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What jobs can I get in or around psychology at 17?
Hello, I'm currently an IBDP1 student in QLD Australia, intending on becoming a clinical psychologist specialising in cluster and dissociative disorders. Is there any jobs, nurses, administration, absolutely anything in the general psychology field that is open to my age?
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Zara’s Answer
Faye;
Hope you're well! Not sure if it'll help you as I'm in Canada, but I am an 18 yr. old Sociology major who is also taking Psychology courses. I may have an idea of some jobs / longterm careers, but I'll try to focus on what's appropriate as a job for your age.
- you could try being a mental health clinic receptionist. you can communicate with other psychiatrists / psychologists, answer phone calls, keep records, and manage appointments. you wouldn't be actually working with clients in the way you're probably thinking but it's a great introduction to what you may do in the future with psych.
- this next one is a bit more finnicky as many of the listings may want you to be over 18 or have experience, but I would look at specific listing requirements before you rule them out; a part time disability support worker. you will be working with people of many age ranges who need help. you could also try working at rec centre events for disabled people or holiday programs, youth programs, or community events.
remember that the possibilties are endless! your job does not need to be directly tied to psychology. i was a deli clerk since i was 14 but it helped me realize how much i wanted to work with people and how to work with different audiences. many transferable skills in psych come from customer service, 1on1 support, etc. so i would aim for those jobs. during weekends or breaks, you can also volunteer at people-oriented events or you could even be a tutor. i hope this helps you: )
Hope you're well! Not sure if it'll help you as I'm in Canada, but I am an 18 yr. old Sociology major who is also taking Psychology courses. I may have an idea of some jobs / longterm careers, but I'll try to focus on what's appropriate as a job for your age.
- you could try being a mental health clinic receptionist. you can communicate with other psychiatrists / psychologists, answer phone calls, keep records, and manage appointments. you wouldn't be actually working with clients in the way you're probably thinking but it's a great introduction to what you may do in the future with psych.
- this next one is a bit more finnicky as many of the listings may want you to be over 18 or have experience, but I would look at specific listing requirements before you rule them out; a part time disability support worker. you will be working with people of many age ranges who need help. you could also try working at rec centre events for disabled people or holiday programs, youth programs, or community events.
remember that the possibilties are endless! your job does not need to be directly tied to psychology. i was a deli clerk since i was 14 but it helped me realize how much i wanted to work with people and how to work with different audiences. many transferable skills in psych come from customer service, 1on1 support, etc. so i would aim for those jobs. during weekends or breaks, you can also volunteer at people-oriented events or you could even be a tutor. i hope this helps you: )
Updated
Secheikhen’s Answer
At 17, volunteering and work experience are probably more valuable than trying to find a "psychology job." You're not expected to have clinical experience yet.
Also, being under 18 isn't automatically a barrier to employment in Queensland. There are specific child-employment protections, and requirements depend on your circumstances and the type of work. If you're working/volunteering with children, Blue Card requirements also depend on whether the role is paid or unpaid; Queensland has specific exemptions for under-18 volunteers.
Also, being under 18 isn't automatically a barrier to employment in Queensland. There are specific child-employment protections, and requirements depend on your circumstances and the type of work. If you're working/volunteering with children, Blue Card requirements also depend on whether the role is paid or unpaid; Queensland has specific exemptions for under-18 volunteers.
Updated
Sijoy’s Answer
Hi Faye,
It's wonderful that you already have a clear vision for your future in psychology. At 17, while clinical roles aren't available yet, there are still great ways to gain experience and learn about the field.
Here are some entry-level opportunities around psychology:
1. Administrative Roles: Working as a receptionist or front desk assistant in clinics, hospitals, or counseling centers can teach you how mental health services work.
2. Support Roles in Education: Schools often need aides or assistants to help students with learning or behavioral needs.
3. Community & Nonprofit Work: Organizations focused on disability support, youth services, or mental health awareness often welcome young volunteers or part-time staff.
4. Research Assistantships: Some universities or labs might allow enthusiastic students to help with data entry or literature reviews.
5. Peer Support & Mentoring: Programs that train young people to support classmates or community members can help you build important interpersonal skills.
Here are some skills and experiences to focus on now:
1. Communication & Empathy: Practicing active listening and clear communication will be very useful in psychology.
2. Organizational Skills: Administrative or volunteer roles can teach you about scheduling, documentation, and coordination.
3. Exposure to Mental Health Settings: Shadowing professionals or volunteering in related organizations can give you valuable insights.
4. Academic Preparation: Keep building a strong foundation in psychology, biology, and social sciences to prepare for university.
Think of these opportunities as steppingstones. They might not be clinical yet, but they will give you valuable experience, help you understand the environment, and strengthen your applications for future study and work. Your passion for specializing in cluster and dissociative disorders shows real dedication, and these early steps will help you grow in that direction.
Wishing you encouragement and clarity as you explore.
It's wonderful that you already have a clear vision for your future in psychology. At 17, while clinical roles aren't available yet, there are still great ways to gain experience and learn about the field.
Here are some entry-level opportunities around psychology:
1. Administrative Roles: Working as a receptionist or front desk assistant in clinics, hospitals, or counseling centers can teach you how mental health services work.
2. Support Roles in Education: Schools often need aides or assistants to help students with learning or behavioral needs.
3. Community & Nonprofit Work: Organizations focused on disability support, youth services, or mental health awareness often welcome young volunteers or part-time staff.
4. Research Assistantships: Some universities or labs might allow enthusiastic students to help with data entry or literature reviews.
5. Peer Support & Mentoring: Programs that train young people to support classmates or community members can help you build important interpersonal skills.
Here are some skills and experiences to focus on now:
1. Communication & Empathy: Practicing active listening and clear communication will be very useful in psychology.
2. Organizational Skills: Administrative or volunteer roles can teach you about scheduling, documentation, and coordination.
3. Exposure to Mental Health Settings: Shadowing professionals or volunteering in related organizations can give you valuable insights.
4. Academic Preparation: Keep building a strong foundation in psychology, biology, and social sciences to prepare for university.
Think of these opportunities as steppingstones. They might not be clinical yet, but they will give you valuable experience, help you understand the environment, and strengthen your applications for future study and work. Your passion for specializing in cluster and dissociative disorders shows real dedication, and these early steps will help you grow in that direction.
Wishing you encouragement and clarity as you explore.