2 answers
kevin
Student
Digos City, Davao Region, Philippines
1
Question
Asked
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after graduating college as a psych major, what opportunities opened up to you? was it fast getting work or a job, and does the course really help you at all in your job? - from a curious psych major?
im currently stusying psychology but i dont have a clear career path, soo im hoping that by reading your replies, i would have some realizations to what im gonna do in the future hehe
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2 answers
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
1210
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hi Kevin,
You’re not alone. A large percentage of psychology majors do not graduate from college with a well-defined job path, which is actually one of the degree's advantages. Psych offers dozens of doors, but the trick is to identify which ones match your interests, lifestyle goals, and the kind of influence you want to make.
For most people, the first wave of opportunity after graduation comes from behavioral-health and people-centered roles. Behavioral health technician, case manager, adolescent counselor, psychiatric technician, research assistant, HR assistant, rehab support specialist, and crisis line worker are examples of entry-level jobs that fall under this category.
Although they aren't often appealing, they provide you with genuine understanding of human behavior, mental health systems, and the realities of day-to-day jobs. And yes, the psych degree absolutely helps you achieve these roles because companies appreciate communication skills, empathy, crisis management, basic research training, and an understanding of human behavior.
Was it “fast” to get a job? For many grads, yes, especially in mental health and social services, where demand is high. If you’re open to many different roles, you normally won’t be waiting months. The schedule may be longer if you're particularly picky, but this is true for any major.
The thing that most people don't say out loud is that psychology is a starting point rather than a destination. The degree provides you with an adaptable base.
What decides your orientation is the experience you choose to layer on top of it. That's where the clarity is useful. When people begin working, whether in a hospital, clinic, school, community program, research lab, corporate HR, or another setting, they begin to realize:
“Oh, I love this… or nope, definitely not this.”
It's quite normal if you're still not sure where you want to go. Make use of your degree as a resource for learning. Try a part-time job in mental health assistance, volunteer, take one elective that interests you, or spend a day shadowing someone. Every event provides you with new information on who you're becoming, and people use this information to determine who they are.
Right now, you don't need all the answers. All you need is your next move. And you’ve already gotten it by asking the question.
Best wishes!
You’re not alone. A large percentage of psychology majors do not graduate from college with a well-defined job path, which is actually one of the degree's advantages. Psych offers dozens of doors, but the trick is to identify which ones match your interests, lifestyle goals, and the kind of influence you want to make.
For most people, the first wave of opportunity after graduation comes from behavioral-health and people-centered roles. Behavioral health technician, case manager, adolescent counselor, psychiatric technician, research assistant, HR assistant, rehab support specialist, and crisis line worker are examples of entry-level jobs that fall under this category.
Although they aren't often appealing, they provide you with genuine understanding of human behavior, mental health systems, and the realities of day-to-day jobs. And yes, the psych degree absolutely helps you achieve these roles because companies appreciate communication skills, empathy, crisis management, basic research training, and an understanding of human behavior.
Was it “fast” to get a job? For many grads, yes, especially in mental health and social services, where demand is high. If you’re open to many different roles, you normally won’t be waiting months. The schedule may be longer if you're particularly picky, but this is true for any major.
The thing that most people don't say out loud is that psychology is a starting point rather than a destination. The degree provides you with an adaptable base.
What decides your orientation is the experience you choose to layer on top of it. That's where the clarity is useful. When people begin working, whether in a hospital, clinic, school, community program, research lab, corporate HR, or another setting, they begin to realize:
“Oh, I love this… or nope, definitely not this.”
It's quite normal if you're still not sure where you want to go. Make use of your degree as a resource for learning. Try a part-time job in mental health assistance, volunteer, take one elective that interests you, or spend a day shadowing someone. Every event provides you with new information on who you're becoming, and people use this information to determine who they are.
Right now, you don't need all the answers. All you need is your next move. And you’ve already gotten it by asking the question.
Best wishes!
Hannah Stapleton
HR Manager
1
Answer
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Hannah’s Answer
I know exactly how you feel. I was in your shoes after finishing my psychology degree, unsure of my next step. I found my way into HR, specifically recruitment, where I could use what I learned in school.
A psychology degree provides a strong foundation for roles that involve working with people and understanding what motivates them. If you’re still figuring things out, that’s totally normal! Sometimes it’s about exploring different paths and seeing what feels right.
A psychology degree provides a strong foundation for roles that involve working with people and understanding what motivates them. If you’re still figuring things out, that’s totally normal! Sometimes it’s about exploring different paths and seeing what feels right.