Degree almost coming to an end!!?

Question

I hope someone can help. I am in my third year of my psychology degree and will be finishing in June, but I am afraid for my future. I want to pursue a career in psychology and am considering either going onto do a Masters in health psychology or go on to do a PhD. But first i want to take a year out from studying and get a job as a psychologists/researchers assistant, but the thing is I don't know how to get one of these jobs. In the Psychologist's magazine memorandum section there seems to only a few of these types of jobs available and in most cases they seem to be in an area I am not particulary interested in. How do I find more psychologist/researcher assistant jobs. I have searched the internet with no luck.

I would also appreciate some advice from people who are already psychologists - that is, could you tell me about how you came to be where you are - the jobs/training, etc you have done on the way to your current role.

Answer 1

Finding a job as a "psychologist" with a bacehlor's degree is not resonable because in order to be a "psychologist" you need a doctoral degree or a master's degree in School Psychology. After I graduated from college with my BS I did research part-time. I was able to continue my work with a professor that I knew. Are you planning to stay in the area that you got your bachelor's degree? If so, I would try to get a position with a professor. If you are not planning to stay in that area, you can contact nearby universities. It sounds like you are interested in health psychology. As such, you can contact the hospitals. Some hospitals have ongoing research. If you can't find a paid research position, don't be afraid to volunteer part-time while working another pt/ft job. If you do well, you will at least get a recommendation.

With regard to the degree that you choose to pursue...be aware that it is tough to get a job (at least where I am) with a MA in Psychology. I have my master's degree in Clinical Psychology and I kick myself in the butt for not applying directly to PhD programs. It would have saved me time and money.

How did I get to where I am...Well, it has been a journey. I graudated with a bachelor's degree. I had a double major in biopsychology and sociology with a minor in statistics. Upon graduation I started working full-time as a case manager for mentally ill adults, while I went to graduate school full-time. I graduated with my bachelors on May 7 and started grad school May 17. Big mistake on my part. I think I sort of freaked out and wasn't sure I would go back if I didn't do it immediately. Take your year. After I was awarded a MA in Clinical Psychology I started working as a multi-systemic therapist (I am a marriage and family therapist working with juvenile delinquents). Since my master's degree I have received an enourmous amount of additional training. I took a 35 hour course in MST, a case management course through Hunter College, and I am currently taking a Structural Family Therapy class through the Minuchin center just to name a few trainings. I was recently promoted to a clinical supervisor. I am in the process of applying to PhD programs in School Psych. I think working as an MST therapist has helped me to reevaluate my goals and decide which area of Psychology to pursue.

The moral of the story...freaking out is normal. Move at your own pace. Don't be afraid to get some work experience before making such a big decision. If you have the grades to get into a PhD program right off the bat try that. If not enroll in a Master's program and work your butt off. Check with professors and hospitals for research positions.

Answer 2

Bachlors in Psychology qualifies you for work with the Department of Human Services (or whatever it is called in your state)- social work.

You can do a social work internship through your school, I bet, then when you graduate, you are all lined up for a job in social work based on the recommendations of your internship supervisor! Or perhaps that very same office would be hiring and you would be a top candidate since they know you already and have trained you.

Or I heard that psychology majors can work as probation/parole officers... again, the intership idea would come into play and would help you tremendously. You have one year left- make it good. Start volunteering and do an internship- your guidance counselor/career counselor can help you find something right for you!

Answer 3

really you need to start doing some voluntary work; from there you can start 'networking' to gain some practical experience which would go well when being interviewed for Asst Psych jobs. Allow yourself a year for this .. You will then need to get an Asst Psych role for a couple of years then apply for Clinical training whilst doing your Phd. You will get there but remeber it takes as long to go through the process as it does to train as a medical doctor.

Answer 4

They have psychologists in many fields apart from the "medical" work. Why not write to one of these `reality TV` programs, they employ people like you to help `sort out` the contestants. Or perhaps a large company who uses them to interview job applicants. I think you will have to apply to companies, even although they have not advertised a position.