8 answers
Gianna
Student
North Bellmore, NY
1
Question
Updated
638 views
How can I help determine what exactly I want to do?
Hi! I'm really interested in the English and psychology fields, but I've yet to really find a job that I feel specifically called to, despite all of my research. Any tips for finding where I fit?
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8 answers
Diana Rodriguez Velasquez
Psychologist
54
Answers
Memphis, Tennessee
Updated
Diana’s Answer
Hi Gianna,
Feeling unsure about your path is more common than people admit—especially when you’re drawn to more than one field like English and psychology.
A few things that often help clarify direction:
-Shift from “What job do I want?” to “What problems do I enjoy working on?”
Notice what topics energize you: helping people understand themselves, storytelling, advocacy, research, education, etc.
-Experiment before committing. Take classes, volunteer, intern, or shadow professionals in areas that interest you. Real-world exposure often brings clarity faster than research alone.
-Pay attention to patterns. Look back at moments when you felt engaged or proud—what skills were you using?
-Allow your path to evolve. Many careers combine interests (for example: psychology + writing, research, education, or communications).
-Talk it through. Career counselors, mentors, or professors can help you reflect and identify realistic paths that match both your interests and strengths.
You don’t need to have everything figured out right now. Clarity usually comes from action, not pressure. Stay curious and give yourself permission to explore.
Wishing you clarity and confidence as you move forward!
Feeling unsure about your path is more common than people admit—especially when you’re drawn to more than one field like English and psychology.
A few things that often help clarify direction:
-Shift from “What job do I want?” to “What problems do I enjoy working on?”
Notice what topics energize you: helping people understand themselves, storytelling, advocacy, research, education, etc.
-Experiment before committing. Take classes, volunteer, intern, or shadow professionals in areas that interest you. Real-world exposure often brings clarity faster than research alone.
-Pay attention to patterns. Look back at moments when you felt engaged or proud—what skills were you using?
-Allow your path to evolve. Many careers combine interests (for example: psychology + writing, research, education, or communications).
-Talk it through. Career counselors, mentors, or professors can help you reflect and identify realistic paths that match both your interests and strengths.
You don’t need to have everything figured out right now. Clarity usually comes from action, not pressure. Stay curious and give yourself permission to explore.
Wishing you clarity and confidence as you move forward!
Patrick Meyer
Executive - Data Analytics and AI
1058
Answers
Naperville, Illinois
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Based on what you have provided, I would say you should start by identifying what excites you. For example, writing, research, helping people, etc. I would then try some of the following:
• I think that your ideal path often emerges through exploration, not just research. Stay curious and give yourself permission to test different options
• Try job shadowing or internships in roles tied to English and psychology, like counseling, content creation, or UX research.
• Use career assessments (e.g., Myers-Briggs, StrengthsFinder) to uncover your natural strengths. I found that this has help others in the past.
• Talk to professionals like a career counselor, community leaders, etc. through informational interviews by asking what they love and what challenges they face.
• Experiment with side projects such as blogging, volunteering, or tutoring. To see if any of that feels meaningful to you.
• I think that your ideal path often emerges through exploration, not just research. Stay curious and give yourself permission to test different options
• Try job shadowing or internships in roles tied to English and psychology, like counseling, content creation, or UX research.
• Use career assessments (e.g., Myers-Briggs, StrengthsFinder) to uncover your natural strengths. I found that this has help others in the past.
• Talk to professionals like a career counselor, community leaders, etc. through informational interviews by asking what they love and what challenges they face.
• Experiment with side projects such as blogging, volunteering, or tutoring. To see if any of that feels meaningful to you.
Marisa Cinelli
HR Manager
8
Answers
Oldsmar, Florida
Updated
Marisa’s Answer
Hi Gianni, figuring out what you want to do can be an exciting journey. Start by thinking about what you love, what you're good at, and what matters to you. Pay attention to activities that make you feel happy and energized. Trying out different fields through volunteering, internships, or talking to people in those areas can give you great ideas. Career assessments or personality tests can also point you in the right direction. Don't be afraid to ask for advice from mentors, career counselors, or professionals you admire. Remember, finding your path takes time, so be patient with yourself and stay open to new possibilities.
Lori Wayfair
Author, Creator, Artist, Ordained Spiritual Counselor
10
Answers
Elk Rapids, Michigan
Updated
Lori’s Answer
Hi Gianna!
I suggest to everyone that before you make any life choices to make sure that you first know yourself. Taking time to mediate and pray can help save a lot of wasted time.
I challenge students and adults alike to commit to 6 months of daily 10-60 minute meditation & prayer time followed by journaling time.
I can nearly guarantee 100% results.
Using a guided mediation or frequency music can help a lot and can be found on YouTube free.
Insight Timer app is wonderful! Search it out and find sessions that resonate with you. Some of my favorites are Flow dreaming with Summer M. Blue Shaman. 30 day reset challenge. Manifest creativity. (Just for examples of the diversity there). Chakra alignment. Etc.
I'm going to list some job ideas below that fit in with your interests.
Forensic Linguist - Analyze language patterns in legal contexts, combining psychology of language with investigative work
Brand Strategist/Communications Psychologist - Analyze consumer behavior and craft messaging that resonates with target audiences’ deeper motivations
Bibliotherapy Specialist - Prescribe books and create reading programs for therapeutic purposes in clinical or community settings
User Experience (UX) Researcher/Writer - Study how people interact with technology and craft intuitive, psychologically-informed interfaces and copy
Grief Counselor/Memorial Writer - Support bereaved individuals while helping them craft obituaries, eulogies, or memory books
Organizational Development Consultant - Help companies improve workplace culture, communication, and employee wellbeing through written assessments and training materials
Medical/Health Communication Specialist - Write patient education materials or work in health literacy, making medical information psychologically accessible
Conflict Resolution Mediator - Use psychological insight and communication skills to facilitate difficult conversations and negotiations
Literary Agent specializing in Psychology/Self-Help - Evaluate manuscripts and guide authors in shaping their psychological insights into marketable books
Voice and Dialect Coach for Actors - Help performers understand character psychology while perfecting speech patterns and communication styles
Crisis Text Line Counselor - Provide mental health support through written communication, using careful word choice in high-stakes situations
Clinical/Counseling Psychology - Use your communication skills to help clients process emotions and experiences through talk therapy
Narrative Therapy Specialist - Help people rewrite their life stories and find meaning through therapeutic storytelling techniques
School/College Counselor - Guide students through academic and personal challenges while utilizing strong interpersonal communication
Content Writer for Mental Health Organizations - Translate complex psychological concepts into accessible, empathetic content for the public
Hostage/Crisis Negotiator - Apply psychological de-escalation techniques and strategic language to save lives in high-pressure situations
AI Conversation Designer - Create empathetic dialogue trees and personality frameworks for chatbots, therapy apps, or interactive mental health tools
Jury Consultant - Analyze juror psychology and help legal teams craft persuasive narratives for courtroom presentations
Video Game Narrative Designer (Mental Health Focus) - Write storylines and dialogue that explore psychological themes while creating emotionally resonant player experiences
Cult Deprogramming Specialist/Exit Counselor - Help individuals recover from high-control groups using psychological insight and careful communication strategies
Poetry/Creative Writing Therapy Facilitator - Lead therapeutic workshops where participants process trauma and emotions through guided creative expression
Social Emotional Learning Curriculum Designer - Develop educational materials that teach children emotional intelligence and psychological resilience
Eyewitness Memory Consultant - Work with legal teams analyzing the reliability of testimony using psychology of memory and language
Suicide Prevention Hotline Trainer/Supervisor - Train crisis counselors in life-saving communication techniques while providing psychological support
Online Disinformation Researcher - Study how manipulative language and psychological tactics spread false narratives on social media platforms
Therapeutic Improv Coach - Use improvisational theater techniques to help clients build confidence, process emotions, and improve social skills
Adoption/Foster Care Communication Specialist - Write sensitive materials and facilitate conversations for families navigating complex emotional transitions
Sending you the best of luck in finding your path!
Lori Wayfair 💌
I suggest to everyone that before you make any life choices to make sure that you first know yourself. Taking time to mediate and pray can help save a lot of wasted time.
I challenge students and adults alike to commit to 6 months of daily 10-60 minute meditation & prayer time followed by journaling time.
I can nearly guarantee 100% results.
Using a guided mediation or frequency music can help a lot and can be found on YouTube free.
Insight Timer app is wonderful! Search it out and find sessions that resonate with you. Some of my favorites are Flow dreaming with Summer M. Blue Shaman. 30 day reset challenge. Manifest creativity. (Just for examples of the diversity there). Chakra alignment. Etc.
I'm going to list some job ideas below that fit in with your interests.
Forensic Linguist - Analyze language patterns in legal contexts, combining psychology of language with investigative work
Brand Strategist/Communications Psychologist - Analyze consumer behavior and craft messaging that resonates with target audiences’ deeper motivations
Bibliotherapy Specialist - Prescribe books and create reading programs for therapeutic purposes in clinical or community settings
User Experience (UX) Researcher/Writer - Study how people interact with technology and craft intuitive, psychologically-informed interfaces and copy
Grief Counselor/Memorial Writer - Support bereaved individuals while helping them craft obituaries, eulogies, or memory books
Organizational Development Consultant - Help companies improve workplace culture, communication, and employee wellbeing through written assessments and training materials
Medical/Health Communication Specialist - Write patient education materials or work in health literacy, making medical information psychologically accessible
Conflict Resolution Mediator - Use psychological insight and communication skills to facilitate difficult conversations and negotiations
Literary Agent specializing in Psychology/Self-Help - Evaluate manuscripts and guide authors in shaping their psychological insights into marketable books
Voice and Dialect Coach for Actors - Help performers understand character psychology while perfecting speech patterns and communication styles
Crisis Text Line Counselor - Provide mental health support through written communication, using careful word choice in high-stakes situations
Clinical/Counseling Psychology - Use your communication skills to help clients process emotions and experiences through talk therapy
Narrative Therapy Specialist - Help people rewrite their life stories and find meaning through therapeutic storytelling techniques
School/College Counselor - Guide students through academic and personal challenges while utilizing strong interpersonal communication
Content Writer for Mental Health Organizations - Translate complex psychological concepts into accessible, empathetic content for the public
Hostage/Crisis Negotiator - Apply psychological de-escalation techniques and strategic language to save lives in high-pressure situations
AI Conversation Designer - Create empathetic dialogue trees and personality frameworks for chatbots, therapy apps, or interactive mental health tools
Jury Consultant - Analyze juror psychology and help legal teams craft persuasive narratives for courtroom presentations
Video Game Narrative Designer (Mental Health Focus) - Write storylines and dialogue that explore psychological themes while creating emotionally resonant player experiences
Cult Deprogramming Specialist/Exit Counselor - Help individuals recover from high-control groups using psychological insight and careful communication strategies
Poetry/Creative Writing Therapy Facilitator - Lead therapeutic workshops where participants process trauma and emotions through guided creative expression
Social Emotional Learning Curriculum Designer - Develop educational materials that teach children emotional intelligence and psychological resilience
Eyewitness Memory Consultant - Work with legal teams analyzing the reliability of testimony using psychology of memory and language
Suicide Prevention Hotline Trainer/Supervisor - Train crisis counselors in life-saving communication techniques while providing psychological support
Online Disinformation Researcher - Study how manipulative language and psychological tactics spread false narratives on social media platforms
Therapeutic Improv Coach - Use improvisational theater techniques to help clients build confidence, process emotions, and improve social skills
Adoption/Foster Care Communication Specialist - Write sensitive materials and facilitate conversations for families navigating complex emotional transitions
Sending you the best of luck in finding your path!
Lori Wayfair 💌
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
1185
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hi Gianna,
"How do I figure out where I fit?" is the proper question to ask, not "What job should I pick?" You're already ahead of the curve with that approach. When you’re drawn to both English and psychology, it usually means your talents sit at an intersection of communication, understanding, and human behavior, a powerful combination in today’s industry.
Start with this truth:
You don’t find your career calling by choosing a job title.
You discover it by figuring out how you prefer to think, work, and make an impact.
Here's how to begin making that clear:
1. Map your “work drivers”, not just your interests
Ask yourself:
- Do I like observing people or guiding them?
- Do I prefer analyzing stories or creating them?
- Do I get energy from helping others grow… or communicating ideas?
- Do I thrive in structured roles or creative spaces?
These drivers tell you where your psychology + English blend actually wants to live.
2. Explore hybrid fields where your strengths naturally connect
There are entire sectors built exactly for people like you:
- Behavioral Communications: UX writing, messaging strategy, health communication, public interest campaigns
- Human-Centered Research: User research, consumer psychology, audience insights, human factors
- Storytelling for Impact: Nonprofit communications, brand storytelling, digital media strategy
- Mental Health + Writing: Psychoeducation content creation, curriculum development, youth-focused programs
- Organizational Psychology Lite: Training and development, employee experience, leadership communication
Right now, all you need to do is test which environment seems like home; a work title is not necessary.
3. Use “mini-experiments” instead of long commitments
You’ll get clarity faster by trying things in small, low-risk ways:
- Join a research lab
- Write for a campus publication
- Volunteer in a mentoring or peer support program
- Take one elective in counseling, linguistics, or social behavior
- Shadow someone who works in applied psychology or communications
Every experience becomes a data point. Patterns will develop.
4. Pay attention to what keeps pulling you back
When you’re exploring two fields, the proper direction can often show up as:
- a topic you can talk about for hours
- work that feels energizing, not draining
- assignments you go “above and beyond” on without trying
That is alignment, not a coincidence.
5. Your degree won’t trap you; it will launch you
A psychology + English profile is one of the most broad pairings on the market. Employers love it because it signals:
- strong communication
- human insight
- research skills
- empathy + analysis
You’re not risking restricting your career; you’re widening it.
The job title is not yet required.
All you need is guidance, and you already have two strong fields pushing you in the direction of impact-driven, human-centered, and communication-rich work.
Best wishes!
"How do I figure out where I fit?" is the proper question to ask, not "What job should I pick?" You're already ahead of the curve with that approach. When you’re drawn to both English and psychology, it usually means your talents sit at an intersection of communication, understanding, and human behavior, a powerful combination in today’s industry.
Start with this truth:
You don’t find your career calling by choosing a job title.
You discover it by figuring out how you prefer to think, work, and make an impact.
Here's how to begin making that clear:
1. Map your “work drivers”, not just your interests
Ask yourself:
- Do I like observing people or guiding them?
- Do I prefer analyzing stories or creating them?
- Do I get energy from helping others grow… or communicating ideas?
- Do I thrive in structured roles or creative spaces?
These drivers tell you where your psychology + English blend actually wants to live.
2. Explore hybrid fields where your strengths naturally connect
There are entire sectors built exactly for people like you:
- Behavioral Communications: UX writing, messaging strategy, health communication, public interest campaigns
- Human-Centered Research: User research, consumer psychology, audience insights, human factors
- Storytelling for Impact: Nonprofit communications, brand storytelling, digital media strategy
- Mental Health + Writing: Psychoeducation content creation, curriculum development, youth-focused programs
- Organizational Psychology Lite: Training and development, employee experience, leadership communication
Right now, all you need to do is test which environment seems like home; a work title is not necessary.
3. Use “mini-experiments” instead of long commitments
You’ll get clarity faster by trying things in small, low-risk ways:
- Join a research lab
- Write for a campus publication
- Volunteer in a mentoring or peer support program
- Take one elective in counseling, linguistics, or social behavior
- Shadow someone who works in applied psychology or communications
Every experience becomes a data point. Patterns will develop.
4. Pay attention to what keeps pulling you back
When you’re exploring two fields, the proper direction can often show up as:
- a topic you can talk about for hours
- work that feels energizing, not draining
- assignments you go “above and beyond” on without trying
That is alignment, not a coincidence.
5. Your degree won’t trap you; it will launch you
A psychology + English profile is one of the most broad pairings on the market. Employers love it because it signals:
- strong communication
- human insight
- research skills
- empathy + analysis
You’re not risking restricting your career; you’re widening it.
The job title is not yet required.
All you need is guidance, and you already have two strong fields pushing you in the direction of impact-driven, human-centered, and communication-rich work.
Best wishes!
Eve Medina
Sales Associate
6
Answers
Las Pinas, Metro Manila, Philippines
Updated
Eve’s Answer
Finding out what you really want to pursue can be a daunting task. There are so many considerations to weigh but at the end of the day I think you will never go wrong by following what is your passion. It doesn't matter how big or small you think they are but what's most important is you love what you do. It's rare for people to actually do what they love, I consider it actually a blessing.
Don't be afraid to try new things and be confined only say with your degree. Most people actually pursue careers outside of their degree and ended up enjoying it.
You have narrowed down to two areas: English and Psyhcology, have you taught about teaching? I think this is one of the most noble jobs out there!
Don't be afraid to try new things and be confined only say with your degree. Most people actually pursue careers outside of their degree and ended up enjoying it.
You have narrowed down to two areas: English and Psyhcology, have you taught about teaching? I think this is one of the most noble jobs out there!
Tiffanie Rand (Lampasona), CDR, CIR
Recruiter
102
Answers
Washington, Washington
Updated
Tiffanie’s Answer
Hi Gianna,
This is a great question and one that many of us are still trying to figure out even with careers!
I thought I might want to be a nurse early in my life so I decided to take a couple of classes at community college and then also volunteer at a hospital. I realized that maybe that wasn't the path for me at the time. I also thought I might consider law, again I took a few classes and it didn't really appeal to me. I think you have to try a lot of things before you decide what you want to do. You do not need to make any solid plans right now, just try a lot of different things. You could take a career test online and narrow down to what you might like and volunteer or take a class. Even if you start with a major in college you can always dual major or change your path. Don't limit yourself, do it all!
This is a great question and one that many of us are still trying to figure out even with careers!
I thought I might want to be a nurse early in my life so I decided to take a couple of classes at community college and then also volunteer at a hospital. I realized that maybe that wasn't the path for me at the time. I also thought I might consider law, again I took a few classes and it didn't really appeal to me. I think you have to try a lot of things before you decide what you want to do. You do not need to make any solid plans right now, just try a lot of different things. You could take a career test online and narrow down to what you might like and volunteer or take a class. Even if you start with a major in college you can always dual major or change your path. Don't limit yourself, do it all!
Sara Doyle
Exhibits Coordinator
6
Answers
Douglas, Wyoming
Updated
Sara’s Answer
Gianna,
Hi! Those two interests are not that different. I got my degree in English Lit, because I didn't really know what I wanted to do, but I knew I like reading and writing. I also knew I didn't want to teach. While my English degree has never been directly used in my jobs (ie, other than freelance work, none of my jobs have been English lit or writing specific), it has helped me in all of them. I currently and the Exhibits Coordinator for a state fair, and part of my job is producing our rule book every year--so my editing skills come in very handy. We are a small office, so I often find myself proofing other material for marketing or general emails that will go out to wide audiences. I've also worked in Corrections, where my skills helped when we needed to write affidavits for court.
As Patrick said, shadowing jobs is a great way to figure out your passion and where your skills fit. Don't limit yourself to just English or psych related fields when looking-- look at industries or fields that interest you that can use writing and psych insights. Do you love horses? Look at how you might be able to write copy for a horse-focused magazine. Think along those lines. English and psych, outside of teaching or being a therapist, are great compliments to so may other jobs. I wish I had known about jobs like Probation Agent or Fair Manager when I was your age--I might have stumbled onto a job I loved much earlier. So look to those areas that bring you joy, and then look how you can apply writing and psych to jobs in those fields. Good luck!
Hi! Those two interests are not that different. I got my degree in English Lit, because I didn't really know what I wanted to do, but I knew I like reading and writing. I also knew I didn't want to teach. While my English degree has never been directly used in my jobs (ie, other than freelance work, none of my jobs have been English lit or writing specific), it has helped me in all of them. I currently and the Exhibits Coordinator for a state fair, and part of my job is producing our rule book every year--so my editing skills come in very handy. We are a small office, so I often find myself proofing other material for marketing or general emails that will go out to wide audiences. I've also worked in Corrections, where my skills helped when we needed to write affidavits for court.
As Patrick said, shadowing jobs is a great way to figure out your passion and where your skills fit. Don't limit yourself to just English or psych related fields when looking-- look at industries or fields that interest you that can use writing and psych insights. Do you love horses? Look at how you might be able to write copy for a horse-focused magazine. Think along those lines. English and psych, outside of teaching or being a therapist, are great compliments to so may other jobs. I wish I had known about jobs like Probation Agent or Fair Manager when I was your age--I might have stumbled onto a job I loved much earlier. So look to those areas that bring you joy, and then look how you can apply writing and psych to jobs in those fields. Good luck!