A CAREER IN PSYCHOLOGY – HOW DID I GET HERE?

Many Different Paths

Many Different Outcomes

What Will Yours Be?

Presented by: Dr. Kimberly A. Kerns Associate Professor

BUT DID IT? I GUESS NOT, BECAUSE I AM HERE! What lessons do I take from my own ‘journey’ to become a

clinical neuropsychologist1. Educational experiences and learning that I thought would not be

important in ‘any other field’ were surprisingly often ‘assets’ and ‘door openers’

2. Activities that I didn’t think I enjoyed in one environment suddenly became much more interesting and relevant in other environments (e.g., Math!)

3. Having had a broad exposure to a number of disciplines, trades, people from different walks of life have provided important skills/ways to connect with individuals in my clinical practice

4. Having a broad-based learning and experiences provides you with tools/abilities that can be used across disciplines, careers, and even life-tasks …

5. I underestimated/undervalued all the skills I learned in my various life experiences

TAKE STOCK … HAVE YOU LEARNED MORE THAN YOU KNOW?

TAKE STOCK … HAVE YOU LEARNED MORE THAN YOU KNOW?

WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH A PSYCHOLOGY DEGREE?

Good news: Many options in many fields and at all degree levels. Demand remains strong for many despite economic

outlook. Skills developed are valued by many types of employers.

Things to keep in mind: Degrees are less valuable if you haven’t developed

skills. Consider co-op terms, volunteering or service learning experiences!!

Many fields are competitive. Typically there are more options for career growth with a

graduate degree - requires good GPA and research/internship involvement. Don’t wait until the last minute!

Addictions counsellor Administration

Advertising Career/employment counsellor

Case worker Child care worker

Child welfare worker Community worker

Correctional officer Counsellor

Cultural diversity consultant Customs or immigration agent

Day care worker, supervisor Educational counsellor

Entrepreneur Fund-raiser or development officer

Gerontology Government researcher

Health services Hospice coordinator

Human resources Immigration officer

Labour relations specialist Manager

Market research analyst Marketing

Mental health worker Motivational researcher

Personnel Population studies researcher

Probation or parole officer Professional consultant

Program coordinator Psychiatric assistant or aide

Public health statistician Public opinion interviewer

Public relations Psychology professor

Recreation specialist Research assistant

Sales representative Social services

Social worker Teaching

Technical writer Travel agent

Youth worker  

THERE ARE MANY OPTIONS FOR A PERSON WITH A BA IN PSYCHOLOGY

….

EVEN WITH JUST A BA YOU CAN MAKE A GOOD WAGE!

THERE ARE MANY ADDITIONAL AREAS IN PSYCHOLOGY TO EXPAND YOUR LEARNING

Non-Clinical Graduate Degrees:

Behavioral Neuroscience Developmental Psychology Personality Psychology Social Psychology Evaluation, Measurement, & Statistics Forensic Psychology Cognitive Psychology Community Psychology Health Psychology Sports Psychology

• Child and Family Policy • Family Psychology• Media Psychology• Public Service• Military Psychology• Applied Experimental and

Engineering Psychology• Rehabilitation Psychology• Environmental Psychology

HELPING PROFESSIONS: MENTAL HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES AREAS – CLINICAL FOCUS

Masters Degree:

Mental health counselor Social worker Family & marriage therapist Art therapist Psychometrist

Doctoral Degree:

Clinical psychologist Counseling psychologist Psychiatrist (via Medicine)

EDUCATION-RELATED AREAS

Masters Degree:

School psychologist School counselor Teacher (certification)

Doctoral Degree:

Professor Educational psychologist

BUSINESS-RELATED AREAS

Masters or Doctorate Degree:

Industrial & Organizational Psychology (e.g., assessment, recruitment, leadership)

Human Factors Marketing Consulting Psychology Consumer Psychology

OTHER FIELDS

Advanced Degree:

Medicine (practice or research) Law Public Health/Epidemiology Research & Policy Analysis Ministry/Theology

SITES WITH MORE INFORMATION …

http://www.uvic.ca/coopandcareer/ http://www.psywww.com/careers/index.htm http://www.uvic.ca/coopandcareer/assets/docs/wcydwyd/

Psychology.pdf http://careersinpsychology.org/