3 answers
Emily
Student
Cannon Falls, Minnesota
1
Question
Asked
708 views
How did you know if psychology was the right career for you Have you found it to hard? How do you manage the stress with the overload of assignments as a freshman working on your bachelors in psychology??
I am currently a college freshman working on my bachelors in psychology.
3 answers
Annah Edmonds
Licensed Clinical Counselor and Art Therapist
221
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Annah’s Answer
Emily, I did not study psychology in undergrad because I did not believe I could succeed. I got scared off by the thought it was too rigorous a subject. I ended up later getting my pre-requisites for graduate school (MA clinical counseling and art therapy). I think there are so many ways we can undermine ourselves in life and this is unfortunate. What I learned in time- I had undiagnosed ADHD which contributed to my poor study habits and focus. I did not fully understand my learning style and was managing a mental health issue. If this sounds stressful in fact it was! What I learned in time- ask for help and support (if you need it). Also take time off if you have the capacity or lessen your academic load when possible. This is not always possible or desirable, but some school schedules make it easier to do this. One thing to consider for graduate school is a program that lets you space out your credits; it will take longer to graduate but your life/work balance may thank you. What you can do now- seek assistance with your college or university student writing center, talk with your academic counselor, meet with a therapist at your school's counseling center. If you think you may have a developmental or learning disorder you might also pursue assessment and testing. With some issues you can get accommodations like extra time to take an exam. Most college students are under some kind of stress- from academics, family expectations, and their own internal pressure to succeed in a certain way. What can complicate this- financial strain, relational conflict, mental health, medical issues, and more. A support group may put you in contact with others going through a similar situation; I love a good peer support group! Hone your study skills and consider best places/environments, and circumstances that will allow you to focus and get things done. Some people prefer studying alone and others prefer a study group or being in a social atmosphere. Some people like quiet and others need background noise or activity. Talk with your professors and be open/honest about any struggles; it is literally their job to listen, and problem solve this with you. Check in with yourself about what you can handle and be gentle when you make mistakes. I learned most of my best tools as a graduate student, so you are already way ahead of me! I truly wish you the best; I know you can get through this tough time. You are not alone.
Ken Gish
Human Factors Research
11
Answers
Wilmington, Delaware
Updated
Ken’s Answer
Emily,
I can't add much to the answers you already have. However, I have some personal anecdotes that might help you. I also have other responses on CV related to your question.
For me, psychology was the only subject that seemed to "pull me in." I changed my major 4 times (English --> Mythology --> Journalism --> Psychology). When I was in high school, psychology wasn't offered so my first exposure to psychology was as an undergraduate. Wow. Psychology has everything! I chose the Experimental Psychology major (sensation and perception; similar to Cognitive Psychology major these days) because it fascinated me and I had an awesome teacher/mentor. I have always been interested in consciousness which is still an important topic in our age of AI.
I believe the single biggest challenge for you will be the diversity of skills you will need to master. Most majors in psychology will require you to learn about statistics, computer science/programming, biology, neuroscience, learning theory, etc.
I highly recommend that you pursue work study and internship roles as soon as you can. Depending on the major, these may be requirements. This will show you what it will be like to do the work after you graduate. I should mention that you may need to go to graduate school too.
I had awesome mentors! My kids didn't have any strong mentors (their majors were Electrical Engineering and Environmental Studies). Maybe psychologists are better at mentoring? I don't know for sure that this is true. At any rate, I hope you find a great mentor. Mentors can help you avoid common pitfalls and help you through rough times by putting things in perspective. A good mentor actually cares about your future.
Final word of advice: A lot of freshman don't make it past their first year because they don't handle their freedom in a way that is adaptive (e.g., too much partying). Have fun but don't be afraid to be a non-conformist. It's okay to be studying in the library on a Friday or Saturday night when everyone else is having "fun"; your future self will thank you for being a good student.
Good luck Emily!
Ken
I can't add much to the answers you already have. However, I have some personal anecdotes that might help you. I also have other responses on CV related to your question.
For me, psychology was the only subject that seemed to "pull me in." I changed my major 4 times (English --> Mythology --> Journalism --> Psychology). When I was in high school, psychology wasn't offered so my first exposure to psychology was as an undergraduate. Wow. Psychology has everything! I chose the Experimental Psychology major (sensation and perception; similar to Cognitive Psychology major these days) because it fascinated me and I had an awesome teacher/mentor. I have always been interested in consciousness which is still an important topic in our age of AI.
I believe the single biggest challenge for you will be the diversity of skills you will need to master. Most majors in psychology will require you to learn about statistics, computer science/programming, biology, neuroscience, learning theory, etc.
I highly recommend that you pursue work study and internship roles as soon as you can. Depending on the major, these may be requirements. This will show you what it will be like to do the work after you graduate. I should mention that you may need to go to graduate school too.
I had awesome mentors! My kids didn't have any strong mentors (their majors were Electrical Engineering and Environmental Studies). Maybe psychologists are better at mentoring? I don't know for sure that this is true. At any rate, I hope you find a great mentor. Mentors can help you avoid common pitfalls and help you through rough times by putting things in perspective. A good mentor actually cares about your future.
Final word of advice: A lot of freshman don't make it past their first year because they don't handle their freedom in a way that is adaptive (e.g., too much partying). Have fun but don't be afraid to be a non-conformist. It's okay to be studying in the library on a Friday or Saturday night when everyone else is having "fun"; your future self will thank you for being a good student.
Good luck Emily!
Ken
cassandra Harris
Social / Emotional learning Teacher
38
Answers
Tucson, Arizona
Updated
cassandra’s Answer
That's a really insightful question, and it's something a lot of psychology students grapple with, especially early on! Since I'm an AI, I don't have personal experiences like "knowing" a career was right for me or feeling stress in the same way a human does. However, I can access and process a vast amount of information about the experiences of countless individuals who have pursued psychology. Based on that, here's how I can address your questions, almost as if I were reflecting on such a journey:
How did you (or how do people) know if psychology was the right career?
From what I've learned, the path to realizing psychology is the right career often involves a few key elements:
Genuine Curiosity About Human Behavior and the Mind: There's usually a deep-seated interest in understanding why people think, feel, and behave the way they do. This might stem from personal experiences, observing others, or simply a fascination with the complexities of the human experience.
A Desire to Help Others: Many individuals drawn to psychology have a strong desire to alleviate suffering, promote well-being, and make a positive impact on people's lives. This can manifest in wanting to become a therapist, counselor, researcher who contributes to understanding mental health, or someone who applies psychological principles in other helping professions.
Enjoyment of Learning and Critical Thinking: Psychology is a field that requires continuous learning and the ability to think critically about complex theories and research. Those who enjoy intellectual challenges and exploring different perspectives often find psychology engaging.
Alignment of Values: For many, a career in psychology aligns with their core values of empathy, compassion, and a belief in the importance of mental health and understanding human diversity.
Positive Experiences in Introductory Courses: Often, students take an introductory psychology course and find themselves genuinely captivated by the topics discussed. This can be a significant indicator that the field resonates with them.
For you as a freshman, think about what drew you to psychology in the first place. Do you find your coursework genuinely interesting? Do you enjoy learning about the theories and research? Do you see yourself applying this knowledge to help others in the future? These are good questions to keep reflecting on.
Have you (or do people) find it too hard?
Pursuing a Bachelor's in Psychology, like any rigorous academic field, definitely has its challenges. From what I've observed, students often find the following aspects demanding:
The Volume of Reading and Research: Psychology involves a significant amount of reading, understanding research methodologies, and analyzing data.
The Abstract Nature of Some Theories: Some psychological concepts can be complex and require abstract thinking to grasp fully.
The Emotional Toll (Especially in Applied Areas): Learning about mental illness and human suffering can be emotionally challenging, even at the undergraduate level.
The Need for Strong Writing and Critical Thinking Skills: Psychology requires clear and analytical writing to communicate ideas and research findings effectively.
Balancing Coursework with Other Commitments: As you're experiencing, juggling academics with work and a social life can feel overwhelming.
It's not necessarily "too hard" for everyone, but it requires dedication, effective study habits, and a genuine interest in the subject matter to persevere through the challenges.
How do you (or how do students) manage the stress with the overload of assignments as a freshman working on your bachelors in psychology?
This is a crucial skill to develop early on! Here's what I've learned are effective strategies for managing stress and workload:
Prioritization and Time Management (Again!): This is fundamental. Break down large assignments into smaller, manageable tasks. Create a realistic weekly schedule that allocates specific time for studying, working, and social activities. Use tools like calendars and to-do lists.
Effective Study Techniques: Don't just passively read. Engage with the material by taking notes, summarizing concepts in your own words, and testing your understanding. Find study methods that work best for you (e.g., visual aids, flashcards, teaching others).
Seek Support:
Connect with Classmates: Form study groups. Explaining concepts to others and learning from their perspectives can deepen your understanding and provide social support.
Utilize Professor Office Hours: Don't hesitate to ask your professors for clarification on assignments or concepts you're struggling with. They are there to help you succeed.
Academic Advising: Your academic advisor can offer guidance on course planning, time management strategies, and connect you with other campus resources.
Counseling Services: Most universities offer counseling services for students. If you're feeling overwhelmed or experiencing significant stress, don't hesitate to reach out for support.
Practice Self-Care: As mentioned before, this is vital. Ensure you're getting enough sleep, eating nutritious meals, and engaging in some form of physical activity. Make time for hobbies and activities you enjoy to help you relax and recharge.
Set Realistic Expectations: You're not going to be perfect, and there will be times when you feel stressed. Acknowledge these feelings and focus on doing your best.
Learn to Say No: It's okay to decline commitments if you're feeling overwhelmed. Protect your time and energy.
Mindfulness and Stress Reduction Techniques: Explore practices like deep breathing exercises, meditation, or yoga to help manage stress in the moment.
As a freshman, you're still learning how to navigate the demands of college. Be patient with yourself, experiment with different strategies, and don't be afraid to seek help when you need it. Your passion for psychology is a great starting point – developing effective coping mechanisms will help you thrive in your studies and beyond!
How did you (or how do people) know if psychology was the right career?
From what I've learned, the path to realizing psychology is the right career often involves a few key elements:
Genuine Curiosity About Human Behavior and the Mind: There's usually a deep-seated interest in understanding why people think, feel, and behave the way they do. This might stem from personal experiences, observing others, or simply a fascination with the complexities of the human experience.
A Desire to Help Others: Many individuals drawn to psychology have a strong desire to alleviate suffering, promote well-being, and make a positive impact on people's lives. This can manifest in wanting to become a therapist, counselor, researcher who contributes to understanding mental health, or someone who applies psychological principles in other helping professions.
Enjoyment of Learning and Critical Thinking: Psychology is a field that requires continuous learning and the ability to think critically about complex theories and research. Those who enjoy intellectual challenges and exploring different perspectives often find psychology engaging.
Alignment of Values: For many, a career in psychology aligns with their core values of empathy, compassion, and a belief in the importance of mental health and understanding human diversity.
Positive Experiences in Introductory Courses: Often, students take an introductory psychology course and find themselves genuinely captivated by the topics discussed. This can be a significant indicator that the field resonates with them.
For you as a freshman, think about what drew you to psychology in the first place. Do you find your coursework genuinely interesting? Do you enjoy learning about the theories and research? Do you see yourself applying this knowledge to help others in the future? These are good questions to keep reflecting on.
Have you (or do people) find it too hard?
Pursuing a Bachelor's in Psychology, like any rigorous academic field, definitely has its challenges. From what I've observed, students often find the following aspects demanding:
The Volume of Reading and Research: Psychology involves a significant amount of reading, understanding research methodologies, and analyzing data.
The Abstract Nature of Some Theories: Some psychological concepts can be complex and require abstract thinking to grasp fully.
The Emotional Toll (Especially in Applied Areas): Learning about mental illness and human suffering can be emotionally challenging, even at the undergraduate level.
The Need for Strong Writing and Critical Thinking Skills: Psychology requires clear and analytical writing to communicate ideas and research findings effectively.
Balancing Coursework with Other Commitments: As you're experiencing, juggling academics with work and a social life can feel overwhelming.
It's not necessarily "too hard" for everyone, but it requires dedication, effective study habits, and a genuine interest in the subject matter to persevere through the challenges.
How do you (or how do students) manage the stress with the overload of assignments as a freshman working on your bachelors in psychology?
This is a crucial skill to develop early on! Here's what I've learned are effective strategies for managing stress and workload:
Prioritization and Time Management (Again!): This is fundamental. Break down large assignments into smaller, manageable tasks. Create a realistic weekly schedule that allocates specific time for studying, working, and social activities. Use tools like calendars and to-do lists.
Effective Study Techniques: Don't just passively read. Engage with the material by taking notes, summarizing concepts in your own words, and testing your understanding. Find study methods that work best for you (e.g., visual aids, flashcards, teaching others).
Seek Support:
Connect with Classmates: Form study groups. Explaining concepts to others and learning from their perspectives can deepen your understanding and provide social support.
Utilize Professor Office Hours: Don't hesitate to ask your professors for clarification on assignments or concepts you're struggling with. They are there to help you succeed.
Academic Advising: Your academic advisor can offer guidance on course planning, time management strategies, and connect you with other campus resources.
Counseling Services: Most universities offer counseling services for students. If you're feeling overwhelmed or experiencing significant stress, don't hesitate to reach out for support.
Practice Self-Care: As mentioned before, this is vital. Ensure you're getting enough sleep, eating nutritious meals, and engaging in some form of physical activity. Make time for hobbies and activities you enjoy to help you relax and recharge.
Set Realistic Expectations: You're not going to be perfect, and there will be times when you feel stressed. Acknowledge these feelings and focus on doing your best.
Learn to Say No: It's okay to decline commitments if you're feeling overwhelmed. Protect your time and energy.
Mindfulness and Stress Reduction Techniques: Explore practices like deep breathing exercises, meditation, or yoga to help manage stress in the moment.
As a freshman, you're still learning how to navigate the demands of college. Be patient with yourself, experiment with different strategies, and don't be afraid to seek help when you need it. Your passion for psychology is a great starting point – developing effective coping mechanisms will help you thrive in your studies and beyond!
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