4 answers
Sanjana
Student
Rancho Cucamonga, California
1
Question
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How do you choose a career within a certain field?
I know I want to major in psychology and have a career researching in the field. I also want to do counseling(ex: therapy). I am struggling to find a career that will allow me to do that while also having enough pay and time to support my traveling.
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4 answers
Dina Siegel
Psychologist
33
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New York, New York
Updated
Dina’s Answer
There are so many careers that one can have after majoring in psychology. Getting a PhD in clinical psychology is the most traditional route to allow you to do therapy and research. PhD programs usually are funded and pay a small stipend, but are highly competitive to get admitted. As a PhD psychologist, you have the flexibility to determine how much therapy you want to incorporate into your schedule. You might also enjoy non-traditional therapy careers, such as recreation therapy, occupational therapy, or speech language pathology which all have client interaction and a sizable focus on research in their field.
This was super helpful, thank you!
Sanjana
Keyston Rice
Supervisor
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Lawrence, IN
Updated
Keyston’s Answer
Well, it's great that you're clear on your field of interest, psychology, and your desire for research and counseling. To align your career with your passion and still support your traveling, consider roles like clinical psychologist or counseling psychologist. These paths can provide both the opportunity to research and practice therapy. You might also explore academic positions or consulting work in the field. Remember, finding the right balance between fulfilling your passion and achieving your lifestyle goals might take time, but with dedication and research, you can find a rewarding career that suits you.
Jerome Dees Jr.
Sales Professional and Networking Expert
500
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San Francisco, California
Updated
Jerome’s Answer
I’d highly recommend reaching out to a professor at a local college and asking their advice. They will have a great bead on the industry and what is possible. They’ll be able to offer you quality guidance.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
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Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
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James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Sanjana,
Embarking on a Career Journey in Psychology
Choosing a career in the diverse field of psychology can be an exciting journey. Given your interests in research and counseling, there are a multitude of paths to explore. Here are some empowering steps to guide you in this decision:
1. Self-Reflection: Begin your journey by taking a moment to understand yourself. Reflect on your strengths, areas for growth, passions, and values. Identify what facets of psychology spark your curiosity and consider the kind of work environment in which you flourish.
2. Exploring Career Paths: Armed with a deeper understanding of your personal preferences and strengths, it's time to delve into the various career options in psychology. Given your interest in research and counseling, some potential careers could be:
Research Psychologist: This role allows you to conduct experiments, gather data, and analyze results, contributing to our understanding of human behavior.
Clinical Psychologist: As a clinical psychologist, you can assess and treat mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders through therapy and counseling.
Counseling Psychologist: These psychologists help individuals navigate life's challenges through counseling and psychotherapy.
3. Understanding Educational Requirements: Reflect on the educational prerequisites for each career path. For instance, a research psychologist usually requires a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) in psychology, while becoming a licensed clinical or counseling psychologist also necessitates postgraduate clinical experience and licensure.
4. Salary and Job Prospects: Investigate the earning potential and job prospects for each career option. Remember, salaries can fluctuate based on factors like location, experience, and specific employer.
5. Balancing Work and Life: Given your love for travel, consider how different careers in psychology might align with your need for flexibility and work-life balance. Some roles may offer more opportunities for remote work or flexible schedules.
6. Networking and Mentorship: Forge connections with professionals in the field through networking events, informational interviews, or mentorship programs. Their experiences can offer invaluable insights into the various career paths in psychology.
7. Gaining Real-World Experience: Think about gaining hands-on experience through internships, volunteering, or part-time roles in settings that align with your career aspirations. This can help you solidify your interests and lay a robust foundation for your future career.
8. Seeking Advice from Academic Mentors: Engage with academic advisors or faculty members at your university who specialize in psychology. They can offer guidance on course selection, graduate school applications, and career planning.
9. Lifelong Learning: Remember, the field of psychology is ever-evolving. Consider how ongoing education or specialized training could enhance your chosen career path.
In a nutshell, carving out a career in psychology involves self-reflection, comprehensive research of career options, understanding educational requirements, assessing salary potential, balancing work and life, networking, gaining practical experience, seeking advice from mentors or advisors, and embracing lifelong learning and growth.
Top 3 Authoritative References Used:
American Psychological Association (APA) - A leading organization in psychology, offering authoritative information on various careers within the field.
Psychology Today - Offers insights into different career paths in psychology and relevant industry trends.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) - Provides comprehensive data on job outlooks, salaries, and educational requirements for various occupations, including those in psychology.
These sources were used to ensure the information provided is accurate and reliable.
May you be blessed on your journey,
James.
Embarking on a Career Journey in Psychology
Choosing a career in the diverse field of psychology can be an exciting journey. Given your interests in research and counseling, there are a multitude of paths to explore. Here are some empowering steps to guide you in this decision:
1. Self-Reflection: Begin your journey by taking a moment to understand yourself. Reflect on your strengths, areas for growth, passions, and values. Identify what facets of psychology spark your curiosity and consider the kind of work environment in which you flourish.
2. Exploring Career Paths: Armed with a deeper understanding of your personal preferences and strengths, it's time to delve into the various career options in psychology. Given your interest in research and counseling, some potential careers could be:
Research Psychologist: This role allows you to conduct experiments, gather data, and analyze results, contributing to our understanding of human behavior.
Clinical Psychologist: As a clinical psychologist, you can assess and treat mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders through therapy and counseling.
Counseling Psychologist: These psychologists help individuals navigate life's challenges through counseling and psychotherapy.
3. Understanding Educational Requirements: Reflect on the educational prerequisites for each career path. For instance, a research psychologist usually requires a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) in psychology, while becoming a licensed clinical or counseling psychologist also necessitates postgraduate clinical experience and licensure.
4. Salary and Job Prospects: Investigate the earning potential and job prospects for each career option. Remember, salaries can fluctuate based on factors like location, experience, and specific employer.
5. Balancing Work and Life: Given your love for travel, consider how different careers in psychology might align with your need for flexibility and work-life balance. Some roles may offer more opportunities for remote work or flexible schedules.
6. Networking and Mentorship: Forge connections with professionals in the field through networking events, informational interviews, or mentorship programs. Their experiences can offer invaluable insights into the various career paths in psychology.
7. Gaining Real-World Experience: Think about gaining hands-on experience through internships, volunteering, or part-time roles in settings that align with your career aspirations. This can help you solidify your interests and lay a robust foundation for your future career.
8. Seeking Advice from Academic Mentors: Engage with academic advisors or faculty members at your university who specialize in psychology. They can offer guidance on course selection, graduate school applications, and career planning.
9. Lifelong Learning: Remember, the field of psychology is ever-evolving. Consider how ongoing education or specialized training could enhance your chosen career path.
In a nutshell, carving out a career in psychology involves self-reflection, comprehensive research of career options, understanding educational requirements, assessing salary potential, balancing work and life, networking, gaining practical experience, seeking advice from mentors or advisors, and embracing lifelong learning and growth.
Top 3 Authoritative References Used:
American Psychological Association (APA) - A leading organization in psychology, offering authoritative information on various careers within the field.
Psychology Today - Offers insights into different career paths in psychology and relevant industry trends.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) - Provides comprehensive data on job outlooks, salaries, and educational requirements for various occupations, including those in psychology.
These sources were used to ensure the information provided is accurate and reliable.
May you be blessed on your journey,
James.