7 answers
Sima
Student
Haifa, Haifa District, Israel
1
Question
Asked
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Can I work in corporate as a psychology-neuroscience graduate?
What are the possibilities of working in a corporate job with a bachelor's degree in Psychology and Neuroscience (double-major)?
As far as i've seen, all of the job opportunities in this field take place in laboratories, research centers or educational institutions.
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7 answers
Mary Ann Higgs
Communications, Training, and People Development
33
Answers
Hayward, California
Updated
Mary Ann’s Answer
Hello Sima,
Yes you can work in corporate with the education you identify. At it's core, your field of study is about the way the brain works and the way people process information. With this background, your expertise can be applied in many ways in the corporate world. I have a degree in Social Work, which is basically crisis management and helping people work through challenging situations. In my job, I lead organizational change. I help large groups of people (up to 70,000 people) get through large scale changes in the work place. Let me walk you through how my education prepared me to do this.
When I was studying social work, I would work with people or families to understand what was happening for them. Maybe someone found out they needed to move to a new residence without much notice and they didn't have resources to make the move and they were afraid of becoming homeless. Or maybe someone was in a car accident and they needed help for a while while they were recovering from their injuries. I would talk with people to understand what was happening for them, what they had available to them, what they needed but didn't currently have, and help them come up with a plan to address the need. As part of that, I would apply my knowledge of what services were available and agencies that specialized in their particular need. My role was to give people the information and tools they needed to deal with the crisis.
Today, in my job, I do something similar, but on a larger scale. Let's say a company is going to introduce a new software system for the company. I start by doing a little analysis. I identify what it is people are doing today. What systems are they using, what processes are connected to those systems, what are the specific tasks someone is required to do, and why is that important to the business and the business results. Then, I take a look at what we want them to do in the future when the new software system is introduced. From there, I can identify the gap between what people are doing today and what we want them to do in the future. Next, I design the change strategy (the approach to helping people make a change) and the plans for communications and training that will enable people to get the knowledge and skills they need to be successful in the future. In order to develop those plans, I need to understand how people process information and how people learn. That's where your field of study comes in. Understanding how the brain works and how the brain processes information is the secret sauce for helping people to adjust to changes in the workplace.
If someone told me when I was in college studying Social Work that I would someday be working for a tech company, I would have thought they were crazy. However, with my degree in Social Work, I have worked for the American Heart Association, The Clorox Company, Cisco Systems, Splunk, and a few other companies. None of my jobs would have been identified as a career path for someone with a degree in Social Work. But, by breaking down my learning into the skills I learned to execute for social work, I was able to apply those skills to jobs in the corporate world.
Hope this helps.
Yes you can work in corporate with the education you identify. At it's core, your field of study is about the way the brain works and the way people process information. With this background, your expertise can be applied in many ways in the corporate world. I have a degree in Social Work, which is basically crisis management and helping people work through challenging situations. In my job, I lead organizational change. I help large groups of people (up to 70,000 people) get through large scale changes in the work place. Let me walk you through how my education prepared me to do this.
When I was studying social work, I would work with people or families to understand what was happening for them. Maybe someone found out they needed to move to a new residence without much notice and they didn't have resources to make the move and they were afraid of becoming homeless. Or maybe someone was in a car accident and they needed help for a while while they were recovering from their injuries. I would talk with people to understand what was happening for them, what they had available to them, what they needed but didn't currently have, and help them come up with a plan to address the need. As part of that, I would apply my knowledge of what services were available and agencies that specialized in their particular need. My role was to give people the information and tools they needed to deal with the crisis.
Today, in my job, I do something similar, but on a larger scale. Let's say a company is going to introduce a new software system for the company. I start by doing a little analysis. I identify what it is people are doing today. What systems are they using, what processes are connected to those systems, what are the specific tasks someone is required to do, and why is that important to the business and the business results. Then, I take a look at what we want them to do in the future when the new software system is introduced. From there, I can identify the gap between what people are doing today and what we want them to do in the future. Next, I design the change strategy (the approach to helping people make a change) and the plans for communications and training that will enable people to get the knowledge and skills they need to be successful in the future. In order to develop those plans, I need to understand how people process information and how people learn. That's where your field of study comes in. Understanding how the brain works and how the brain processes information is the secret sauce for helping people to adjust to changes in the workplace.
If someone told me when I was in college studying Social Work that I would someday be working for a tech company, I would have thought they were crazy. However, with my degree in Social Work, I have worked for the American Heart Association, The Clorox Company, Cisco Systems, Splunk, and a few other companies. None of my jobs would have been identified as a career path for someone with a degree in Social Work. But, by breaking down my learning into the skills I learned to execute for social work, I was able to apply those skills to jobs in the corporate world.
Hope this helps.
This was super helpful, thank you!
Sima
Joseph Ford
175
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
To answer your q " YES ". Here is a great article that helps explain:
https://hbr.org/2019/02/neuroscience-is-going-to-change-how-businesses-understand-their-customers
https://hbr.org/2019/02/neuroscience-is-going-to-change-how-businesses-understand-their-customers
Thank you, this is amazing! I really needed it.
Sima
Carl Manson Jr., PMP
5G Program Manager - Verizon
88
Answers
Stone Mountain, Georgia
Updated
Carl’s Answer
Hi Sima! Absolutely, a bachelor's degree in psychology can certainly open doors for you in the corporate world. Psychology, as you are aware, is all about understanding human behavior. As you navigate your corporate journey, you'll realize that the human element of your work is nearly as crucial as the technical side.
I'm a living example of this. I hold an undergraduate degree in psychology and have been part of my organization for more than 25 years. During this time, I've held diverse roles such as a Fraud Analyst, Network Engineer, Finance Coordinator, and currently, I'm a Senior Program/Project Manager.
While I do have advanced degrees in other fields, I've found that the ability to connect with people and comprehend their motivations is equally important. This is a skill that often doesn't get the recognition it deserves in a corporate setting.
So, yes, while you will need the specific skills related to your job, a background in psychology can provide a robust foundation for a multitude of corporate roles. So go ahead, embrace your journey with confidence and enthusiasm!
I'm a living example of this. I hold an undergraduate degree in psychology and have been part of my organization for more than 25 years. During this time, I've held diverse roles such as a Fraud Analyst, Network Engineer, Finance Coordinator, and currently, I'm a Senior Program/Project Manager.
While I do have advanced degrees in other fields, I've found that the ability to connect with people and comprehend their motivations is equally important. This is a skill that often doesn't get the recognition it deserves in a corporate setting.
So, yes, while you will need the specific skills related to your job, a background in psychology can provide a robust foundation for a multitude of corporate roles. So go ahead, embrace your journey with confidence and enthusiasm!
Sahida Khatun
Software Consultant and Analyst
87
Answers
Kolkata, West Bengal, India
Updated
Sahida’s Answer
Definitely, your Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Neuroscience can pave the way for you into the corporate world. It's a common misconception that such degrees are only applicable in labs, research facilities, or educational institutions. In reality, the corporate world highly appreciates the skills and insights you've acquired from your studies in psychology and neuroscience.
Here's how your degree can unlock opportunities in the business sector:
Human Resources (HR): Many companies have HR departments that would greatly benefit from your psychological expertise. You could contribute to recruitment, employee development, and cultivating a positive workplace atmosphere.
Organizational Development: You can utilize your skills to enhance workplace operations, increase employee satisfaction, and boost the overall efficiency of an organization.
Marketing and Consumer Behavior: Your understanding of human behavior is a valuable tool in marketing. Companies often seek individuals with a psychology background to better comprehend consumers and devise effective marketing strategies.
Training and Development: Numerous companies conduct training programs to enhance their employees' skills. Your knowledge of learning and behavior patterns could be instrumental in designing and implementing these programs.
Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): Certain companies offer EAPs to promote their employees' mental health and well-being. Your background in psychology could be extremely beneficial in roles that provide counseling and support to employees.
Market Research Analyst: Companies frequently require individuals to analyze market trends, consumer preferences, and other data to assist in business decisions.
Sales and Customer Service: Your grasp of human behavior could be advantageous in sales and customer service roles, where excellent communication and interpersonal skills are essential.
Data Analysis and Research Roles: Companies often collect and analyze vast amounts of data. Your proficiency in research methods and statistical analysis could be applied in roles that involve data interpretation.
When applying for corporate positions, it's crucial to highlight the valuable skills you've acquired during your studies, such as critical thinking, research capabilities, data analysis, and communication skills. Networking, internships, and gaining relevant work experience can further boost your chances of securing a job in the corporate world. Stay open-minded and explore various industries to find a role that aligns with your interests and career aspirations.
Here's how your degree can unlock opportunities in the business sector:
Human Resources (HR): Many companies have HR departments that would greatly benefit from your psychological expertise. You could contribute to recruitment, employee development, and cultivating a positive workplace atmosphere.
Organizational Development: You can utilize your skills to enhance workplace operations, increase employee satisfaction, and boost the overall efficiency of an organization.
Marketing and Consumer Behavior: Your understanding of human behavior is a valuable tool in marketing. Companies often seek individuals with a psychology background to better comprehend consumers and devise effective marketing strategies.
Training and Development: Numerous companies conduct training programs to enhance their employees' skills. Your knowledge of learning and behavior patterns could be instrumental in designing and implementing these programs.
Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): Certain companies offer EAPs to promote their employees' mental health and well-being. Your background in psychology could be extremely beneficial in roles that provide counseling and support to employees.
Market Research Analyst: Companies frequently require individuals to analyze market trends, consumer preferences, and other data to assist in business decisions.
Sales and Customer Service: Your grasp of human behavior could be advantageous in sales and customer service roles, where excellent communication and interpersonal skills are essential.
Data Analysis and Research Roles: Companies often collect and analyze vast amounts of data. Your proficiency in research methods and statistical analysis could be applied in roles that involve data interpretation.
When applying for corporate positions, it's crucial to highlight the valuable skills you've acquired during your studies, such as critical thinking, research capabilities, data analysis, and communication skills. Networking, internships, and gaining relevant work experience can further boost your chances of securing a job in the corporate world. Stay open-minded and explore various industries to find a role that aligns with your interests and career aspirations.
Thank you!
Sima
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6342
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Sima,
Absolutely, a bachelor's degree in Psychology and Neuroscience can open doors to corporate opportunities. While these disciplines are often associated with research or academia, the competencies and insights derived from such a background can be incredibly beneficial in a business context too.
Here are some viable career trajectories for psychology-neuroscience graduates in the corporate sector:
UX Researcher: As a UX researcher, you can leverage your understanding of psychological principles to enhance user interaction with products and services. This role involves conducting surveys, interviews, and usability tests, analyzing the data, and making recommendations to improve product design and development.
HR Specialist: As an HR specialist, you can apply your knowledge of human behavior and organizational dynamics to help companies manage their workforce efficiently. This role could involve tasks like recruitment, training, employee relations, and benefits administration.
Data Analyst: If you have strong quantitative skills, a data analyst role could be a good fit. This role involves using statistical methods to analyze large datasets, identify trends or patterns, and provide insights that inform business decisions and strategies.
Marketing Analyst: As a marketing analyst, you can use your understanding of human behavior to help companies devise effective marketing strategies. This role involves conducting market research, analyzing consumer data, and making recommendations for product positioning and promotion.
Consultant: As a consultant, you can leverage your expertise to help organizations solve problems and enhance performance. A psychology-neuroscience background can be especially useful in areas like change management, leadership development, and organizational design.
Product Manager: As a product manager, you can guide the development and launch of new products, using your understanding of user needs and market trends. This role often involves working with cross-functional teams including engineering, design, marketing, and sales to successfully bring products to market.
These are just a handful of the numerous career options available to psychology-neuroscience graduates in the corporate sector. With strong analytical abilities, a profound understanding of human behavior, and the capacity to clearly communicate complex ideas, these graduates can add unique value to a broad range of roles and industries.
Stay blessed!
James Constantine.
Absolutely, a bachelor's degree in Psychology and Neuroscience can open doors to corporate opportunities. While these disciplines are often associated with research or academia, the competencies and insights derived from such a background can be incredibly beneficial in a business context too.
Here are some viable career trajectories for psychology-neuroscience graduates in the corporate sector:
UX Researcher: As a UX researcher, you can leverage your understanding of psychological principles to enhance user interaction with products and services. This role involves conducting surveys, interviews, and usability tests, analyzing the data, and making recommendations to improve product design and development.
HR Specialist: As an HR specialist, you can apply your knowledge of human behavior and organizational dynamics to help companies manage their workforce efficiently. This role could involve tasks like recruitment, training, employee relations, and benefits administration.
Data Analyst: If you have strong quantitative skills, a data analyst role could be a good fit. This role involves using statistical methods to analyze large datasets, identify trends or patterns, and provide insights that inform business decisions and strategies.
Marketing Analyst: As a marketing analyst, you can use your understanding of human behavior to help companies devise effective marketing strategies. This role involves conducting market research, analyzing consumer data, and making recommendations for product positioning and promotion.
Consultant: As a consultant, you can leverage your expertise to help organizations solve problems and enhance performance. A psychology-neuroscience background can be especially useful in areas like change management, leadership development, and organizational design.
Product Manager: As a product manager, you can guide the development and launch of new products, using your understanding of user needs and market trends. This role often involves working with cross-functional teams including engineering, design, marketing, and sales to successfully bring products to market.
These are just a handful of the numerous career options available to psychology-neuroscience graduates in the corporate sector. With strong analytical abilities, a profound understanding of human behavior, and the capacity to clearly communicate complex ideas, these graduates can add unique value to a broad range of roles and industries.
Stay blessed!
James Constantine.
Thank you, this is really helpful.
Sima
Arianna Pride
Senior Operations Manager
11
Answers
Scottsdale, Arizona
Updated
Arianna’s Answer
I hope you're doing well! I see you're interested in pursuing a career in the corporate world but are wondering if your degree in psychology-neuroscience might be a hindrance. Rest assured, your background in psychology-neuroscience can offer valuable skills and perspectives that are highly relevant in the corporate environment!
Here are a few reasons why your degree can be a unique asset as you pursue a career in the corporate world:
Understanding Human Behavior: Your studies in psychology have equipped you with a deep understanding of human behavior, motivation, and decision-making processes. These insights are invaluable in corporate settings, where understanding consumer behavior, employee engagement, and organizational dynamics are critical for success.
Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving: Psychology-neuroscience programs emphasize critical thinking, research, and analytical skills, which are highly transferable to the corporate world. You'll be adept at analyzing data, identifying trends, and developing innovative solutions to complex problems – all essential skills in corporate settings.
Effective Communication: Effective communication is essential in corporate environments, whether it's conveying ideas to colleagues, presenting findings to clients, or negotiating with stakeholders. Your background in psychology-neuroscience has honed your communication skills, enabling you to articulate ideas clearly, empathize with others' perspectives, and foster positive relationships in the workplace.
Adaptability & Resilience: Psychology-neuroscience programs often emphasize adaptability, resilience, and the ability to thrive in dynamic environments. These qualities are highly valued in the corporate world, where change is constant, and the ability to adapt and pivot quickly can be a significant competitive advantage.
While your degree may not align directly with traditional corporate majors like business or finance, it offers a unique perspective and skill set that can set you apart in the corporate world. Here are a few tips to leverage your degree and pursue a successful corporate career:
Highlight Transferable Skills: When applying for corporate roles, emphasize the transferable skills you've gained through your degree, such as critical thinking, research, communication, and adaptability. Showcase how these skills are relevant to the specific requirements of the roles you're interested in.
Seek Relevant Experience: Look for opportunities to gain practical experience in corporate settings through internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer work. These can provide valuable insights into corporate culture & operations for you to pin point what you want to focus on.
Continuously Learn and Grow: Stay proactive about your professional development by seeking out additional training, certifications, or courses that complement your degree and enhance your skills in areas relevant to the corporate world, such as business strategy, marketing, or data analysis.
Network and Build Relationships: Networking is key to success in the corporate world. Attend industry events, join professional associations, and connect with professionals in your desired field. Building relationships with individuals already working in corporate settings can provide valuable insights, mentorship, and potential job opportunities.
Remember, your degree in psychology-neuroscience is not a limitation but a unique strength that can open doors to diverse career opportunities in the corporate world. Hope this helps!
Here are a few reasons why your degree can be a unique asset as you pursue a career in the corporate world:
Understanding Human Behavior: Your studies in psychology have equipped you with a deep understanding of human behavior, motivation, and decision-making processes. These insights are invaluable in corporate settings, where understanding consumer behavior, employee engagement, and organizational dynamics are critical for success.
Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving: Psychology-neuroscience programs emphasize critical thinking, research, and analytical skills, which are highly transferable to the corporate world. You'll be adept at analyzing data, identifying trends, and developing innovative solutions to complex problems – all essential skills in corporate settings.
Effective Communication: Effective communication is essential in corporate environments, whether it's conveying ideas to colleagues, presenting findings to clients, or negotiating with stakeholders. Your background in psychology-neuroscience has honed your communication skills, enabling you to articulate ideas clearly, empathize with others' perspectives, and foster positive relationships in the workplace.
Adaptability & Resilience: Psychology-neuroscience programs often emphasize adaptability, resilience, and the ability to thrive in dynamic environments. These qualities are highly valued in the corporate world, where change is constant, and the ability to adapt and pivot quickly can be a significant competitive advantage.
While your degree may not align directly with traditional corporate majors like business or finance, it offers a unique perspective and skill set that can set you apart in the corporate world. Here are a few tips to leverage your degree and pursue a successful corporate career:
Highlight Transferable Skills: When applying for corporate roles, emphasize the transferable skills you've gained through your degree, such as critical thinking, research, communication, and adaptability. Showcase how these skills are relevant to the specific requirements of the roles you're interested in.
Seek Relevant Experience: Look for opportunities to gain practical experience in corporate settings through internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer work. These can provide valuable insights into corporate culture & operations for you to pin point what you want to focus on.
Continuously Learn and Grow: Stay proactive about your professional development by seeking out additional training, certifications, or courses that complement your degree and enhance your skills in areas relevant to the corporate world, such as business strategy, marketing, or data analysis.
Network and Build Relationships: Networking is key to success in the corporate world. Attend industry events, join professional associations, and connect with professionals in your desired field. Building relationships with individuals already working in corporate settings can provide valuable insights, mentorship, and potential job opportunities.
Remember, your degree in psychology-neuroscience is not a limitation but a unique strength that can open doors to diverse career opportunities in the corporate world. Hope this helps!
Aisha Taylor
Mortgage Closing Specialist
472
Answers
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Aisha’s Answer
Hi Sima,
While many job opportunities in psychology and neuroscience are indeed found in research, education, and healthcare settings, there are also opportunities for graduates to work in corporate settings. Here are some possibilities:
1. **Human Resources**: A background in psychology can be valuable for roles in human resources, particularly in areas such as recruitment, employee training and development, performance management, and organizational behavior. Understanding human behavior and motivation can be beneficial in creating positive work environments and maximizing employee productivity and satisfaction.
2. **Market Research and Consumer Behavior**: Corporations often employ psychologists to conduct market research and analyze consumer behavior. This may involve studying consumer preferences, decision-making processes, and the psychological factors that influence purchasing behavior. Knowledge of neuroscience can also be relevant in understanding consumer responses to marketing stimuli, such as advertising and product design.
3. **User Experience (UX) Research**: In the digital age, companies place increasing importance on understanding user behavior and designing products and services that meet users' needs and preferences. Psychologists and neuroscientists can contribute to UX research by studying user interactions with websites, mobile apps, and other digital interfaces, and providing insights to improve user experience and usability.
4. **Organizational Development**: Psychologists may work in organizational development roles, helping companies improve workplace culture, leadership effectiveness, team dynamics, and organizational change management. They may conduct assessments, develop training programs, and provide coaching and consulting services to enhance organizational performance and employee well-being.
5. **Health and Wellness Programs**: Some corporations have wellness programs aimed at promoting employee health, well-being, and work-life balance. Psychologists can play a role in designing and implementing these programs, which may include stress management workshops, mindfulness training, and mental health support services.
6. **Data Analysis and Consulting**: With the increasing emphasis on data-driven decision-making in business, there is a growing demand for professionals who can analyze and interpret data related to human behavior and cognition. Psychologists with strong quantitative skills and knowledge of statistical methods may find opportunities in data analysis and consulting roles within corporations.
While job opportunities in corporate settings may not be as readily apparent as those in traditional psychology and neuroscience fields, there are definitely possibilities for graduates with a background in these disciplines to apply their skills and knowledge in various business contexts. Networking, internships, and professional development opportunities can help you explore and pursue career paths in corporate settings.
While many job opportunities in psychology and neuroscience are indeed found in research, education, and healthcare settings, there are also opportunities for graduates to work in corporate settings. Here are some possibilities:
1. **Human Resources**: A background in psychology can be valuable for roles in human resources, particularly in areas such as recruitment, employee training and development, performance management, and organizational behavior. Understanding human behavior and motivation can be beneficial in creating positive work environments and maximizing employee productivity and satisfaction.
2. **Market Research and Consumer Behavior**: Corporations often employ psychologists to conduct market research and analyze consumer behavior. This may involve studying consumer preferences, decision-making processes, and the psychological factors that influence purchasing behavior. Knowledge of neuroscience can also be relevant in understanding consumer responses to marketing stimuli, such as advertising and product design.
3. **User Experience (UX) Research**: In the digital age, companies place increasing importance on understanding user behavior and designing products and services that meet users' needs and preferences. Psychologists and neuroscientists can contribute to UX research by studying user interactions with websites, mobile apps, and other digital interfaces, and providing insights to improve user experience and usability.
4. **Organizational Development**: Psychologists may work in organizational development roles, helping companies improve workplace culture, leadership effectiveness, team dynamics, and organizational change management. They may conduct assessments, develop training programs, and provide coaching and consulting services to enhance organizational performance and employee well-being.
5. **Health and Wellness Programs**: Some corporations have wellness programs aimed at promoting employee health, well-being, and work-life balance. Psychologists can play a role in designing and implementing these programs, which may include stress management workshops, mindfulness training, and mental health support services.
6. **Data Analysis and Consulting**: With the increasing emphasis on data-driven decision-making in business, there is a growing demand for professionals who can analyze and interpret data related to human behavior and cognition. Psychologists with strong quantitative skills and knowledge of statistical methods may find opportunities in data analysis and consulting roles within corporations.
While job opportunities in corporate settings may not be as readily apparent as those in traditional psychology and neuroscience fields, there are definitely possibilities for graduates with a background in these disciplines to apply their skills and knowledge in various business contexts. Networking, internships, and professional development opportunities can help you explore and pursue career paths in corporate settings.
This was super-duper helpful and insightful! thank you for your time :)
Sima