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General Information:
- Psychology provides a broad, liberal arts background.
- Some students may choose to study psychology because they enjoy the subject
but wish to pursue careers requiring "any major." In this scenario,
it is critical to develop desirable skills through internships, part-time or
summer jobs, or volunteer experiences. Some skills valued most by employers
include: communication, interpersonal, leadership, teamwork, and computer skills.
- Other students may major in psychology because they want to work in a related
field. Many entry-level helping positions are available, however the amount
of direct client contact is limited for those who have a bachelor's degree.
Students may wish to pursue graduate education in psychology, social work, counseling,
college student personnel, or other related fields to increase opportunities
and earning potential.
- For those wishing to pursue graduate education, maintain a high grade point
average, secure strong faculty recommendations, and gain experience through
volunteer or work opportunities. Assist a faculty member with his or her research.
HUMAN SERVICES
Counseling
Advocacy
Mental Health Services
Case Management
Programming
Community Relations
Administration
EMPLOYERS
Federal government, including Departments of: Health and Human Services Justice,
Veterans Administration
State government, including Departments of: Human Services, Mental Health &
Mental Retardation, Community mental health centers, State psychiatric hospitals,
Facilities for mentally impaired, Justice, Probation and parole
Local government
Senior citizens' centers
United Way agencies
Nonprofit organizations
Religiously-affiliated service organizations
Hospitals
STRATEGIES
Obtain essential practical experience through part-time or summer jobs such
as camp counselor, tutor, or resident hall advisor. Complete an internship for
academic credit. Gain experience through volunteering with organizations such
as crisis hotlines, Big Brother or Sister, Special Olympics, service fraternities
or sororities, etc. Many entry-level helping positions require one year of related
experience. Volunteer experience can typically fulfill this requirement. Learn
to work well with different types of people. Develop strong communication skills.
Cultivate the desire to help others. Become fluent in a foreign language spoken
by multi-cultural clients. Be willing to relocate. Become familiar with government
hiring procedures. Acquire knowledge of government and community resources available
for those in need. Obtain a graduate degree in psychology, counseling, or social
work for substantive counseling work and advancement into administrative work.
Many specialties exist at the graduate level, for example school counseling,
mental health counseling, rehabilitation counseling, etc. Pursue particular
degrees depending upon interests and career goals. Pursue an excellent academic
record.
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RESEARCH
EMPLOYERS
Federal government including: Department of Health and Human Services, National
Institute of Education, Office of Naval Research
National headquarters of non-profit organizations
Universities and colleges
STRATEGIES
Work with a professor on his or her research project. Develop strong quantitative
and statistical skills. Obtain a graduate degree for greater opportunities.
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Education
Employers
Public and private K-12 schools
Colleges and universities
Community instruction offered
by government
or social service agencies e.g. GED
classes, life skills, parenting, etc.
StrategieS
Obtain a teaching certificate
for public school positions. Multiple certifications will
increase marketability. Seek guidance from the education
department of your college. Earn a doctoral degree for
post-secondary teaching. Secure strong personal
recommendations. Volunteer or work as a tutor. Gain
experience working with children or adolescents. Acquire
related experience on campus as a resident hall advisor,
orientation leader, admissions tour guide, or peer mentor.
Develop strong communication skills and learn to speak
well in front of a group.
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Human Resources
Employers
Large companies
Government agencies
Staffi ng and employment services
Large non-profit
organizations
Hospitals
Educational institutions
Strategies
Gain relevant experience in human
resources by completing an internship. Earn a minor in
business or supplement curriculum with business courses.
Seek leadership positions in student organizations. Develop
strong computer skills. Earn an MBA or a graduate degree in
human resources to attain higher level positions.
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