9 answers
Mariama
Student
Birmingham, Alabama
1
Question
Updated
610 views
Advice for career with children?
I want to work with children/youth as a future career. But I'm scared that I want find job right after finishing my studies. I am thinking of Child Psychologist right now. Do anyone have any advice for me?
9 answers
Tam(Tommy) Trinh
Behavioral Interventionist
6
Answers
Santa Ana, California
Updated
Tam(Tommy)’s Answer
Hello Mariama, I would offer the advice that I received in my time as a college student. As a student, take your time to in discover the path you want to take. This doesn't mean just going to class but join clubs, take part in community activity, volunteering and so forth. College will offer this opportunity for free as well as giving the students priority to register.
As for the job after college, may I ask for what type of work with children/teen that you want to work in? Will you be a counselor? A mental health worker? A teacher? Before it comes to that point, you will have time to define the career you really want to go for more specifically. To follow up on a point above, some of the works you try in college will help with this.
Finally, I wish you well in the career ahead, both in school and beyond. Dream big, move steadily and celebrate your victory- big or small. Good luck, Mariama!!
As for the job after college, may I ask for what type of work with children/teen that you want to work in? Will you be a counselor? A mental health worker? A teacher? Before it comes to that point, you will have time to define the career you really want to go for more specifically. To follow up on a point above, some of the works you try in college will help with this.
Finally, I wish you well in the career ahead, both in school and beyond. Dream big, move steadily and celebrate your victory- big or small. Good luck, Mariama!!
Thank you, Tam(Tommy) for the advice.
Mariama
Kristi Dull
Speech Language Pathologist
1
Answer
Cincinnati, Ohio
Updated
Kristi’s Answer
I too would recommend finding opportunities to volunteer to help you determine what career would be suitable and interest you when working with children. There are so many careers available in the area of children. Pediatricians, child life specialist, therapists (physical, occupational, speech). Those who give you advice can only speak to the career they’ve had. Some careers are very specific in the type of degree and licensing you need while others allow more freedom and growth.
Volunteer opportunities: local children’s hospitals, pregnancy centers, churches, camps.
Shadowing opportunities also exist. Your advisor or college professor may be able to help guide you here. Many companies allow their employers to take on students who wish to shadow.
Reach out to your advisor or professor to seek shadowing opportunities.
Know someone who works with children? Ask them about their career and the career of their fellow employees.
Volunteer opportunities: local children’s hospitals, pregnancy centers, churches, camps.
Shadowing opportunities also exist. Your advisor or college professor may be able to help guide you here. Many companies allow their employers to take on students who wish to shadow.
Kristi recommends the following next steps:
Thank you for your advice! It really means a lot.
Mariama
Baljit Gill
Lawyer paralegal
127
Answers
Milpitas, California
Updated
Baljit’s Answer
Hi Mariama,
Have you thought about working as a Family Social Worker. They usually work long hours and are on call most of the time but it's also rewarding. Dealing with children as a career had many perks as you see the fruit of your labor as you work. Also a career in Social Services working with children is would also give you experience so that you can switch careers into education and counseling for kids. Volunteering as an educational counselor for kids is also an option you might want to consider.
Have you thought about working as a Family Social Worker. They usually work long hours and are on call most of the time but it's also rewarding. Dealing with children as a career had many perks as you see the fruit of your labor as you work. Also a career in Social Services working with children is would also give you experience so that you can switch careers into education and counseling for kids. Volunteering as an educational counselor for kids is also an option you might want to consider.
Dr Malik Mubeen Awan
Physician ( Foreign Trained ).
2
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Dr Malik Mubeen’s Answer
Career as a Child Psychologist is promising. What you need about achieving this goal is to stay focused & fulfill the preliminary requirements for this goal. Best Wishes & have a Good Day !
Thank you, Dr Malik Mubeen for the advice.
Mariama
Violet Olivares
Student
2
Answers
Santa Ana, California
Updated
Violet’s Answer
Hello,
I related to you when I was younger. Wanting to help people and not knowing who until I thought maybe a nurse or teacher, focusing more on pediatrics. As I explored my options in community college, which I might add is a great time and opportunity to get your education in (at a fraction of the cost) while still exploring your options, I came to realize neither where really for me. I somehow stumbled upon speech language pathology which was a great mix of the two, with the opportunity to work with children. Through volunteering as others have mentioned you come to realize what it is in particular you want to focus on . I came to realize that as much as I liked children I also loved geriatrics! So in my opinion just be open to anything be it in the field of psychology or anything else. All in all, you get to decide what’s best for you, so talk about it with friends, family and any professionals you may know, volunteer, and take classes related to subjects that interest you, but know that you have the final say. And whatever your preference is don’t let anyone or thing stop you.
Good luck!
I related to you when I was younger. Wanting to help people and not knowing who until I thought maybe a nurse or teacher, focusing more on pediatrics. As I explored my options in community college, which I might add is a great time and opportunity to get your education in (at a fraction of the cost) while still exploring your options, I came to realize neither where really for me. I somehow stumbled upon speech language pathology which was a great mix of the two, with the opportunity to work with children. Through volunteering as others have mentioned you come to realize what it is in particular you want to focus on . I came to realize that as much as I liked children I also loved geriatrics! So in my opinion just be open to anything be it in the field of psychology or anything else. All in all, you get to decide what’s best for you, so talk about it with friends, family and any professionals you may know, volunteer, and take classes related to subjects that interest you, but know that you have the final say. And whatever your preference is don’t let anyone or thing stop you.
Good luck!
I appreciate you taking the time to answer this. thank you!
Mariama
mark vellucci
Licensed Professional Counselor
38
Answers
Vancouver, Washington
Updated
mark’s Answer
Hi Mariama,
Tam and Kristi's advice is excellent and I would also recommend you follow it. Reading and learning about the types of work in the areas of child psychology you might be most interested in pursuing should help you find a path that feels right. Practical experience is also very important. Volunteering, internships, assistantships are some ways to gain such experience.
Talking to people who work in the areas you might like is also quite important. It is another great way to learn from those who are actually doing the work you are considering. Many professionals would be more than happy to speak with you regarding their work experiences.
Please keep in mind that no matter which path you choose, if it begins to feel wrong, change it. You are not locked in to your first choice (or second or third...). The more relaxed you can allow yourself to feel, the easier it will be to make good decisions. Following the advice of the other responders and me will, I hope, allow you to do that.
Wishing you all the best. Take Care,
Mark V.
Tam and Kristi's advice is excellent and I would also recommend you follow it. Reading and learning about the types of work in the areas of child psychology you might be most interested in pursuing should help you find a path that feels right. Practical experience is also very important. Volunteering, internships, assistantships are some ways to gain such experience.
Talking to people who work in the areas you might like is also quite important. It is another great way to learn from those who are actually doing the work you are considering. Many professionals would be more than happy to speak with you regarding their work experiences.
Please keep in mind that no matter which path you choose, if it begins to feel wrong, change it. You are not locked in to your first choice (or second or third...). The more relaxed you can allow yourself to feel, the easier it will be to make good decisions. Following the advice of the other responders and me will, I hope, allow you to do that.
Wishing you all the best. Take Care,
Mark V.
Thank you so much for the advice.
Mariama
Lisa Wzorek
Pediatric Occupational Therapist (early intervention and preschool)
1
Answer
Furlong, Pennsylvania
Updated
Lisa’s Answer
Hello Mariama,
Everyone has posted such excellent advice. When I was a college student 30 years ago, I started in accounting. After doing co-op jobs in that field, I realized sitting at a desk was not for me so I switched my major to psychology. While a psychology student, I participated in a number of ongoing volunteer opportunities that helped steer me in the right direction. Doing this, I found out about Occupational Therapy, and that is the field I ended up going into. I work with physical therapists, speech language pathologists and teachers in my role as a school based OT and also in doing early intervention (kiddos age birth-3). Early intervention is nice because you work with the child and the family, it is a family based intervention.
I wish you much luck as you explore your interests!
Everyone has posted such excellent advice. When I was a college student 30 years ago, I started in accounting. After doing co-op jobs in that field, I realized sitting at a desk was not for me so I switched my major to psychology. While a psychology student, I participated in a number of ongoing volunteer opportunities that helped steer me in the right direction. Doing this, I found out about Occupational Therapy, and that is the field I ended up going into. I work with physical therapists, speech language pathologists and teachers in my role as a school based OT and also in doing early intervention (kiddos age birth-3). Early intervention is nice because you work with the child and the family, it is a family based intervention.
I wish you much luck as you explore your interests!
jasmine williams
sales rep
12
Answers
Smithfield, Virginia
Updated
jasmine’s Answer
Hello Mariama,
Working with children and youth can be a fulfilling and rewarding career path, but it is understandable to be concerned about finding job opportunities after finishing your studies. Overall, pursuing a career in child psychology can be a fulfilling and rewarding path, but it's important to be proactive in gaining experience and networking to increase your chances of finding job opportunities. Here are some tips that may help you pursue a career working with children:
Gain relevant experience: Volunteering or working in settings that involve children and youth can help you gain valuable experience and skills that will be useful when applying for jobs. Consider seeking out opportunities in schools, community centers, or after-school programs.
Network: Attend career fairs, conferences, and other professional events related to child psychology or education to meet people in the field and learn about job opportunities. You can also join professional organizations or groups related to child psychology to connect with others in the field.
Specialize: Think about specializing in a particular area within child psychology, such as developmental psychology, clinical psychology, or educational psychology. This can make you more marketable to potential employers and help you stand out in a competitive job market.
Consider further education: Pursuing a master's or doctoral degree in child psychology can open up more job opportunities and allow you to specialize further within the field. However, it is important to consider the financial cost and time commitment of further education before making this decision.
Be patient and persistent: Finding the right job can take time, and it's important to be patient and persistent in your job search. Keep applying to relevant positions, and don't be discouraged if it takes some time to find the right opportunity.
Working with children and youth can be a fulfilling and rewarding career path, but it is understandable to be concerned about finding job opportunities after finishing your studies. Overall, pursuing a career in child psychology can be a fulfilling and rewarding path, but it's important to be proactive in gaining experience and networking to increase your chances of finding job opportunities. Here are some tips that may help you pursue a career working with children:
jasmine recommends the following next steps:
Baljit Gill
Lawyer paralegal
127
Answers
Milpitas, California
Updated
Baljit’s Answer
Hi Mariam,
Have you thought about working as a Family Social Worker. They usually work long hours and are on call most of the time but it's also rewarding. Dealing with children as a career had many perks as you see the fruit of your labor as you work. Also a career in Social Services working with children is would also give you experience so that you can switch careers into education and counseling for kids. Volunteering as an educational counselor for kids is also an option you might want to consider.
Have you thought about working as a Family Social Worker. They usually work long hours and are on call most of the time but it's also rewarding. Dealing with children as a career had many perks as you see the fruit of your labor as you work. Also a career in Social Services working with children is would also give you experience so that you can switch careers into education and counseling for kids. Volunteering as an educational counselor for kids is also an option you might want to consider.
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