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What are some good entry-level jobs for a Human Development major and Minor in Psychology?
(I want to be a child life specialist but I am having a hard time researching jobs that I do not need experience in)
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Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Quiamani !
What a marvelous career plan you have and I would like to give some advice that will help you meet your career goal !
To begin my advice, after my first career I switched to a second career in social services (but now back to the first career) so I spent some time working in the field that you are interested in. I was like you, wanted to specifically work with one population. For me it was seniors ever since I had taken a Gerontology course in college. However, I started out with teens, then young adults and then seniors, a most underserved population. I think that even if you major in Psychology with an early childhood minor it would lead you to working with children but do not hesitate to take work that involves other populations, too. You will find your niche in the child services sector, especially since you live in New York City. The Human Development Major and Psychology Minor is a perfect path for the career you are seeking.
This path is going to prepare you for work in the social service field. I don't mean to be so general, but that means that you will be qualified to work at many agencies at many positions. To know what types of jobs are out there now, go to Indeed or Linked in and see the job descriptions and education requirements. But I think the major and minor you've chosen is perfect. I've left a link for you below for a list of child social service agencies in New York City. There are copious agencies and services in your city. You would be able to work at a place that specializes in services for children with special needs on a social service level. An advantage of living in your city is that all five boroughs have an independent living center which serve people that have a disability of any kind, this would include children and some may have an early childhood intervention program, too. I have left a link for you below as a possibility of work during or after you graduate college. Independent Living Centers are big on services and advocacy and disability rights, so you could have the opportunity to be active in those areas. I left the link for you below. You should also explore the NYC Department of Education for the after school programs that you may volunteer or work at. They partner with different places that hold the after school programs so the Board of Ed. could explain to you how to apply and work for the programs.
It's actually hard to say which entry level position would be good for you right now, but during your college days, you will be inspired and learn all about the programs, agencies and services available to you as a prospective employee or volunteer. The field of work is very enjoyable so I think that each experience you have will be good for your enrichment. You will learn first hand how it can mostly be rewarding and sometimes have bittersweet moments if you work with children.
I would advise, while you are in college, to apply for a Work Study position through the federal financial aid application. You may go to the early Childhood Education/Development Department, the Psychology Department or the Human Development Department to obtain this job while enrolled in your college. This will be excellent experience, hands on work and carry weight for your resume. Any experience you have working in social services in New York City carries a lot of weight if you later relocate and seek employment in other cities or towns.
I encourage you to always ask us questions along the way as we are always happy to help. I wish you all the best with your wonderful education path and all that you do. You will make a lot of difference in your community !
HUGE LIST OF CHILD SOCIAL SERVICE AGENCIES IN NYC https://ocfs.ny.gov/programs/childcare/referral-agencies.php
SERVICES FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS https://www.nyc.gov/site/acs/child-welfare/special-medical-needs.page
INDEPENDENT LIVING CENTERS - ALL FIVE BOROUGHS IN NYC - https://www.cidny.org/
What a marvelous career plan you have and I would like to give some advice that will help you meet your career goal !
To begin my advice, after my first career I switched to a second career in social services (but now back to the first career) so I spent some time working in the field that you are interested in. I was like you, wanted to specifically work with one population. For me it was seniors ever since I had taken a Gerontology course in college. However, I started out with teens, then young adults and then seniors, a most underserved population. I think that even if you major in Psychology with an early childhood minor it would lead you to working with children but do not hesitate to take work that involves other populations, too. You will find your niche in the child services sector, especially since you live in New York City. The Human Development Major and Psychology Minor is a perfect path for the career you are seeking.
This path is going to prepare you for work in the social service field. I don't mean to be so general, but that means that you will be qualified to work at many agencies at many positions. To know what types of jobs are out there now, go to Indeed or Linked in and see the job descriptions and education requirements. But I think the major and minor you've chosen is perfect. I've left a link for you below for a list of child social service agencies in New York City. There are copious agencies and services in your city. You would be able to work at a place that specializes in services for children with special needs on a social service level. An advantage of living in your city is that all five boroughs have an independent living center which serve people that have a disability of any kind, this would include children and some may have an early childhood intervention program, too. I have left a link for you below as a possibility of work during or after you graduate college. Independent Living Centers are big on services and advocacy and disability rights, so you could have the opportunity to be active in those areas. I left the link for you below. You should also explore the NYC Department of Education for the after school programs that you may volunteer or work at. They partner with different places that hold the after school programs so the Board of Ed. could explain to you how to apply and work for the programs.
It's actually hard to say which entry level position would be good for you right now, but during your college days, you will be inspired and learn all about the programs, agencies and services available to you as a prospective employee or volunteer. The field of work is very enjoyable so I think that each experience you have will be good for your enrichment. You will learn first hand how it can mostly be rewarding and sometimes have bittersweet moments if you work with children.
I would advise, while you are in college, to apply for a Work Study position through the federal financial aid application. You may go to the early Childhood Education/Development Department, the Psychology Department or the Human Development Department to obtain this job while enrolled in your college. This will be excellent experience, hands on work and carry weight for your resume. Any experience you have working in social services in New York City carries a lot of weight if you later relocate and seek employment in other cities or towns.
I encourage you to always ask us questions along the way as we are always happy to help. I wish you all the best with your wonderful education path and all that you do. You will make a lot of difference in your community !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hello Quiamani,
There are some good entry-level jobs for someone with a Human Development major and a Minor in Psychology. These entry-level jobs include:
a. Childcare Worker: This role involves providing care and supervision to children in various settings such as daycare centers, schools, or after-school programs.
b. Youth Counselor: As a youth counselor, you can work in community centers, non-profit organizations, or residential facilities to provide guidance and support to young individuals facing challenges.
c. Case Aide: Assisting social workers or case managers in child welfare agencies by conducting home visits, assisting with paperwork/documentation, and supporting families in need.
d. Behavioral Therapist: Working with children who have behavioral issues or developmental disorders such as autism to implement treatment plans designed by psychologists or therapists.
e. Educational Assistant: Supporting teachers in classrooms, providing individualized assistance to students with special needs or learning disabilities.
f. Research Assistant: Assisting professors or researchers in conducting studies related to human development and psychology topics.
g. Family Support Specialist: Providing resources, assistance, and advocacy services for families facing challenges such as poverty, domestic violence, or substance abuse issues.
h. Early Intervention Specialist: Working with infants and toddlers who have developmental delays by providing therapy services and coordinating intervention programs.
i. Child Life Assistant/Volunteer: Although not always paid positions initially unless you have relevant certifications like Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS), volunteering at hospitals can help gain experience working directly with children during medical procedures and surgeries.
j. Program Coordinator/Assistant at non-profits focused on child welfare/developmental programs (e.g., Boys & Girls Club).
Please note that gaining experience through internships/volunteering can be beneficial when pursuing a career as a child life specialist, since it is a specialized field that typically requires additional training/certification beyond an undergraduate degree.
There are some good entry-level jobs for someone with a Human Development major and a Minor in Psychology. These entry-level jobs include:
a. Childcare Worker: This role involves providing care and supervision to children in various settings such as daycare centers, schools, or after-school programs.
b. Youth Counselor: As a youth counselor, you can work in community centers, non-profit organizations, or residential facilities to provide guidance and support to young individuals facing challenges.
c. Case Aide: Assisting social workers or case managers in child welfare agencies by conducting home visits, assisting with paperwork/documentation, and supporting families in need.
d. Behavioral Therapist: Working with children who have behavioral issues or developmental disorders such as autism to implement treatment plans designed by psychologists or therapists.
e. Educational Assistant: Supporting teachers in classrooms, providing individualized assistance to students with special needs or learning disabilities.
f. Research Assistant: Assisting professors or researchers in conducting studies related to human development and psychology topics.
g. Family Support Specialist: Providing resources, assistance, and advocacy services for families facing challenges such as poverty, domestic violence, or substance abuse issues.
h. Early Intervention Specialist: Working with infants and toddlers who have developmental delays by providing therapy services and coordinating intervention programs.
i. Child Life Assistant/Volunteer: Although not always paid positions initially unless you have relevant certifications like Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS), volunteering at hospitals can help gain experience working directly with children during medical procedures and surgeries.
j. Program Coordinator/Assistant at non-profits focused on child welfare/developmental programs (e.g., Boys & Girls Club).
Please note that gaining experience through internships/volunteering can be beneficial when pursuing a career as a child life specialist, since it is a specialized field that typically requires additional training/certification beyond an undergraduate degree.
Updated
Gemanah’s Answer
Hello!
Stepping into the rewarding field of behavioral therapy can be a breeze, especially when you start as a Registered Behavioral Technician (RBT). In this role, you'll have the golden opportunity to work closely with children diagnosed with ASD. You'll be their guiding light, helping them learn and develop new behaviors and skills. It's a journey where every step forward counts and every small victory is celebrated. So, why wait? Start your fulfilling journey today!
Stepping into the rewarding field of behavioral therapy can be a breeze, especially when you start as a Registered Behavioral Technician (RBT). In this role, you'll have the golden opportunity to work closely with children diagnosed with ASD. You'll be their guiding light, helping them learn and develop new behaviors and skills. It's a journey where every step forward counts and every small victory is celebrated. So, why wait? Start your fulfilling journey today!