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Rochele
Student
New Marlborough, MA
2
Questions
Asked
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what does it take to be a psychologist?
I am interested in psychology.. and have some knowledge of the field. However, I would love to know more about it... #psychology
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6 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1348
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
GREAT Question Rochele
1.) PSYCHOLOGY VS. 2.) PSYCHOLOGIST
1.) BACHELORS' DREGEE IN PSYCHOLOGY – provides training in a number of skills which can be applied to many occupations and disciplines. As you search for a job, it would be helpful to make a list of these skills which potential employers may find attractive. For example, throughout your schooling you have most likely done a good deal of academic writing and research. This skill would make you a viable candidate for many positions, such as business manager, library assistant, probation officer, and many others. Take inventory of your strengths, and consider how they might be of value in a range of occupations.
2.) PSYCHOLOGIST REQUIRE A DOCTORAL DEGREE:
• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) programs are geared towards those candidates who are interested in research.
• Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D) programs are best suited for the practice of psychology.
Individuals can begin these programs after earning a master's degree or enter directly after undergraduate studies. Students who have already completed a master's program can count some of the credits toward the completion of their doctorate. Most states require that people who run their own practice have a Ph.D. or Psy.D. and some state licensing committees additionally require that applicants hold a degree from an APA-accredited program.
SIX COMMON CAREE PATHS WITH BACHELOR'S DEGREE IN PSYCHOLOGY
The majority of students with a bachelor's degree in psychology go on to work in human or social services. Some typical jobs in this field of work are: career counselor, psychiatric technician, rehabilitation specialist, and case manager. These jobs all require skills which a bachelor's degree in psychology provides, such as the ability to evaluate the needs of a client, to keep accurate and organized records, to express empathy and compassion, and to work towards the best interests of your client.
A bachelor's degree in psychology provides training in a number of skills which can be applied to many occupations and disciplines. As you search for a job, it would be helpful to make a list of these skills which potential employers may find attractive. For example, throughout your schooling you have most likely done a good deal of academic writing and research. This skill would make you a viable candidate for many positions, such as business manager, library assistant, probation officer, and many others. Take inventory of your strengths, and consider how they might be of value in a range of occupations.
1.) CAREER COUNSELOR – Your goal would be to help career oriented students and job seekers discover their potential. Working as a career counselor you'll assist people perform self assessments, find careers, make career changes or in vocational rehabilitation. Not only is being a career counselor fulfilling as a psychology graduate you are uniquely qualified to help individuals in their career discovery process – since some much of career discovery involves self discovery.
2.) CHILD CARE WORKER – After earning your degree in psychology will allow you to work directly in psychology by becoming a partial care worker in a mental health setting such as child care. Childcare workers work in daycare, after-school programs and other child care settings.
3.) PSYCHIATRIC TECHNICIAN – While your undergraduate degree in psychology does not qualify you for a career as a psychologist, it does prepare you to work in the field of mental health and human services. A few job positions available to undergraduate psychology majors include mental health technician, social work assistant and psychiatric technician.
4.) PROBATION & PAROLE OFFICER – Psychology majors are also well qualified to pursue careers in criminal justice. In fact, psychology graduates are well suited for careers as probation and parole officers. Probation and parole officers supervise and work with individuals convicted of crimes. You'll monitor convicts, track behaviors, coordinate with other professionals or therapists, and make recommendations to the courts.
5.) REHABILITATION SPECIALIST – Assist people struggling with physical and mental disabilities reintegrate into society, become self sufficient and live on their own. While this position often requires a master's degree, a bachelor's degree in psychology is also adequate preparation for this career.
6.) SOCIAL SERVICE SPECIALIST – Social service is a hot spot for psychology graduates seeking career opportunities. Professionals with a bachelor's degree in psychology can find jobs in various social service sectors including non-profit organizations and government agencies. You can pursue a career in social service provide community support, direct client counseling and various case management services.
Despite this competitive job market, there are ways to optimize your degree's potential, as well as your own employability. As you work your way through your degree, consider which classes will provide useful skills which you can use to market yourself to employers. Any classes which strengthen your understanding of human behavior and decision-making, your writing and communication skills, and your organizational skills will be of particular value further down the road.
Hope this was Helpful Rochele
1.) PSYCHOLOGY VS. 2.) PSYCHOLOGIST
1.) BACHELORS' DREGEE IN PSYCHOLOGY – provides training in a number of skills which can be applied to many occupations and disciplines. As you search for a job, it would be helpful to make a list of these skills which potential employers may find attractive. For example, throughout your schooling you have most likely done a good deal of academic writing and research. This skill would make you a viable candidate for many positions, such as business manager, library assistant, probation officer, and many others. Take inventory of your strengths, and consider how they might be of value in a range of occupations.
2.) PSYCHOLOGIST REQUIRE A DOCTORAL DEGREE:
• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) programs are geared towards those candidates who are interested in research.
• Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D) programs are best suited for the practice of psychology.
Individuals can begin these programs after earning a master's degree or enter directly after undergraduate studies. Students who have already completed a master's program can count some of the credits toward the completion of their doctorate. Most states require that people who run their own practice have a Ph.D. or Psy.D. and some state licensing committees additionally require that applicants hold a degree from an APA-accredited program.
SIX COMMON CAREE PATHS WITH BACHELOR'S DEGREE IN PSYCHOLOGY
The majority of students with a bachelor's degree in psychology go on to work in human or social services. Some typical jobs in this field of work are: career counselor, psychiatric technician, rehabilitation specialist, and case manager. These jobs all require skills which a bachelor's degree in psychology provides, such as the ability to evaluate the needs of a client, to keep accurate and organized records, to express empathy and compassion, and to work towards the best interests of your client.
A bachelor's degree in psychology provides training in a number of skills which can be applied to many occupations and disciplines. As you search for a job, it would be helpful to make a list of these skills which potential employers may find attractive. For example, throughout your schooling you have most likely done a good deal of academic writing and research. This skill would make you a viable candidate for many positions, such as business manager, library assistant, probation officer, and many others. Take inventory of your strengths, and consider how they might be of value in a range of occupations.
1.) CAREER COUNSELOR – Your goal would be to help career oriented students and job seekers discover their potential. Working as a career counselor you'll assist people perform self assessments, find careers, make career changes or in vocational rehabilitation. Not only is being a career counselor fulfilling as a psychology graduate you are uniquely qualified to help individuals in their career discovery process – since some much of career discovery involves self discovery.
2.) CHILD CARE WORKER – After earning your degree in psychology will allow you to work directly in psychology by becoming a partial care worker in a mental health setting such as child care. Childcare workers work in daycare, after-school programs and other child care settings.
3.) PSYCHIATRIC TECHNICIAN – While your undergraduate degree in psychology does not qualify you for a career as a psychologist, it does prepare you to work in the field of mental health and human services. A few job positions available to undergraduate psychology majors include mental health technician, social work assistant and psychiatric technician.
4.) PROBATION & PAROLE OFFICER – Psychology majors are also well qualified to pursue careers in criminal justice. In fact, psychology graduates are well suited for careers as probation and parole officers. Probation and parole officers supervise and work with individuals convicted of crimes. You'll monitor convicts, track behaviors, coordinate with other professionals or therapists, and make recommendations to the courts.
5.) REHABILITATION SPECIALIST – Assist people struggling with physical and mental disabilities reintegrate into society, become self sufficient and live on their own. While this position often requires a master's degree, a bachelor's degree in psychology is also adequate preparation for this career.
6.) SOCIAL SERVICE SPECIALIST – Social service is a hot spot for psychology graduates seeking career opportunities. Professionals with a bachelor's degree in psychology can find jobs in various social service sectors including non-profit organizations and government agencies. You can pursue a career in social service provide community support, direct client counseling and various case management services.
Despite this competitive job market, there are ways to optimize your degree's potential, as well as your own employability. As you work your way through your degree, consider which classes will provide useful skills which you can use to market yourself to employers. Any classes which strengthen your understanding of human behavior and decision-making, your writing and communication skills, and your organizational skills will be of particular value further down the road.
Hope this was Helpful Rochele
Thank You Krissy. “As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands — one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.” — Audrey Hepburn
Doc Frick
Nativita Kaminski, M.S.
Industrial Organizational Psychology
2
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Nativita’s Answer
I would suggest looking into the different pathways one can take with psychology! There are so many and you can end up in so many different types of jobs! Clinical Psychologist, Social Worker, Business Consultant, Neuroscience Researcher, School Psychologist, and many many more. Begin by gathering knowledge on the basic topics like Abnormal Psychology, Cognition, Developmental Psychology, Industrial Psychology, Organizational Psychology, Educational Psychology, Forensic Psychology, Health Psychology, Experimental Psychology, and Social Psychology. Read up on what information these topics touch on, the requirements to practice in these fields, and what types of jobs are available with a degree in any of those topics I mentioned.
Once you know more about which topics peak your interest, you can find people in your city who perform that kind of work and ask them for an informational interview! Basically you meet with them, ask them about their background/what they like about it/what's most challenging... And then you can hear about their first hand experiences!
Once you know more about which topics peak your interest, you can find people in your city who perform that kind of work and ask them for an informational interview! Basically you meet with them, ask them about their background/what they like about it/what's most challenging... And then you can hear about their first hand experiences!
Kristin L
Technical Writer
2
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Kristin’s Answer
Hi Rochele! I received my Bachelor's degree in Psychology , and it is a great and interesting field to study. While to be a psychologist or therapist, you will need to obtain at least a Master's, one of the things I love about psychology is that you can apply it to so many different things in day-to-day life and when searching for a job/career. For example, you can use it for employee relations in Human Resources, or engineering psychology can be used for product design improvement. So although people automatically think you are a psychologist/psychiatrist when they hear what you're studying, you're definitely not limited to just that!
While all programs are different, for me, I was required to take five introduction courses to the different areas of Psychology (Developmental, Sensation and Perception, Behavioral, Social, and Cognitive). From there, I was able to take more specific courses from those categories. I also was required to participate in experiments as well as work in the lab as well.
Hope this helps! I think if you already have an interest in it, that is a good sign already :)
Good luck!
While all programs are different, for me, I was required to take five introduction courses to the different areas of Psychology (Developmental, Sensation and Perception, Behavioral, Social, and Cognitive). From there, I was able to take more specific courses from those categories. I also was required to participate in experiments as well as work in the lab as well.
Hope this helps! I think if you already have an interest in it, that is a good sign already :)
Good luck!
Gabrielle P
Agent
14
Answers
Nashville, Tennessee
Updated
Gabrielle’s Answer
WOW that answers above are so great. Just to add to those answers, no one can tell you what's good for you. You have to really dig deep and figure out if this road is the one you want to go down. Build a full plan, a plan that not only satisfies you monetarily or professionally, but the plan should also make you feel good and excited. Build a plan that will lead you to being so happy that you chose that plan, and you look forward to carrying the plan out. While research and statistics are great, there are millions of adults who have used only those to make their life decisions and they are so unhappy. While you definitely want to be realistic, you also need to be happy, feel joy and excitement about you career decisions. You got this!
Yasemin G.
Aspiring physician
635
Answers
Updated
Yasemin’s Answer
Hi Rochele! I studied psychology but am going into the medical field. However from my knowledge, you need to get a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, then you can do a Master's program or a PhD program, there are also different degrees.After college you will need to enroll in graduate school in order to complete your education and work in a specialty. There are different specialities in psychology so in furthering your education you focus on one specific specialty in your Master's or Doctorate (PhD) and then train in that. Once you enroll in a university you will be allowed to explore options to further your education and become a psychologist. There are many research opportunities on campus in addition to being able to even work in a lab as a graduate student. There are many areas in psychology but it's really about what interests you. I have also attached a website that gives great and extra information on how to become a psychologist, definitely would recommend to check it out!
Best of luck!
https://www.allpsychologyschools.com/clinical-psychology/how-to-become-a-psychologist/
check out https://www.allpsychologyschools.com/clinical-psychology/how-to-become-a-psychologist/
Best of luck!
https://www.allpsychologyschools.com/clinical-psychology/how-to-become-a-psychologist/
Yasemin recommends the following next steps:
Larry Harsch
Purchasing Manager
6
Answers
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Updated
Larry’s Answer
This is a field I considered at one time in my college days. You have to first decide if you want to become a full doctor of psychiatry which will require medical school training. You could go the psychology route and although there is additional training, you don't have the full MD schooling. Finally there is counselling and a route I didn't know at the time and wish I did. You can get a degree in social work and then take additional classes to work in counselling. A good friend went this route and now owns and operates her own business. Good luck.