Last year of Psychology Degree! What do I do next?

Question

I'm currently in my last year of doing my psychology u/graduate degree. Once I finish I want to go and do more studying, (I want to either do a Masters in health psychology or do a PhD - haven't completely decided yet) as I want to pursue a career in the psychological field, but first I want to get a job as a researchers assistant or a psychologists assistant for about a year or two to gain some work experience. Where is the best place to find an extensive range of available jobs for these positions. I have noticed that in the memorandum section of 'The Psychologist' magazine there is not many positions available. Even in the Guardian newspaper there does seem to be much.

Also one more thing if I choose to do a Masters in health psychology is it possible to get a student loan to help me with living costs?

For Prophet (or so you think you are) if you actually read the question you will see that I am intending to get a job! if you can't give proper advice don't bother answering! You lame excuse for a human being!

By the way I am a UK student

Answer 1

I myself graduated with a BS in Psychology (as well as a BS in Computer Science and premed) and have also tackled this issue before I graduated.

The best way to find research assistant positions is to network with professors you have had (and did well in their class). Find out the types of research they conduct and determine if you are interested in doing that type of research.

Research Assistant positions are usually not publicized because funding is usually limited or the job is advertised via 'word of mouth'.

The research you conduct will be extremely important to any graduate program you decide to enroll in. Make sure the type of research you conduct matches what the program offers. If you have to choose an advisor, make sure your research experience is similar to the research interests of your potential advisor.

As for living expenses and loans in Health Psychology, you can obtain loans in the US. I am not sure about the UK.

Another thing to consider when weighing getting a PhD or Master's Degree is the amount of time you will have to invest. In the US, the average time for completing graduate studies/work for a PhD is about 7 - 7.5 years. A master's degree is about 2-3 years. Enrolling in a PhD program is a major commitment, so you should ascertain how much you really want it and if the benefits outweight any negatives aspects inherent in this long undertaking.

Answer 2

I can't really be of much help, as I don't quite know how the psychology world works, as such. Is it possible to contact a few psychologists' offices, and send your CV to them in case they need an assistant, or even someone to do work experience (paid or unpaid)? There is a psychologist in most universities, and they might be used to students asking them for work or work experience, maybe you could start there, or in a school where they might employ a psychologist or guidance counsellor. Perhaps just sending your CV out to a vast number of people (use the yellow pages and find everyone in your area) is the way to go, rather than waiting for an opening somewhere. You could ask in a Psychology Department in any university as to whether they require assistants - again, perhaps sending your CV out to absolutely everywhere is the way to go. I'm nearly finished a PhD in English, and when I finish up next year that's what I plan to do - every college in Western Europe will have a copy of my CV to admire! :) Again I don't know exactly about student loans, you don't say where you're from - but I don't think anyone doing a Master's degree in anything would have a problem getting a loan.

P.S. Chill out a little on the name-calling of the other person who answered your question. Maybe you need to relax and give yourself a break, too.

Answer 3

Your bitter response to the first answerer suggests that one of the things you need to do is take seriously the psychology you have been studying. Physician, heal thyself.

Also, it would be a good idea to get a job for a couple of years in something like a group home for teenagers or the disabled, to find out from the bottom up what the field of psychology is all about. I think you may change your mind about what you want to do when you see the lies, manipulations, power games, and hypocrisy that is so very common in the profession. It is true there are a few good therapists, and I suppose not all lab work involves using people in unfair ways, but you need to know: it isn't pretty. Did they teach you about the Milgrim Experiment yet?

Answer 4

A Bachelor's degree in psychology is ineffective except you actual want to change right into a psychologist. it really is a nicely-loved degree that doesn't furnish you with any unique, marketable skills. there's a wide distinction between getting a BA and a BS; the former has more effective humanities and fluffy crap, even as the latter is about the maths and technology. in case you don't love math, then you definitely might want to opt for a fluffy degree like heritage, philosophy or English. they are all both valueless, yet possibly a publishing abode will like your ability with the written be conscious or something.

Answer 5

Have you asked any of your professors for recommendations or if you could help with any research they are doing? They are a wonderful resource. Most know of a good direction to point you in even if they don't have any research to let you get involved in. Most learning institutions also have career centers that have loads of information both on the web and in the resource books and the people who work there are rarely busy and welcome someone to help (they are sorely under utilized, which is sad b/c they are a wealth of information). As far as a student loan for the living expenses, I would look into the psychology department and see if there are any fellowships. They are normally given out to graduate students and cover most costs for students. If they don't cover all the cost, file for grants from financial aid office. Graduate grants are easier to come by than undergrad grants. I would avoid taking out student loans unless necessary. Trust me, I know! Good luck and I hope this helps.
Undergrad in Psych from NC State!!!!!

Answer 6

Get a job.