Recent graduate with a degree in business to counseling/ psychology masters
Hi!!
So I just graduated with an undergrad degree in business marketing and entrepreneurship this past june. I've been able to work full time in marketing agencies and companies throughout college and have about 2 years experience in this field and I'm leaning that this was not the best fit/ does not sit well with me.
So my question is if I were to switch fields into counseling/ psychology (something I've been considering for many many years now for various personal reasons) - what would a master's workload look like? What kinds of programs exist for people with no background at all? Would teen/child psych careers be possible?
Any and all advice would be much appreciated! #business #psychology #career
5 answers
Tiffany’s Answer
Kimberly’s Answer
Ronald’s Answer
https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/533509800
Consider entry level careers in unrelated fields to get in the door and get to know potential avenues for employment and further study. Sometime a stint in an unrelated field can give you insight from the outside that can prove invaluable to you decision making process.
Kim’s Answer
Surya,
Before jumping back into school, I would encourage you to get some work-related experience in something related to counseling/psychology. I would hate for you to see that you really don't like that either! Jobs are much different when viewed from the "inside" as opposed to looking at them from the outside. You may want to consider volunteering with CASA - Court Appointed Special Advocates - working with abused and neglected children. https://marylandcasa.org/ Do whatever you can to get some experience working with kids, at least in a mentoring role - scouting, church, coaching, etc. This would give you some "transferable skills" to transition into counseling.
Another idea: with your degree and experience, you should be able to become a recruiter for a private company. Because the unemployment rate is so low, companies are having trouble attracting top talent. Or working for the government - city government, etc. You would be marketing the company to perspective applicants. You should also be able to get positions in the state SNAP or Workforce programs, helping people on food stamps, unemployed, etc. While these are more "Social services," the experience is also transferable.
You do not want to be looking for work with a master's degree and no experience. That would mean you are looking for someone to "give you a chance" rather than marketing yourself, and, given your marketing experience, you know it is important to be able to market yourself!
Also, one thing to watch out for: depending on the nature of your "personal reasons" for wanting to go into this line of work, you may find it difficult to leave work behind at the end of the day. You will need to learn to compartmentalize, and only think of work while at work.
I hope there are some useful ideas here. Best of luck to you!
David’s Answer
Before you give up on it fully, consider finding a marketing specialist role at a medium/large business. The pressure and pace will be much more manageable and you might find that you rediscover the excitement that got you interested in the field in the first place.