18 answers
Mary
Student
Sulphur Springs, IN
1
Question
Asked
1817 views
What to do if I am unsure if I am fit for a career path?
I am currently a sophomore, but I want to decide my career path early. I would like to be a criminal psychologist but I am unsure if I am fit for it. If I find out I'm not fit for it, im not sure what else to turn to. I don't want to take the degree and later on find out I'm not good at the job and waste years worth of degrees. I just got into criminal stuff, and it seems really interesting.
18 answers
Mary Jane Werneth
Sales Marketing Recuitment
3
Answers
Daphne, Alabama
Updated
Mary Jane’s Answer
Hello! I'm so glad you asked this question. It's wonderful that you're thinking carefully about your career. When you love what you do, success follows. If you enjoy researching, asking questions, and discovering answers, this could be the perfect path for you. Explore the courses you might take and see if they excite you. Also, try a free personality test to get some career suggestions, but remember, it's just one piece of the puzzle. I'm cheering for you and wish you all the best!
Milana Migic
Student Advisor
2
Answers
Lombard, Illinois
Updated
Milana’s Answer
Hi Mary,
I would first focus on your strengths and look at what you are doing that would make you the right fit. If you are still unsure, I would focus on what worries you? Is it different skills? Did the work surprise you? etc. I would also take time to network and talk to people currently in the field. This will allow you to learn about the day-to-day, the ups and downs of the job and much more. And lastly, I would take time volunteering or shadowing in the field so you can see it directly without being fully committed yet. Look at videos about the role and field, read articles about it, etc. Also remember, it’s ok to feel this way until you have it all figured out!
Good luck! – Milana
I would first focus on your strengths and look at what you are doing that would make you the right fit. If you are still unsure, I would focus on what worries you? Is it different skills? Did the work surprise you? etc. I would also take time to network and talk to people currently in the field. This will allow you to learn about the day-to-day, the ups and downs of the job and much more. And lastly, I would take time volunteering or shadowing in the field so you can see it directly without being fully committed yet. Look at videos about the role and field, read articles about it, etc. Also remember, it’s ok to feel this way until you have it all figured out!
Good luck! – Milana
Amanda Schobert
Executive Assistant
9
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Amanda’s Answer
It's great to want to choose your career path early, but remember, you're still at the beginning of your journey. People rarely stick to one thing forever, and everyone's path is unique. I know many successful individuals who have changed their careers several times. You might choose an industry but find yourself in a role you never expected. I studied Marketing and Business but ended up as an Executive Assistant at a tech company. Through various career choices, I discovered how much I enjoy this work. No one follows a single, clear path. Allow yourself to explore different options, and be honest if something isn't right for you long-term. Talk to professors in different fields to learn about the jobs and opportunities available in those areas.
Christian Becerra
Operations professional
40
Answers
Chevy Chase, Maryland
Updated
Christian’s Answer
You’re actually in a great position because you’re thinking about this early! My advice would be to explore the career before committing to the degree.
Start by researching what criminal psychologists actually do day to day. There’s a big difference between being interested in true crime and enjoying the work of studying human behavior, conducting assessments, and writing reports.
You could also reach out to a criminal psychologist or a psychology professor and ask for a 15-minute conversation about their work. People are often more willing to share career advice with students than you might think!
Also, remember that studying psychology doesn’t lock you into one profession. There are opportunities in research, social work, counseling, human resources, and other fields, although some require additional qualifications.
You’re a sophomore. You don’t need to know whether you’re good at something you’ve never had the opportunity to try. Your job right now is to stay curious, ask questions, and give yourself opportunities to discover what you enjoy.
Start by researching what criminal psychologists actually do day to day. There’s a big difference between being interested in true crime and enjoying the work of studying human behavior, conducting assessments, and writing reports.
You could also reach out to a criminal psychologist or a psychology professor and ask for a 15-minute conversation about their work. People are often more willing to share career advice with students than you might think!
Also, remember that studying psychology doesn’t lock you into one profession. There are opportunities in research, social work, counseling, human resources, and other fields, although some require additional qualifications.
You’re a sophomore. You don’t need to know whether you’re good at something you’ve never had the opportunity to try. Your job right now is to stay curious, ask questions, and give yourself opportunities to discover what you enjoy.
Andrea Thurston
Marketing
6
Answers
Lawrence, Kansas
Updated
Andrea’s Answer
Given time and energy, you could be good at any job. Truly. Instead of focusing on "Would I be good at this?" I would encourage you to consider "Is this the job I want? Does it support the lifestyle I want with hours/pay/work-life balance/etc.?"
Folks fall into thinking that they are good or bad at a certain bucket of skills and the job they pick must align with that bucket of skills. I can assure you, that's not the case. You're going to be good at whatever you set your mind to. It's all just a matter of learning (that time + energy I talked about in my opening sentence), and you're 100% capable of learning. I promise.
Is criminal pathology something that fits your life? Or do you just think you're good at it because you're feeling a little lost and nothing else has struck you as interesting? Does your job being interesting matter to you? Or would you rather have high pay? Or even high respect?
In high school, I was certain I couldn't be an engineer because I hated math. I did decent in math class, but it just never spoke to me. Engineering as a concept sounded cool, but because I wasn't "good" at math, I thought I'd be doomed. Cut to today, and so many folks from that same math class who did worse than me (that's right!) are now engineers. They knew something I didn't: They were gonna figure it out. You will, too.
Folks fall into thinking that they are good or bad at a certain bucket of skills and the job they pick must align with that bucket of skills. I can assure you, that's not the case. You're going to be good at whatever you set your mind to. It's all just a matter of learning (that time + energy I talked about in my opening sentence), and you're 100% capable of learning. I promise.
Is criminal pathology something that fits your life? Or do you just think you're good at it because you're feeling a little lost and nothing else has struck you as interesting? Does your job being interesting matter to you? Or would you rather have high pay? Or even high respect?
In high school, I was certain I couldn't be an engineer because I hated math. I did decent in math class, but it just never spoke to me. Engineering as a concept sounded cool, but because I wasn't "good" at math, I thought I'd be doomed. Cut to today, and so many folks from that same math class who did worse than me (that's right!) are now engineers. They knew something I didn't: They were gonna figure it out. You will, too.
Wong Loke Yuen
Dean; Head of Programme and Senior Lecturer
854
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Since you're still a sophomore, my advice is to explore criminal psychology before committing to it, rather than expecting yourself to know whether you're suited for it already.
You should research what criminal psychologists actually do, since the job involves more than just investigating crimes or studying criminal cases. Some positions also require a graduate degree, so it's important to understand the education and time commitment before choosing this career path.
You can also test your interest before choosing a degree. For example, you may take introductory psychology or criminology courses, read books about criminal behavior, explore ethical case studies, or talk to professionals in the field. Pay attention to whether you enjoy the psychology and research aspects, not just the crime stories.
If you discover that criminal psychology isn't right for you, your education won't necessarily be wasted. Psychology can lead to other paths, including research, human resources, counseling (with the required qualifications), social services, etc.
You should research what criminal psychologists actually do, since the job involves more than just investigating crimes or studying criminal cases. Some positions also require a graduate degree, so it's important to understand the education and time commitment before choosing this career path.
You can also test your interest before choosing a degree. For example, you may take introductory psychology or criminology courses, read books about criminal behavior, explore ethical case studies, or talk to professionals in the field. Pay attention to whether you enjoy the psychology and research aspects, not just the crime stories.
If you discover that criminal psychology isn't right for you, your education won't necessarily be wasted. Psychology can lead to other paths, including research, human resources, counseling (with the required qualifications), social services, etc.
Leila Abdel, M.Ed
Associate Director of Placement Operations
5
Answers
Redford Charter Township, Michigan
Updated
Leila’s Answer
I actually had the same dilemma when I was a freshman in college, and I wanted to provide you some insight into what I did / my path. I originally started as a Psychology major and a minor in Spanish. I took an Intro to Criminal Justice class, and absolutely loved it! I decided to dual major in CJ and Psych to be a criminal psychologist. I got further in my psych program and realized I was not cut out for the rigor and challenge, and I didn't want to pursue a PHD. I ended up dropping my psych major to a minor, and picked up a Spanish minor as well. As I continued to take classes, I ultimately decided to drop psychology all together.
While I was in college, I decided to get involved in a ton of extra curriculars, student groups, etc. I ended up being a Resident Advisor, and loved it. I realized I could work full time at a college or university, and decided to pursue a Master's Degree in Higher Education Administration. Really any major could apply, so I continued with my CJ major and spanish minor, to get my undergraduate degree. I am still working in online higher education, but I was able to use all that I've learned in my previous programs and real world experience to land some pretty great jobs that I love after college.
My advice to you - see what options are out there, take classes within your requirements that interest you. You never know if you might find a better fit, but don't be afraid of changing or finding something you are more passionate about. You may find that there are other majors that you could switch to, that wouldn't require additional classes. College is a time of discovery, and there are a lot of different ways you can find your trajectory. Be curious, get involved, have fun, and see where you land! You won't know what your interests will be in 30 years, but there's always time to change, and there are degrees out there for those who want to completely change their profession! Wishing you all the best in exploring your options, I know you'll find the right fit in time!
While I was in college, I decided to get involved in a ton of extra curriculars, student groups, etc. I ended up being a Resident Advisor, and loved it. I realized I could work full time at a college or university, and decided to pursue a Master's Degree in Higher Education Administration. Really any major could apply, so I continued with my CJ major and spanish minor, to get my undergraduate degree. I am still working in online higher education, but I was able to use all that I've learned in my previous programs and real world experience to land some pretty great jobs that I love after college.
My advice to you - see what options are out there, take classes within your requirements that interest you. You never know if you might find a better fit, but don't be afraid of changing or finding something you are more passionate about. You may find that there are other majors that you could switch to, that wouldn't require additional classes. College is a time of discovery, and there are a lot of different ways you can find your trajectory. Be curious, get involved, have fun, and see where you land! You won't know what your interests will be in 30 years, but there's always time to change, and there are degrees out there for those who want to completely change their profession! Wishing you all the best in exploring your options, I know you'll find the right fit in time!
Sumaiya A
Psychology/ college student worker on campus
4
Answers
Burlington, New Jersey
Updated
Sumaiya’s Answer
Hi there! First of all, it is completely normal and incredibly smart to be asking these questions right now as a sophomore.
You are being proactive about your time and your future, which is fantastic! I completely understand the fear of "wasting years" on a degree. To give you some peace of mind: I actually started my academic journey wanting to be a Physician Assistant specializing in dermatology, but my heart eventually shifted entirely to psychology and counseling. Changing paths or being unsure is a natural part of the college experience!
If you are interested in criminal psychology but aren't sure if it’s a perfect fit, here are a few actionable steps you can take right now to "test drive" the career before committing to graduate school:
• Shadow or Interview a Professional: Look up local licensed psychologists or forensic specialists on LinkedIn. Send them a polite message explaining that you are a sophomore interested in the field, and ask if they would be open to a 10-minute phone call. Asking them about their day-to-day challenges is the fastest way to see if you are "fit" for the environment.
• Look into "Under the Same Umbrella" Alternatives: If you find out that the criminal/forensic side is a bit too intense or not what you expected, remember that a Psychology degree is incredibly flexible. You don't lose your progress! You can seamlessly pivot into other high-demand counseling fields, such as School Psychology (working with K-12 students behind the scenes to help them succeed), clinical child counseling, or industrial-organizational psychology.
• Start with Low-Stakes Volunteering: Try volunteering or interning in spaces that deal with crisis intervention, peer support, or advocacy. Getting your feet wet with remote volunteering platforms can help you see how you handle supporting people through stressful situations without any academic risk. The biggest thing to remember is that no education is ever wasted. The research, communication, and critical thinking skills you build in an undergraduate psychology program will serve you beautifully no matter what career you ultimately choose. Follow your curiosity, keep an open mind, and give yourself permission to explore. You have plenty of time to figure this out! Wishing you the absolute best of luck on your journey!
You are being proactive about your time and your future, which is fantastic! I completely understand the fear of "wasting years" on a degree. To give you some peace of mind: I actually started my academic journey wanting to be a Physician Assistant specializing in dermatology, but my heart eventually shifted entirely to psychology and counseling. Changing paths or being unsure is a natural part of the college experience!
If you are interested in criminal psychology but aren't sure if it’s a perfect fit, here are a few actionable steps you can take right now to "test drive" the career before committing to graduate school:
• Shadow or Interview a Professional: Look up local licensed psychologists or forensic specialists on LinkedIn. Send them a polite message explaining that you are a sophomore interested in the field, and ask if they would be open to a 10-minute phone call. Asking them about their day-to-day challenges is the fastest way to see if you are "fit" for the environment.
• Look into "Under the Same Umbrella" Alternatives: If you find out that the criminal/forensic side is a bit too intense or not what you expected, remember that a Psychology degree is incredibly flexible. You don't lose your progress! You can seamlessly pivot into other high-demand counseling fields, such as School Psychology (working with K-12 students behind the scenes to help them succeed), clinical child counseling, or industrial-organizational psychology.
• Start with Low-Stakes Volunteering: Try volunteering or interning in spaces that deal with crisis intervention, peer support, or advocacy. Getting your feet wet with remote volunteering platforms can help you see how you handle supporting people through stressful situations without any academic risk. The biggest thing to remember is that no education is ever wasted. The research, communication, and critical thinking skills you build in an undergraduate psychology program will serve you beautifully no matter what career you ultimately choose. Follow your curiosity, keep an open mind, and give yourself permission to explore. You have plenty of time to figure this out! Wishing you the absolute best of luck on your journey!
Jon Runge
Education/Advisor
9
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Jon’s Answer
It's fantastic that you're already thinking about your career as a sophomore. Many students wait much longer, so you're ahead by exploring what interests you. Criminal psychology is a fascinating field, perfect for anyone curious about human behavior and problem-solving.
Don't worry about knowing if it's the right fit just yet. High school is the best time to explore without committing. Try taking intro classes, joining clubs, watching case studies, or shadowing professionals to see what you like. Even if you later decide to switch paths, the skills you gain can be useful in many other areas like sociology, forensics, counseling, law, or general psychology.
Finding a mentor can really help. A teacher, counselor, or someone in the field can guide you, answer questions, and show you what the job is really like. Mentors make things less confusing because they've been through it before. They can help you test your interests, build confidence, and make smarter choices.
You're on the right track by staying curious, exploring what excites you, and allowing yourself to grow. Keep it up!
Don't worry about knowing if it's the right fit just yet. High school is the best time to explore without committing. Try taking intro classes, joining clubs, watching case studies, or shadowing professionals to see what you like. Even if you later decide to switch paths, the skills you gain can be useful in many other areas like sociology, forensics, counseling, law, or general psychology.
Finding a mentor can really help. A teacher, counselor, or someone in the field can guide you, answer questions, and show you what the job is really like. Mentors make things less confusing because they've been through it before. They can help you test your interests, build confidence, and make smarter choices.
You're on the right track by staying curious, exploring what excites you, and allowing yourself to grow. Keep it up!
Deborah H
Director, Product Marketing
8
Answers
Lakewood, Washington
Updated
Deborah’s Answer
A mentor of mine said that "careers are built one conversation at a time." This means you get the opportunity to be curious, have a lot of conversations, and ask for help. My advice would be to do two things: 1) Continue to follow your intuition and your interests. If you are loving the classes, the professors, the guest lecturers in this space, that means you are onto something. The learning will compound in ways you don't know. 2) Find people in this industry who you can learn from. Job shadow, ask for an informational to learn about how someone got into the field and what they love/don't love about their role, seek industry conferences where you could learn alongside people in the industry, get an internship, etc.
Deciding your career path is an ongoing decision, even with someone of almost 20 years of career experience.
Your job is to continue to gather evidence to make the right decision and re-evaluate over time, not to make a decision NOW with limited evidence that you may or may not feel confident in.
Deciding your career path is an ongoing decision, even with someone of almost 20 years of career experience.
Your job is to continue to gather evidence to make the right decision and re-evaluate over time, not to make a decision NOW with limited evidence that you may or may not feel confident in.
Rebecca Tang
Banking
2791
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. I am glad to know you have interest in criminal psychology
Below are my suggestions :
1. Find out more information about criminal psychology to understand the career
2. Attend information session hosts by relevant subjects in college
3. Speak to someone working in tge careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counselor, your parents, etc
4. Alternatively, think about what yiy have interest, eg your hobbies, favorite subjects, etc and identify the related careers
Eg if you likr music, would you like to become a musician, singer, musical artist, music composer, music producer, etc
If yiu havr interest in Maths, would you lije to become an accountant, engineer, banker, financial analyst, maths teacher, etc
5. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
6. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in college
Hope thus helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions :
1. Find out more information about criminal psychology to understand the career
2. Attend information session hosts by relevant subjects in college
3. Speak to someone working in tge careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counselor, your parents, etc
4. Alternatively, think about what yiy have interest, eg your hobbies, favorite subjects, etc and identify the related careers
Eg if you likr music, would you like to become a musician, singer, musical artist, music composer, music producer, etc
If yiu havr interest in Maths, would you lije to become an accountant, engineer, banker, financial analyst, maths teacher, etc
5. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
6. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in college
Hope thus helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Brittany Horton, PSM, PSPO
Product Manager
6
Answers
Schaumburg, Illinois
Updated
Brittany’s Answer
I'd like to highlight something -- Give yourself GRACE if you find that you've spent time pursuing a career path, and later on realize perhaps it's not the right fit for you. Depending on the direction the economy is going and the job industry, once you graduate, you may find that the state of criminal psychology has shifted. So just do not be hard on yourself if you've realized the path you thought you wanted to pursue may not be the "one".
Connect with your instructor(s) to see if perhaps they know of Criminal Psychology professionals.
Create an account on LinkedIn (if you haven't already) and search for "criminal psychologists" or iterations of that phrase.
Send them a professional and formal message so they can understand your background (the goal - networking).
Brittany recommends the following next steps:
Douglas Ossanna
Accountant
97
Answers
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Updated
Douglas’s Answer
Hey!
First off, I think it's great you're already thinking about your career this early! But I also wouldn't put too much pressure on yourself to figure everything out right now. I'm currently a senior in college and one thing I've learned is that being interested in something and actually working in the field are two completely different things.
My biggest advice would be to get some exposure to criminal psychology before committing to years of education. Try reaching out to people who work in the field and asking about their experiences. You'd be surprised how many professionals are willing to talk to students! I'd also recommend taking some psychology or criminal justice classes to see if you enjoy learning about the subject.
One thing worth considering is that becoming a criminal or forensic psychologist typically requires graduate education, often a doctorate. That's a pretty big commitment, so I definitely understand wanting to make sure it's right for you.
The good news is that studying psychology doesn't lock you into one career. You could explore counseling, social work, criminal justice, research, or even careers outside of psychology.
I've completed several internships throughout college and they've honestly helped me figure out what I enjoy more than most of my classes. My biggest recommendation is to explore as many opportunities as possible before committing to one path. You don't need to have your entire future figured out as a sophomore. Your interests will likely change as you gain more experience, and that's completely normal!
First off, I think it's great you're already thinking about your career this early! But I also wouldn't put too much pressure on yourself to figure everything out right now. I'm currently a senior in college and one thing I've learned is that being interested in something and actually working in the field are two completely different things.
My biggest advice would be to get some exposure to criminal psychology before committing to years of education. Try reaching out to people who work in the field and asking about their experiences. You'd be surprised how many professionals are willing to talk to students! I'd also recommend taking some psychology or criminal justice classes to see if you enjoy learning about the subject.
One thing worth considering is that becoming a criminal or forensic psychologist typically requires graduate education, often a doctorate. That's a pretty big commitment, so I definitely understand wanting to make sure it's right for you.
The good news is that studying psychology doesn't lock you into one career. You could explore counseling, social work, criminal justice, research, or even careers outside of psychology.
I've completed several internships throughout college and they've honestly helped me figure out what I enjoy more than most of my classes. My biggest recommendation is to explore as many opportunities as possible before committing to one path. You don't need to have your entire future figured out as a sophomore. Your interests will likely change as you gain more experience, and that's completely normal!
Corrie Rasz
Student Retention Specialist
5
Answers
Wheeling, West Virginia
Updated
Corrie’s Answer
It's great that you are planning for your future career now! I think a good place to start is by examining what you like about criminal psychology. Is it the research, learning about human behavior, solving problems, or something else? Then I would start reading about the different roles in the field and which skills are used most. Which one of those appeals to you most? I completed my bachelor's in psychology but ultimately ended up in an education role. I use my degree EVERY DAY talking with students about their experiences and challenges. So whatever you end up doing, know that you can use your psychology degree for so many different types of work.
Connie Shaw
Data Center Technician Manager
4
Answers
Fayetteville, Georgia
Updated
Connie’s Answer
It’s totally okay not to know yet! You’re still a sophomore, so you have time to explore. Since criminal psychology interests you, learn more about the field, take some related classes if you can, and talk to people who actually work in psychology.
You don’t have to know if you’re “fit” for a career before you’ve had the chance to experience it. Give yourself permission to explore, and if your interests change later, that’s okay too.
You don’t have to know if you’re “fit” for a career before you’ve had the chance to experience it. Give yourself permission to explore, and if your interests change later, that’s okay too.
Carol Hall
Management, Quality Assurance
6
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Carol’s Answer
Something else that might help determine fit is to take the Gallup StrengthsFinder assessment. It can help you determine what types of things you are naturally good at. Examples include assessing natural strengths in areas such as analytics, strategic thinking, relationship building, persuading, etc. Studies show that when we spend our time doing things that we are naturally good at, we are happier and we thrive.
Michael Wilson
Placement Specialist
4
Answers
Clyde, Texas
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Your life will constantly change in ways you can never dream of, which is both exciting and terrifying. As others have shared; college is a time for exploration and "learning how to learn".
1. Be upfront with your professors - many of them can help you navigate these questions, and are aware of relative fields/jobs you have probably never heard of.
2. If you feel it's not for you, utilize your Advisor to help navigate how your credits can still apply. Sometimes there is more crossover than you think with courses and doesn't necessarily mean it has to take up an elective credit, so be sure to check all of your options.
3. Sometimes it's best to just finish and graduate. Having the degree in most fields (other than medical of course) is usually all that is needed; not necessarily a direct degree. I changed course drastically a decade post grad school once my life changed (marriage, kids, etc), and while I don't "use" my degree and it does not directly apply, it helped me secure the job.
1. Be upfront with your professors - many of them can help you navigate these questions, and are aware of relative fields/jobs you have probably never heard of.
2. If you feel it's not for you, utilize your Advisor to help navigate how your credits can still apply. Sometimes there is more crossover than you think with courses and doesn't necessarily mean it has to take up an elective credit, so be sure to check all of your options.
3. Sometimes it's best to just finish and graduate. Having the degree in most fields (other than medical of course) is usually all that is needed; not necessarily a direct degree. I changed course drastically a decade post grad school once my life changed (marriage, kids, etc), and while I don't "use" my degree and it does not directly apply, it helped me secure the job.
Ray Jackson
Corporate Trainer
3
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Ray’s Answer
I recommend doing some research to identify a few criminal psychologists and reaching out to see if they would be open to meeting with you virtually, over the phone, or perhaps in person if they are local to your area. You could then conduct an informational interview and ask them any questions you may have about criminal psychology and their career.
Throughout my career, I’ve had several people reach out to me for advice, and I’ve always been happy to share my career journey and how I got started in my field. Many professionals are more than willing to share their experiences and career paths with others, and I imagine the same may be true for those working in criminal psychology.
Throughout my career, I’ve had several people reach out to me for advice, and I’ve always been happy to share my career journey and how I got started in my field. Many professionals are more than willing to share their experiences and career paths with others, and I imagine the same may be true for those working in criminal psychology.
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