Individuals who graduate with a degree in Psychology have a better chance at landing a good job than most people think. There’s a wide variety of positions available and most of them don’t involve taking notes while your patient lies on a big leather couch.
Career counsellor
A Psychology degree qualifies you for several positions within the education system, one of them being a career counsellor. You’ll have the chance to work at a secondary school helping young students begin to plan for their future career goals, or you can take a position on a university campus where you will help students on the cusp of graduation find internships, build their resume, and secure a job after graduation.
Special education teacher
Most people have no idea that Psychology majors are often favored for special education teaching roles. Graduates can enrol in a special education training program and they’ll be qualified to help individuals with disabilities in an academic setting. Not only will you be a role model and positive force in the lives of physically- or mentally-challenged school students, but the time and work you put in will be greatly appreciated by their parents and loved ones as well.
Business psychologist
Plenty of businesses employ industrial and organisational psychologists to help them understand their own employees, customers, or other behaviours that will help them improve the way they do business. Aside from helping business owners understand and help their employees, business psychologists can also help marketers understand consumer behaviours and emotions.
Forensic psychologist
If you think a Psychology degree only leads to quiet, boring careers, think again. Getting a Psychology degree could be your spring board for finding a position as a forensic psychologist, where you will help crack cases and solve crimes. Most forensic psychologists have an advanced degree beyond a BA in Psychology. These psychologists examine legal problems through the lens of Psychology. They typically offer consultation regarding jury selection, the mental competency of defendants, and the legitimacy of an eyewitness’s testimony.
Substance abuse counsellor
A position as a substance abuse counsellor will allow you to use your knowledge and skills to assist those with drug and alcohol addictions to rebuild their lives. There are plenty of programmes that need counsellors to help people addicted to things besides drugs and alcohol, for example, gaming, shopping, food, etc. These programmes need qualified counsellors who can help patients overcome addictions in several areas, which allows you to find an area of addiction that interests you and find a career there.
Contrary to popular opinion, a degree in Psychology can prepare for a wide array of positions across very diverse industries. Recent graduates should be able to find a living wage as long as they remain flexible and willing to gain experience wherever and whenever possible.
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Information source: University of Southern California online applied Psychology schools
Photo: Neil Conway / Flickr
Dixie is a freelance writer who loves to write for business, finance, women’s interests, and education. Dixie lives in Arizona with her husband and three beautiful daughters who are the inspiration for her writing.
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