Careers in Psychology

About 34% of psychologists are self-employed What are some benefits of being self-employed? What are some drawbacks? (negatives) Other Work Places: Private Practice -Clinics Hospitals -Colleges Nursing Homes -Prisons Schools

Overall employment of psychologists is projected to grow 19 percent from 2014 to 2024, much faster than the average for all occupations. Employment growth will vary by occupation. The median annual wage for psychologists was $75,230 in May 2016. ($36/hr) (The lowest 10 percent earned less than $41,890, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $121,610)

Education: A master’s or doctoral degree, and a license, are required for most psychologists. A doctoral degree usually requires about 5 years of full-time GRADUATE study, culminating in a dissertation based on original research. A master’s degree in psychology requires at least 2 years of full-time GRADUATE study. Requirements usually include practical experience in an applied setting and a master’s thesis based on an original research project.

Aspiring psychologists must be: Emotionally stable Mature Able to deal effectively with people Sensitive Compassionate Good communicators Able to lead and inspire others Patient and have perseverance

Employment Outlook Demands of society that generate the need for psychologists: unhealthy lifestyles (smoking, drinking, obesity, etc.) student counseling employee assistance programs mental disorders marriage and family problems job stress employee retention and productivity growing number of elderly returning veterans.

Clinical Largest Group Help people with psychological problems Like anxiety, schizophrenia, etc. Most people think of this group when they hear “psychologist”

Counseling Like “Clinical”, but for adjustment problems rather than serious psychological disorders Career decisions Making friends Family conflicts Setting goals

School Identify and help students who have problems that interfere with learning. Trained in education and psychology and often deal with child development, learning disabilities, external factors, curriculum and instruction, and other factors that may influence an educational environment. Collaborate (work with) with others in the school environment to provide the most supportive learning environment for students.

Educational Focus on course planning and instructional methods for an entire school system Take a proactive rather than reactive approach to the job and use their research to improve educational experiences for people of all learning styles.

Consumer Study and analyze how thoughts, beliefs, perceptions, ideas, and impulses impact people’s behavior as consumers. Look at factors such as decision-making, impulse control, and social and cultural influences when examining consumer behavior Predict their behavior Work with advertisers Effective ad creation and commercials Advise store managers Displays Placement of items. Ex. Where is the milk located?

Forensic Work within the criminal justice system. Testify in court Explain criminal behavior Help police departments hire police officers, cope with job stress and train officers.

Sports Psychology Developed during the 1980s Work with athletes, teams, coaches, and parents to help them overcome any psychological issues that result from things like career transitions, serious injuries, the long road of rehabilitation, and team-building concerns. Their work is an intersection between physical and psychological science that often results in more effective performance, better communication, and an understanding of self.

Sports Psychology