3 answers
josie
Student
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what different jobs can you get with a psychology degree?
#psychology #psychiatry #career-path #clinical-psychology #child-psychology
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3 answers
mark vellucci
Licensed Professional Counselor
38
Answers
Vancouver, Washington
Updated
mark’s Answer
Hi Josie,
After reviewing Paul's answer, I must say that his advice is fantastic!! I have little to add to his very thorough response, other than to reinforce for you the value of what he has written. If you do pursue an area of interest that turns out to be unsatisfying, always keep in mind that you are not stuck and can change direction if you choose.
Feeling satisfied with your chosen profession is of great importance to a having a satisfying life.
All the best,
Mark V.
After reviewing Paul's answer, I must say that his advice is fantastic!! I have little to add to his very thorough response, other than to reinforce for you the value of what he has written. If you do pursue an area of interest that turns out to be unsatisfying, always keep in mind that you are not stuck and can change direction if you choose.
Feeling satisfied with your chosen profession is of great importance to a having a satisfying life.
All the best,
Mark V.
Elke Hardt
Career Counselor
10
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Elke’s Answer
I believe that a psychology degree is a valuable foundation for most any career. Depending on what your interests are and what types of skills you have, you may need to get further education after a psychology undergraduate degree because some jobs do require a graduate degree.
However, studying human behavior gives you the ability to work with people in any field.
My advice to students studying psychology is to look beyond the major and really spend some time thinking about what you want to do in your job. Where do you want to work? What skills do you want to use? What types of people do you want to work with?
Another way to look at it is similar to what Paul said in his answer. The world of work is divided into different sections (often called sectors). They include: healthcare, education, government, non-profit, corporate. Some people include information technology. If we take someone who is studying psychology and is interested in working in human resources to train employees at organizations, this can be done in any of the sectors I mentioned. They could work in a hospital, a university, for a government agency like the US Post Office, for a non-profit like the Red Cross, or at a bank or tech company.
It is important to learn about yourself, then learn about the world of work, and start researching what types of jobs would be most satisfying for you. As Mark said in his answer, that is very important. If you enjoy the classes in a psychology program, then choose that and follow your goals!
However, studying human behavior gives you the ability to work with people in any field.
My advice to students studying psychology is to look beyond the major and really spend some time thinking about what you want to do in your job. Where do you want to work? What skills do you want to use? What types of people do you want to work with?
Another way to look at it is similar to what Paul said in his answer. The world of work is divided into different sections (often called sectors). They include: healthcare, education, government, non-profit, corporate. Some people include information technology. If we take someone who is studying psychology and is interested in working in human resources to train employees at organizations, this can be done in any of the sectors I mentioned. They could work in a hospital, a university, for a government agency like the US Post Office, for a non-profit like the Red Cross, or at a bank or tech company.
It is important to learn about yourself, then learn about the world of work, and start researching what types of jobs would be most satisfying for you. As Mark said in his answer, that is very important. If you enjoy the classes in a psychology program, then choose that and follow your goals!
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer
751
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
Hi Josie:
I had many students major in the field of Psychology, and are now doing a variety of different occupations. I have always found it to be a very flexible degree, which can be utilized in everything from government, education, and private business and industry. Here are some of the examples:
Education: I have seen many of my former advisee's become high school instructors, college teachers, coaches, administrators and advisers. Career Counselors (like me) also major in the area of Psychology.
Healthcare: Physicians and nurses have majored in Psychology, but in order to get into a medical or nursing school they need to complete the required university pre-requisites and exam requirements. I have also see many counselors, social workers and health care administrators major in the area of Psychology.
Business: Human Resource professionals have degrees in Psychology, as do individuals who pursue occupations in marketing research and public relations, sales, and personnel training. Writers and journalists can major in Psychology, because some of the courses can be very writing intensive, and subsequently your writing skills will improve substantially.
Legal Profession: Individuals who complete Psychology degrees can go to law school, and become an attorney. I have also seen people who work in support positions, like a paralegal or legal assistant have these degrees. When I was in law enforcement, I encountered many police officers who majored in Psychology.
As you can see there are a large number of things you can pursue with this flexible degree. I hope this narrative has helped inspire you to do more research and determine which occupation you would like to enter as a future career.
Paul
Research the various occupations which you can enter with a Psychology degree
See an advisor to determine which academic path you would like to pursue
Take the required courses and see if extra education will be needed beyond the bachelors degree for your chosen field.
Visit a college career center to check out the opportunities for people majoring in Psychology
I had many students major in the field of Psychology, and are now doing a variety of different occupations. I have always found it to be a very flexible degree, which can be utilized in everything from government, education, and private business and industry. Here are some of the examples:
Education: I have seen many of my former advisee's become high school instructors, college teachers, coaches, administrators and advisers. Career Counselors (like me) also major in the area of Psychology.
Healthcare: Physicians and nurses have majored in Psychology, but in order to get into a medical or nursing school they need to complete the required university pre-requisites and exam requirements. I have also see many counselors, social workers and health care administrators major in the area of Psychology.
Business: Human Resource professionals have degrees in Psychology, as do individuals who pursue occupations in marketing research and public relations, sales, and personnel training. Writers and journalists can major in Psychology, because some of the courses can be very writing intensive, and subsequently your writing skills will improve substantially.
Legal Profession: Individuals who complete Psychology degrees can go to law school, and become an attorney. I have also seen people who work in support positions, like a paralegal or legal assistant have these degrees. When I was in law enforcement, I encountered many police officers who majored in Psychology.
As you can see there are a large number of things you can pursue with this flexible degree. I hope this narrative has helped inspire you to do more research and determine which occupation you would like to enter as a future career.
Paul
Paul recommends the following next steps: