3 answers
Salome Phiephie
Student
Accra, Greater Accra Region, Ghana
1
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I have an M.A in English Literature, but I've always had an interest in psychology and would want to pursue a career in it. Could you help me with some recommendations and advice?
I realized that friends and family often come to me with issues that bothers them. I've been told that I'm a good listener, and even though I don't really know what to say at times, I somehow make them feel better. I would love to refine my capacity to listen to others, hence psychology.
I'm applying to schools in Canada/USA and the question I get asked is "what course are you looking at?"
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3 answers
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1879
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Salome Phiephie !
It is wonderful that you are a great friend and family member for those you know and also attaining your Masters Degree is a great accomplishment. I want to explain a bit about what it takes to be in the psychology field and what the criteria should be.
What work are you currently doing ? What realm of psychology do you want to go into ? These are important factors that would shape my advice to you, but first let's talk about being a good listener. One does not enter the world of psychology because they are a good listener. It takes a very strong drive with the love and fascination of human behavior and it is quite a long and profound course of study for any of the good careers. You already have a Masters Degree and although you are free to choose more education, it would take beginning again from the start and spending 4 to 12 years of college depending on the job you are intending. I would not suggest this because it is a very intense and involved major and I assume that you are already in a career with your Masters Degree.
You are helping a great many people already with your understanding, listening to their situations and that is great and you should continue that. In the psychology professional world, you will not be meeting with friends and family and you would encounter some very unusual and serious issues that clients have. It's not the same as supporting friends and family. With friends, it is more of a social connection but in psychology it will be therapeutic and sometimes technical but always impartial.
What I would suggest first is to try to volunteer at a social service agency at which you may be able to talk with clients about things that do not require a degree in psychology. You will get an idea of how it is and you are always free to begin your education over with a new degree if you can meet the financial and time commitments. I wouldn't suggest having to do that because you could probably get a good management or administrative job in social services (not in psychology) with your current Masters Degree.
Are you are writer? If you are a writer, you will have good skill at developing characters due to your interest in psychology. Your Masters in Literature is wonderful and there's so much you can do with it. Keep in mind that if you go into psychology as a clinical professional, it is not about making people feel better, that is not the aim. It's more like you would help them go through a process that would make them feel better when they are ready. Maintaining a great, helpful rapport with those you know will be important and just know that your great listening skills are an asset for any career.
I hope that this is helpful and I wish you all the best in whatever you choose to do !
It is wonderful that you are a great friend and family member for those you know and also attaining your Masters Degree is a great accomplishment. I want to explain a bit about what it takes to be in the psychology field and what the criteria should be.
What work are you currently doing ? What realm of psychology do you want to go into ? These are important factors that would shape my advice to you, but first let's talk about being a good listener. One does not enter the world of psychology because they are a good listener. It takes a very strong drive with the love and fascination of human behavior and it is quite a long and profound course of study for any of the good careers. You already have a Masters Degree and although you are free to choose more education, it would take beginning again from the start and spending 4 to 12 years of college depending on the job you are intending. I would not suggest this because it is a very intense and involved major and I assume that you are already in a career with your Masters Degree.
You are helping a great many people already with your understanding, listening to their situations and that is great and you should continue that. In the psychology professional world, you will not be meeting with friends and family and you would encounter some very unusual and serious issues that clients have. It's not the same as supporting friends and family. With friends, it is more of a social connection but in psychology it will be therapeutic and sometimes technical but always impartial.
What I would suggest first is to try to volunteer at a social service agency at which you may be able to talk with clients about things that do not require a degree in psychology. You will get an idea of how it is and you are always free to begin your education over with a new degree if you can meet the financial and time commitments. I wouldn't suggest having to do that because you could probably get a good management or administrative job in social services (not in psychology) with your current Masters Degree.
Are you are writer? If you are a writer, you will have good skill at developing characters due to your interest in psychology. Your Masters in Literature is wonderful and there's so much you can do with it. Keep in mind that if you go into psychology as a clinical professional, it is not about making people feel better, that is not the aim. It's more like you would help them go through a process that would make them feel better when they are ready. Maintaining a great, helpful rapport with those you know will be important and just know that your great listening skills are an asset for any career.
I hope that this is helpful and I wish you all the best in whatever you choose to do !
Thank you, Michelle for the advice. This is really helpful.
Salome Phiephie
You are very welcome, Salome Phiephie !
Michelle M.
Isabel Dominguez
Student
101
Answers
Corning, California
Updated
Isabel’s Answer
Hello Salome Phiephie,
It's fantastic to know that you're keen on pursuing psychology! With your background in English Literature and your innate ability to listen and comfort others, you're already showing promising signs. When it comes to sharing your passion with admissions committees, your clear understanding of human behavior and development, coupled with your listening and empathetic skills, will surely shine through.
When choosing your courses, aim for those that will solidify your understanding of psychology's core principles. Key subjects to consider include abnormal psychology, counseling techniques, and interpersonal communication. Plus, many schools offer specialized paths within psychology that cater to specific interests, such as clinical psychology, counseling psychology, or social psychology.
Highlight how your English Literature background will enhance your ability to analyze and interpret human experiences, a skill highly valued in psychology. If you have any experiences, like volunteering or relevant coursework, that showcase your support for others or your interest in psychology, don't hesitate to include them.
There are numerous prestigious psychology programs in Canada and the U.S., such as the University of Toronto, University of British Columbia, McGill University, and University of California, Berkeley, just to name a few. Take the time to explore what they offer and find the one that aligns best with your career aspirations. Wishing you the best of luck with your applications!
It's fantastic to know that you're keen on pursuing psychology! With your background in English Literature and your innate ability to listen and comfort others, you're already showing promising signs. When it comes to sharing your passion with admissions committees, your clear understanding of human behavior and development, coupled with your listening and empathetic skills, will surely shine through.
When choosing your courses, aim for those that will solidify your understanding of psychology's core principles. Key subjects to consider include abnormal psychology, counseling techniques, and interpersonal communication. Plus, many schools offer specialized paths within psychology that cater to specific interests, such as clinical psychology, counseling psychology, or social psychology.
Highlight how your English Literature background will enhance your ability to analyze and interpret human experiences, a skill highly valued in psychology. If you have any experiences, like volunteering or relevant coursework, that showcase your support for others or your interest in psychology, don't hesitate to include them.
There are numerous prestigious psychology programs in Canada and the U.S., such as the University of Toronto, University of British Columbia, McGill University, and University of California, Berkeley, just to name a few. Take the time to explore what they offer and find the one that aligns best with your career aspirations. Wishing you the best of luck with your applications!
I appreciate you taking the time to answer this.
Salome Phiephie
Your welcome!
Isabel Dominguez
Dr. Sudeep Mohandas
Advisor, Board Member, Author, Soccer Coach, Consultant
43
Answers
Cockeysville, Maryland
Updated
Dr. Sudeep’s Answer
Please remember, being a good listener or a person with whom others feel at ease sharing their feelings, thoughts, or concerns doesn't automatically make you an ideal fit for psychology alone. That being said, psychology isn't the only career path that highly values such qualities or demeanor. It's important to realize that many other professions incorporate the principles of psychology into their work, meaning psychology could be a subject of study, but not necessarily your ultimate career. For instance, you might find yourself as a civil servant, focusing on social welfare or national security matters. Frontline roles like fire rescue, paramedics, police, nurses, and more are also options. Moreover, individuals working in management, human resources, career counseling, law, and nonprofit sectors frequently utilize psychology. The world is truly your oyster.
So, while you may be considering psychology as a career, I encourage you to keep an open mind to other possibilities and view psychology as a stepping stone towards something even greater.
So, while you may be considering psychology as a career, I encourage you to keep an open mind to other possibilities and view psychology as a stepping stone towards something even greater.
I appreciate your time and advice Dr. Sudeep. This was really helpful.
Salome Phiephie