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#Spring25 What should I do to get a great career that I am Passionate About. How should I go about it? Why is this the best strategy?

I am 17 years old. I was born and Raised in Houston Texas a Big City with lots of life pleasures as well as challenges. I am now currently a senior in high school. This year I attend high school and will be graduating in May 2025. I've only attended this high school for 2 years and out of those two years I have played volleyball my junior year and soccer my senior year. Freshman and sophomore year I was mostly books and got a lot of high school work done.

I plan on attending Houston Christian University in the Fall of 2025. I have a dream to study psychology for adolescents and children. In the field of psychology there is not much you can do with just a Masters, so I will be further my education by receiving a Doctorate Degree.

Going into the field of Psychology has been a big dream for me since I was in elementary school. At the time I was not aware of what the profession was I just knew this is what I wanted to do.

The Fast movement of the city life can cause life to be challenging and overwhelming at times, which can cause life decisions to be tricky. At first, I just wanted to understand the thoughts and behavior of a human being and why we make unwise decisions in life. As I got older and faced my own mental challenges my passion for human behavior and thoughts grew larger. I began to understand the need for mental health and the demand for people needing help.

career college psychology mental-health
Thank you comment icon Hey Jamiya, for safety purposes, I slightly edited your question to remove the name of your high school! Gurpreet Lally, Admin
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Charlotte’s Answer

Hi there,
To build a great career that you’re passionate about, it’s important to start by laying a strong educational foundation. Since you plan to study psychology at Houston Christian University, focus on taking courses like Introduction to Psychology, Developmental Psychology, and Child and Adolescent Psychology during your undergraduate years. Maintaining a high GPA is crucial, especially since pursuing a career in psychology often requires advanced degrees. Since you are passionate about understanding human behavior and helping adolescents and children, seek out internships or volunteer opportunities related to mental health or youth support, such as working at community centers, schools, or non-profits. These experiences will not only strengthen your resume but also give you real-world insight into working with young people. Building relationships with professors and mentors will also be essential, as they can guide you through your academic journey and provide strong recommendations for graduate school. Stay proactive in joining psychology clubs, attending workshops, and networking with professionals in the field. This approach will help you gain valuable experience while also deepening your understanding of the psychological challenges adolescents face. By combining strong academics, hands-on experience, and mentorship, you’ll be well-prepared to pursue a doctorate and ultimately make a meaningful impact in the lives of young people through your passion for psychology.
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Anna’s Answer

It’s wonderful that you already have such a clear passion and purpose driving you! I completely understand the pressure to have your entire career path figured out at this stage—but remember, you’re still so young and will have many experiences ahead that can shape and refine what you want to do. Starting with a Bachelor’s in Psychology is an excellent first step that will open up a wide range of opportunities.

While many psychology careers do require advanced degrees, you may find along the way that a Master’s or a PsyD (Doctor of Psychology) can offer just as many exciting paths as a PhD, depending on the direction you want to take. The field of psychology is incredibly broad—clinical work, counseling, research, school psychology, organizational consulting, and more. You don’t know what you don’t know yet, and that’s okay!

When you begin your undergraduate studies, I’d recommend connecting with professors in the psychology department to see if they need any research assistance in their labs. That’s a great way to gain hands-on experience and get a feel for the applied side of the work. As you advance in your studies, continue asking questions like this one. Reach out to professionals for informational interviews and ask for insights about what their day-to-day work looks like. You’ll find that career paths are rarely linear or clear-cut—opportunity and experience often lead you to unexpected and rewarding places if you stay open-minded.

Keep following your passion, stay curious, and trust that your path will evolve as you grow.
Thank you comment icon I appreciate this, thank you for the advice. Jamiya
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