Psychology?

Question

Hi I'm really interested in psychology and wanted to study it after high school. But I heard this really disapointing story about this guy who said studying psychology landed him in working in a restuaurant as a manager. Are chances of becoming a psychologist that bad (in canada, BC) PLEASE HELP thanks so MUCH! :)

Answer 1

It really depends on what your interests and aspirations are. There are several careers available for BA and BS degrees in psychology. However, more doors open upon completion of graduate training (and behind those doors are higher paychecks).

Here are some examples of jobs that can be obtained with an undergraduate degree (list courtesy of Calvin College)

account officer
activity director
addiction counselor
admissions market analyst
admissions officer/recruiter
admissions public relations
director
adolescent care technician
adolescent chemical dependency
counselor
adoption worker
advertising trainee
advertising media specialist
advertiser-educator
affirmative action officer
agency representative
airline reservations clerk
alcohol counselor
arena and sports facility instructor
assistant youth coordinator
behavior analyst
behavior modification
branch manger
camp director/counselor
child management consultant
camp staff director
caretaker
case worker
chemical dependency counselor
child care counselor
child protection worker
circulation manager
college admissions representative
community correctional service
worker
community outreach coordinator
community service coordinator
consultant
counselor aide
counselor/therapist
county personnel officer
customer relations
daily living aide
day-care aide
deputy juvenile probation officer
director of activity and recreation
director of alumni relations
director of day-care center
director of human services
director of education
director of family planning`
director of youth service bureau
educational salesperson
educational textbook representative
employment interviewer
employment counselor
foster home parent
group home coordinator
group home counselor
group home parents
guidance counselor
head of fund raising
house parent
house parent (drug treatment center)
human relations director
human services technician
infant stimulation teacher
instructional assistant
(institution for mentally retarded)
instructor-handicapped
adult program
insurance agent
investigator
juvenile court worker
juvenile justice planner
juvenile prevention program coordinator
line supervisor
management specialist
management trainee
marketing manager
marketing representative
marketing researcher
mental health program director
mental retardation professional
neighborhood worker
nursing home worker
office supervisor
operations coordinator
parent educator
park and recreation director
parole/probation officer
personnel analyst
personnel manager
placement specialist
private school representative
private tutor
probation officer
police training coordinator
psychology technician
psychiatric aide
psychometrist
public relations director
recreation leadership
rehabilitation aide
rehabilitation worker
research analyst/planner
research assistant
research caretaker
residential director
resource developer
retail manager
sales representative
secretary
security officer
social service director
social service supervisor
social studies teacher
special education worker
statistical assistant
substance abuse attendant
training and staff development
trainer-coordinator
vocational counselor
welfare eligibility examiner
youth activities coordinator
youth worker

For further information I suggest reading

Morgan, B. L. & Korschgen, A.J. (1998). Majoring in Psychology: Career Options for Psychology Undergraduates. Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon.

Answer 2

Taking a course in Psychology is learning about who you are and why. If you don't know who you are how can you help someone else. If you haven't been through something how can you help someone go through the issue. Take the course, and if you don't like it you have the base to become a teacher or work with social services. But remember the better the knowledge the better you will be. You will never waste what you learn. The knowledge can always be used in what ever you do in your life. If you are wondering whether you should take the course, then go to the second hand store or liberary, and get the books and read them before you put the money out. The cover of the books change every year but the content is always the same. Do your self a favor and read the books. You can always challenge the exam.

Answer 3

I am about to graduate with a psychology degree and I am worried about the job situation. To be honest, I would choose something else if you do not have a strong passion for it. I have applied to many jobs with little luck. Also, if you are looking at salary, then I would forget psychology. You can make more sometimes with a 2 year degree than a master's degree in psychology. If you love it (like I do), then follow your heart. I am upset with my job prospects (and I have nearly a 4.0), but I know that it is what I will be happy doing. I am going to work for a few years and find out what part of psych that I love and then get my master's in it. Also, be sure that you are willing to relocate. I am just now having to consider this option. Remember, you don't usually have to declare your major until after your freshman year, so this will give you some extra time to think about it! Good luck with your decision!

Answer 4

Hi psychology is an interesting subject to study, it takes a lot of brain power to understand it initially. You have to be fully committed to it right from the start. Being a psychologist is a wonderful profession so don't worrry if others have chosen other careers, maybe they weren't meant to be a psychologist after all!!!!!!!!!

Answer 5

You will need at least a Master's level in either Psych or Social Work to be in a clinical setting if that is what you are after. Many places require a PhD.

Answer 6

You are going to have at least a master's degree to make a decent wage. You get jobs as rehab specialist with a bachelor's degree. In the state of Oklahoma there is a shortage of qualified people, so I don't think you would have to work in a restaurant.

Answer 7

In the US many people want to help others so there are not enough jobs for them. It is like this everywhere (the folowing). The worse a job is, the easier it is to get since people do not want to do it. The more likable it is, the harder it is to get. If you still want to do it, you can cut down your competition by getting a PhD in psychology.

Answer 8

Probably depends on how well you understand it and know how to deal with your own psychological issues and relate everyone else's issues to themselves and keep it separate from your own may make it more likely to be a successful psychologist.

Answer 9

To become a psychologist, as far as doing therapy, you need at least a masters, and preferably a doctorate.

Answer 10

It's all about motivation, ambition, discipline, and priority. You have to know what you're doing and love it. That guy you mentioned must have lacked something which made him fail at his studies! If you think you can do it, go for it, but you have to push yourself according to your limits!