suggest calling some local places where you know someone may have a psych degree like DCF.
Hope this helps.
Psychology is a great field. I started out with psych as my major with a minor in communications until I realized that I loved communications way more. What are you hoping to do for a long term career? There is a lot of opportunity in the psychology field depending on what you want to do. I would suggest listing out some of the things about psych you are passionate about and would want in your career. These, of course, are not set in stone, but will give you a good starting point to aim for as you start going through school, if that's the direction you want to go in.
Talk to your psych teachers to find out what else they do besides teach with their psych degrees. I would also suggest calling some local places where you know someone may have a psych degree like DCF.
Hope this helps.
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