Help with future in Psychology.?

Question

I am currently a sophomore in college majoring in Psychology. My goal is to become a clinical child psychologist. Can anyone tell me any helpful information that I need to know for this profession.

Answer 1

Wow, this is a loaded question... where to start.

First off don't believe people when they say you need a doctorate to do Child Psych. That's false. A Masters degree is enough to practice with kids.

Secondly, while in undergrad and your Grad program put some effort in learning about family issues like: Family Counseling, Family Life Cycle, CD Family etc. 95% of the time when working with kids the family needs to be brought in, so having an understanding of that will help you in the end.

Find a specific area of Child Psych and do a lot of reading on it. Begin to make yourself an expert so when you are looking for a job you can say what you specalize in. Maybe talk to an instructor and see if you can do a private study class to help you in that area. In my undergrad I did 3 private studies.

Also, start getting experience working with kids. Like a local youth treatment center, half-way house, foster kids groups etc. Anything you can do to build your knowledge base and get experience will help. Coach sports, volunteer time with kids. Anything like that.

Since you are a sophmore, begin now at looking at Grad programs that will enable you to meet your goals. Don't be afraid to call them up and ask for an interview with faculty. That way, why the staff see your application, tey already have a face to put to the name. Give you a bit of an advantage.

That's all I can think of off the top of my head, if you have more specifc questions feel free to let me know.

Best of luck!

Answer 2

learn to think like a child .. and remember text books can't take into account every variable..............retired