Perhaps the most commonly asked question is "What can I do with a degree in psychology?" The answers to that question are numerous and complex, and depend to a very large extent on your particular goals, abilities, and motivation.
The American Psychological Association has a number of publications that are helpful to students interested in careers in psychology. Among them are:
"Careers in Psychology," reproduced as Appendices A and B in this Handbook;
"Preparing for Graduate Study: Not for Seniors Only," by Fretz and Stang, approximately $9.00;
"Career Opportunities for Psychologists: Expanding and Emerging Areas"
You should visit the Career Services Center (Room 230 Nebraska Union) early in your undergraduate career. Many services are offered through this office. The following can help you in your search:
1) Parents, friends, and relatives all have many contacts. Talk to as many people as you can; start putting out your "feelers" that you will be ready for the job market one year prior to graduation.
2) Seek part-time jobs, summer employment, and internships early in your academic career (sophomore year). There are multiple reasons for doing this, but five obvious ones are: a) You can "test the waters" of a particular job setting to see of this is really what you want to do. Have multiple internships so that you can find your "niche" in a particular job setting. b) Often times an internship setting or part-time job can lead to employment. c) Give yourself a "track" record about certain skills that potential employers will look for -- Are you reliable? Are you on time? What kind of work habits do you have? d) Gain new and marketable skills that help strengthen your application. e) Begin to establish a professional network of people to whom you can always ask about job possibilities. This network can include professors, former psychology students, and professionals in your university and community. Talk to people who are doing what you might want to do who are working for the type of organization that interests you. Ask for advice, suggestions, ideas. Attend business community functions. You can meet people, develop more contacts. This professional network is one of your most important career planning strategies.
How can you get paid for your cerebral abilities? The best way to proceed is to break it down by educational level. Psychology is a very versatile discipline that can prepare you to be successful in a variety of occupations outside the world of academia or clinical psychology. Look here for a list of some of the possibilities available to people with a bachelor's or other degrees in psychology.
*Go here to learn more about building your resume.*
Marketable Skills from Your Career as a Psychology Major
* Ability to interpret and clearly explain psychological research and tests of all types
* Ability to learn and use complex math, science, and methodological theories related to psychology
* Proficiency in reading comprehension, writing, and speaking
* Strong verbal abilities in reading, writing, research, and speaking
* Skills in technical writing, speaking, training methods, and interviewing
* Understanding of human development and behavior
* Ability to work with a wide variety of people
* Sensitivity to and understanding of others
* Ability to observe and analyze introspectively
* Ability to make decisions based on data, experience, and observation
* Skills in diagnosis and treatment of psychological problems
* Ability to evaluate personal problems and make appropriate decisions
* Proficiency in interpersonal communication
* Ability to persuade people and handle a variety of activities
Values and Attributes Associated with Psychology Majors
* Intellectual understanding
* Mental and emotional well-being
* Sensitivity to the inconsistencies of human behavior
* Desire to continue learning throughout life
* Tact
* Inquisitiveness
* Integrity
* Patience
We recommend a publication that is probably the single most important source of information for all psychology majors. It is a paperback book published by the American Psychological Association entitled Is Psychology the Major for You? (student version). This book is filled with all kinds of ideas to be included in your academic and career planning, beginning with your sophomore year. We believe that every psychology major should try to obtain a copy, read it, and incorporate the ideas into your undergraduate education. It is not only valuable to students who are stopping at the bachelors degree, but also for those who want to pursue a higher degree.
