5 answers
Jurnee
Student
Carrollton, Georgia
2
Questions
Asked
741 views
What should I do Next Am I going in the right direction??
Hi! I am a current college senior majoring in Psychology and minoring in Sociology. As my time in undergrad nears the end... I have found people asking me what I'm doing next. While that may be an overwhelming question.. I do have an idea and I'd like to get a professional opinion. My long term goal is to become a Pediatric Neuropsychologist. However, I am currently working two jobs to support myself through school and I know that will be a trend into my masters and doctoral degree. I had the idea of working while getting a master degree in School Psychology and working as a School Psychologist while in the pursuit of my PhD. I wanted some guidance on this plan as I am a first gen college student with no real guidance or help. Any advice is helpful and appreciated !
Login to comment
4 answers
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
1209
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hi Jurnee,
Let me state this clearly first: you are headed in the right direction, and the fact that you have considered this while juggling two jobs already shows determination and sound judgment. You're carrying out a particularly difficult task as a first-generation student: creating the map while navigating the path, and you're doing it successfully.
It matters that you have a clear long-term goal of becoming a pediatric neuropsychologist. In light of your situation, what you're suggesting—obtaining a Master's degree in school psychology, working as a school psychologist, and then going on to get a PhD—is not only possible but also a wise financial move.
A master's degree in school psychology is one of the few that can lead to a steady, well-paying, licensed position somewhat soon. These include pay, benefits, and practical clinical experience as you pursue your PhD. This is the path taken by many who pursue doctoral programs in clinical or neuropsychology, particularly those who must support themselves during their journey. You would be developing relevant skills with children, evaluations, learning difficulties, and school systems, all of which are very important to pediatric neuropsychology, rather than getting "off track."
It is challenging to work as a school psychologist and pursue a PhD at the same time, but it is possible with careful planning. During their PhD years, many doctoral students work part-time or on a per diem basis. The secret is to choose programs that understand working students and to be realistic about workload. This is about sustainability, not about working nonstop.
One thing I want to normalize for you is the fact that very few individuals, especially first-generation students, go straight from undergraduate to PhD without any work in between. Concentrating on gaining paid experience seems to strengthen rather than weaken PhD candidates. Candidates who have a practical understanding of working with children and families, rather than only a theoretical understanding, are valued by admissions committees.
A few practical next steps you can take now:
- Talk to school psychologists and pediatric neuropsychologists about their paths; many are happy to share
- Look closely at School Psychology programs’ licensure outcomes and funding options
- Ask doctoral programs you’re interested in whether school psychology experience is viewed positively (it usually is)
- Protect your energy, burnout helps no one, especially over a long training path
The most important bit of advice is that you don't have to have every step planned out exactly at this moment. Having a "perfect" timeframe is not nearly as important as the clarity, flexibility, and realism shown in your strategy.
You are not behind. You are not naïve. You are setting up a smart, methodical pathway that respects what you want and your demand for self-sufficiency. It's not simply the correct path; it's a powerful one.
Best wishes!
Let me state this clearly first: you are headed in the right direction, and the fact that you have considered this while juggling two jobs already shows determination and sound judgment. You're carrying out a particularly difficult task as a first-generation student: creating the map while navigating the path, and you're doing it successfully.
It matters that you have a clear long-term goal of becoming a pediatric neuropsychologist. In light of your situation, what you're suggesting—obtaining a Master's degree in school psychology, working as a school psychologist, and then going on to get a PhD—is not only possible but also a wise financial move.
A master's degree in school psychology is one of the few that can lead to a steady, well-paying, licensed position somewhat soon. These include pay, benefits, and practical clinical experience as you pursue your PhD. This is the path taken by many who pursue doctoral programs in clinical or neuropsychology, particularly those who must support themselves during their journey. You would be developing relevant skills with children, evaluations, learning difficulties, and school systems, all of which are very important to pediatric neuropsychology, rather than getting "off track."
It is challenging to work as a school psychologist and pursue a PhD at the same time, but it is possible with careful planning. During their PhD years, many doctoral students work part-time or on a per diem basis. The secret is to choose programs that understand working students and to be realistic about workload. This is about sustainability, not about working nonstop.
One thing I want to normalize for you is the fact that very few individuals, especially first-generation students, go straight from undergraduate to PhD without any work in between. Concentrating on gaining paid experience seems to strengthen rather than weaken PhD candidates. Candidates who have a practical understanding of working with children and families, rather than only a theoretical understanding, are valued by admissions committees.
A few practical next steps you can take now:
- Talk to school psychologists and pediatric neuropsychologists about their paths; many are happy to share
- Look closely at School Psychology programs’ licensure outcomes and funding options
- Ask doctoral programs you’re interested in whether school psychology experience is viewed positively (it usually is)
- Protect your energy, burnout helps no one, especially over a long training path
The most important bit of advice is that you don't have to have every step planned out exactly at this moment. Having a "perfect" timeframe is not nearly as important as the clarity, flexibility, and realism shown in your strategy.
You are not behind. You are not naïve. You are setting up a smart, methodical pathway that respects what you want and your demand for self-sufficiency. It's not simply the correct path; it's a powerful one.
Best wishes!
Mrinalini K
Project manager
20
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Mrinalini’s Answer
Hi Jurnee, it's fantastic to see you working hard and focusing on your education. This shows you're serious about your career and future. Having plans at your age is impressive. You seem to have a clear path, but since you asked for advice, pursuing a career as a Pediatric Neuropsychologist is a great choice because it's in high demand. Good luck!
Vianne Phan
Youth Development Teacher
106
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Vianne’s Answer
Thinking about becoming a pediatric neuropsychologist and planning ahead for financial support is a great start. Being the first in your family to do this can feel challenging since you're figuring it out on your own, but your plan is smart and doable.
Your idea of getting a master’s in School Psychology and working as a school psychologist while pursuing a PhD is practical. It gives you valuable experience with kids, assessment skills, and a steady job. These skills are useful in pediatric neuropsychology, especially in testing, writing reports, and working with schools and families. However, many paths in pediatric neuropsychology prefer a PhD or PsyD in clinical psychology with a focus on neuropsychology. A master’s in school psychology is not enough on its own, but it can be a helpful step if you choose your doctoral program wisely later on.
Here are a few things you might consider doing next: talk to school psychologists and pediatric neuropsychologists about their careers, research PhD programs to understand what they look for in applicants, and get some research experience if you haven't yet. Research is very important for neuropsychology admissions. Also, some PhD programs offer funding or stipends, which can help reduce your workload while studying, so you might not always have to work as much as you think.
Your idea of getting a master’s in School Psychology and working as a school psychologist while pursuing a PhD is practical. It gives you valuable experience with kids, assessment skills, and a steady job. These skills are useful in pediatric neuropsychology, especially in testing, writing reports, and working with schools and families. However, many paths in pediatric neuropsychology prefer a PhD or PsyD in clinical psychology with a focus on neuropsychology. A master’s in school psychology is not enough on its own, but it can be a helpful step if you choose your doctoral program wisely later on.
Here are a few things you might consider doing next: talk to school psychologists and pediatric neuropsychologists about their careers, research PhD programs to understand what they look for in applicants, and get some research experience if you haven't yet. Research is very important for neuropsychology admissions. Also, some PhD programs offer funding or stipends, which can help reduce your workload while studying, so you might not always have to work as much as you think.
Jerome Dees Jr.
Sales Professional and Networking Expert
834
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Jerome’s Answer
I went through the same thing as someone having to navigate through college without the assistance of my parents (who had not). I wish someone would’ve told me how much all of the loans would add up overtime. I was paying nearly $900 a month at one point.
Putting that to the side, it’s OK to not have a clear path in every answer right now. The funny thing is I don’t think many people do have a super clear path. Education is your job right now, but doing some internships or getting a job that is in the field could be beneficial. I think many people graduate with the hope they will just find a job and it is the people who network and have a foot in the door who often do better.
Take your time and do what feels right. There is no clear road map as everybody’s life is different. Feel good about the fact that you are aiming to improve your life through education.
Putting that to the side, it’s OK to not have a clear path in every answer right now. The funny thing is I don’t think many people do have a super clear path. Education is your job right now, but doing some internships or getting a job that is in the field could be beneficial. I think many people graduate with the hope they will just find a job and it is the people who network and have a foot in the door who often do better.
Take your time and do what feels right. There is no clear road map as everybody’s life is different. Feel good about the fact that you are aiming to improve your life through education.