6 answers
Madeline
Student
Humble, Texas
1
Question
Asked
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What are some other options for someone who wants to pursue a career in psychology but doesn't want to be a psychiatrist or therapist?
I am a senior in high school and I plan on majoring in psychology in college, but I don't want to be a psychiatrist or a therapist. What are some other jobs that involve psychology that you would suggest I look into? I'd also like to know if the other jobs provide stable income?
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6 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1870
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
While there are many well-known roles for those with a psychology background, a psychology degree can lead to various fulfilling careers outside of traditional clinical or research settings. Rather than restricting you to traditional professional roles, a psychology degree can broaden your options. In fact, a psychology degree provides the skills and training you need to enter several alternative career paths..A growing number of psychology majors find employment in business and human resources, social and community services, education, healthcare, and criminal justice.
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION MANAGER Diversity and inclusion managers design company policies that help encourage diversity in the workplace. They can research various diversity and inclusion topics, review company procedures, coordinate with the organization's disability services and create training sessions to help educate about diversity and inclusion. Many diversity and inclusion managers also work with the human resource department to advise about hiring decisions.
VICTIM ADVOCATE
Victim advocates assist victims of a crime in navigating the court system. They can counsel victims or witnesses, help them file protective orders or seek restitution, provide transportation for the victim to court and assist them during court proceedings. Advocates often use psychology principles to provide emotional support and guidance to their clients.
CRIMINAL ANALYST
Crime analysts use data to find patterns that can help law enforcement officers solve crimes. They can digitally map out crimes, research police reports, locate common times or areas for crime and advice law enforcement officers on specific problems. Some crime analysts may also work as law enforcement officers or forensic psychologists.
HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER
Human resource managers oversee the administrative functions and employee details of an organization. They supervise human resource specialists, meet with company executives about hiring needs, resolve challenges relating to work complaints and manage performance reviews. This position is often a liaison between company leadership and members of other departments.
THREAT ASSESSMENT CONSULTANT
Threat assessment consultants work with government and security agencies to help keep communities safe. Your training in psychology woul enable you to analyze and evaluate data and communicate results effectively. A knowledge of forensic psychology can enhance your abilities by preventing vulnerabilities, impending threats, and application security defects. You'd keep schools safe and work with school professionals by providing them with helpful information about every student’s risks. Practical threat assessment provides companies with possible risk scenarios and helps them make security control implementation decisions.
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION MANAGER Diversity and inclusion managers design company policies that help encourage diversity in the workplace. They can research various diversity and inclusion topics, review company procedures, coordinate with the organization's disability services and create training sessions to help educate about diversity and inclusion. Many diversity and inclusion managers also work with the human resource department to advise about hiring decisions.
VICTIM ADVOCATE
Victim advocates assist victims of a crime in navigating the court system. They can counsel victims or witnesses, help them file protective orders or seek restitution, provide transportation for the victim to court and assist them during court proceedings. Advocates often use psychology principles to provide emotional support and guidance to their clients.
CRIMINAL ANALYST
Crime analysts use data to find patterns that can help law enforcement officers solve crimes. They can digitally map out crimes, research police reports, locate common times or areas for crime and advice law enforcement officers on specific problems. Some crime analysts may also work as law enforcement officers or forensic psychologists.
HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER
Human resource managers oversee the administrative functions and employee details of an organization. They supervise human resource specialists, meet with company executives about hiring needs, resolve challenges relating to work complaints and manage performance reviews. This position is often a liaison between company leadership and members of other departments.
THREAT ASSESSMENT CONSULTANT
Threat assessment consultants work with government and security agencies to help keep communities safe. Your training in psychology woul enable you to analyze and evaluate data and communicate results effectively. A knowledge of forensic psychology can enhance your abilities by preventing vulnerabilities, impending threats, and application security defects. You'd keep schools safe and work with school professionals by providing them with helpful information about every student’s risks. Practical threat assessment provides companies with possible risk scenarios and helps them make security control implementation decisions.
Thank You Paola. How wonderful that no one need wait a single moment to improve the world.
Doc Frick
Paola Ruiz
Teacher and Coach
1
Answer
Orlando, Florida
Updated
Paola’s Answer
Hey Madeline! I studied (clinical) psychology as my major at university, and there are a few things that would have helped me along the way! Psychology is great because it helps give you an understanding of the way people think and why we do what we do. This is essential in basically all careers! However, many careers do seek specializations or a bit of focused knowledge. Many universities offer specializations with your psychology degree. These include: industrial/organizational, clinical, social, developmental, and forensic. Working in human resources, as a teacher, a counselor, or even going to medical school are all options. I would say look towards what you see yourself doing and go from there. Do you have options? SO many. But to help you get there, think about why you want to study psychology and how you want to impact people in your career. I currently teach, but I am looking to become a nutrition and health advisor in the future. My degree has helped me greatly, but it would have been the type of psychology I focused on if I could have changed anything. You got this, you have so many options that pay well. Just keep in mind that you may need to take specific courses for a specific career or attain a certain certification. Keep this in mind, and I believe you will find what you're looking for.
Elizabeth Elferrane
Learning & Development
3
Answers
Reston, Virginia
Updated
Elizabeth’s Answer
This is a great question! While some consider psychology as a major to be frivolous, it's actually a great gateway or entry point into many other career paths. Human Resources is an excellent career option. HR is the art of working with people within the workplace. I might recommend being more specific with your major and consider Industrial Psychology, which opens doors to careers like Corporate Strategist, Organizational Design & Effectiveness, Talent Management...etc.
You can also pursue many graduate degrees with Psychology as a foundation.
You can also pursue many graduate degrees with Psychology as a foundation.
Theresa Marie Rivera
Principal Engineer
2
Answers
Cranford, New Jersey
Updated
Theresa Marie’s Answer
Besides clinical roles, careers in psychology also include opportunities in research, public policy, community dynamics, and child development. Look into graduate programs in psychology to discover the different focus areas available in the field.
ummi Varney
Network Planning Engineer
4
Answers
Plano, Texas
Updated
ummi’s Answer
Becoming a psychology major doesn't limit you to just a therapist career. Look into other jobs the major prepares you for and maybe you'd be more interested in one of those.
Jenae' Steele
Attorney
2
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Jenae'’s Answer
I majored in psychology and ended up in law school. Most professions require interaction with people, so a psychology degree is always helpful. Try and match your passions with your skillset to find a career path that works best.