The idea of studying humans’ mind and behavior has drawn all of my academic interests to psychology major. The area of this scientific field are varies, and one of them which interested me the most is counseling psychology. In counseling psychology, people focus on studying individuals’ psychological health. This area addresses attention of normal developmental issues and mental disorders. Personally, I feel myself will fit well in the community where I can use my knowledge to make individuals better psychologically. To be more specific, I want to focus on understanding and helping children/adolescents/young adults’ mental health as I acknowledge the importance of this generation to the world in general. I am at the very beginning of my academic path in psychology as being a junior student in the Department of Psychology in CWU, Des Moines. Although I am overwhelmed by all the information about how this Psychology major address my career goals, I am excited for all the knowledge I will gain for my academic path in counseling psychology. Moreover, I am expecting to gain experience outside of school, such as volunteers or internships related to counseling as well. I am hoping to see myself in the next 10 years working in counseling psychology field as a mental health service counselor or children-family support and engagement services.
Thinking about my last two years in college, through the knowledge gathered from classes, I acknowledge well the term “psychology” and how its aspects affect people and community (social psychology). I also learned about abnormality and some mental disorders in clinical psychology class. One of my favorite activities in those classes was watching movies or videos then reflecting/analyzing a person’s or a character’s personalities based on the way he/she behaves. I feel like this is what we, human, even non-psychology interested people, do every day in our life. We observe and connect people in order to run the society. Psychology is an interesting science that you could make it practical even if you have minimum knowledge about it. Although I did not have any experience that actually related directly to counseling psychology, I always try to place the view of a psychology student into every activity I do at school or in the community. In the past, I experienced volunteer in the clinical psychology field. I used to volunteer weekly at an adult daycare called Full Life Care where they provide special service and food for adults and elders with mental disabilities. What I like about this organization is its environment that makes the clients feel connected. Even though there are some clients with serious mental disorders, staffs and volunteers always try their best to make them interact in activities and understand their values. Another organization I volunteer for is a foodbank in Cherry street, downtown Seattle, called Northwest Harvest. This is a well-known organization which provides nutritious food to stop hunger statewide that respects people’s dignity. Most people who come here for help are in lower classes, poverty or homeless. Through volunteering, I got chances to associate with people in unhealthy mental and physical conditions. Those meaningful services remind me day by day the importance of psychology in this society and what I can do to help people.
During the way I achieve my BA, I am expecting to do volunteer or social activities which are more related to counseling psychology. Through the college’s website, I have found a lot of useful links to several services and organizations to contribute my help in the counseling community. Plus, through classes at school, there are also many projects or research which might benefit my counseling experience.
Based on the information given by the college’s career service, with a counseling psychology degree, I have plenty career assessment inventories. Some areas which caught my interest are mental health, family therapy, school/career counseling, school education, and social services. As mentioned at the beginning, I am looking forward to helping children/adolescents/young adults’ reinforce and improve their psychological health. I acknowledge that some standout strategies needed for this career are strong communication skills, relevant backgrounds in experiencing counseling psychology, cultivate multicultural competence, and own certain problem-solving and coping stress skills.
I took few surveys on a career guideline website called Type Focus suggested by the college’s instructor. My first reaction was amazed as websites like this do exist. It guided me to a clearer view of how I am going to address my personalities and interests into my future career. The assessment results based on factors like personalities, interest, values, and success. Surprisingly, according to the result, I was in the ESFJs group (Extraversion, Sensing, Feeling, and Judging) who are friendly, organized helpers and caregivers using their traditional beliefs and honestly concern to cooperate with other people. I feel lucky to be one of those students who don’t struggle to figure out what they want to do in the future. The results satisfied me as I know I will fit well in counseling psychology major. It is simply doing things you really love to do.
Pursuing a psychology degree opens doors to many rewarding careers. With a bachelor’s degree in psychology, you gain valuable skills in research, analysis, communication, empathy, and understanding human behavior. These versatile skills allow psychology graduates to thrive in a wide range of fields.
If you’re a psychology major exploring career options, here are 10 rewarding career goals to consider:
1. Clinical Psychologist
Median Salary: $82,180
Clinical psychologists assess, diagnose, and treat mental health issues through psychotherapy and other interventions. To become a licensed clinical psychologist, you must earn a doctoral degree in psychology (PhD or PsyD), complete an internship, and pass licensing exams With strong analytical abilities and empathy, clinical psychologists help clients manage conditions like anxiety, depression, and addiction
2. Industrial-Organizational Psychologist
Median Salary: $97,260
Industrial-organizational (I-O) psychologists apply psychology principles to the workplace They work to improve productivity, management, and the well-being of employees With a master’s degree in I-O psychology, you can conduct research, analyze data, modify organizational structures, and implement training programs. I-O psychologists enjoy intellectually stimulating work while helping organizations succeed.
3. School Psychologist
Median Salary $76990
School psychologists support students’ learning, behavior, and mental health. They evaluate students for learning disabilities, giftedness, and other special needs. School psychologists also help implement intervention and prevention programs. To become a school psychologist, you need a master’s degree and state certification. If you enjoy working with children, a career as a school psychologist can be deeply fulfilling.
4. Forensic Psychologist
Median Salary: $80,370
Forensic psychologists apply psychological principles to the legal system. They often conduct mental competency evaluations and provide expert testimony in court cases. Forensic psychologists also develop profiles of criminal suspects. With a doctoral degree in forensic psychology, you can work in family courts, correctional facilities, and police departments. It’s intellectually stimulating work for those fascinated by psychology and the law.
5. Social Worker
Median Salary: $50,390
With a bachelor’s degree in psychology, you can find work as a social worker. Social workers assist people in managing issues related to poverty, mental illness, addiction, disability, and trauma. Their duties include conducting psychosocial assessments, developing treatment plans, and connecting clients with community resources. Social work allows you to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives every day. A master’s degree qualifies you for more advanced clinical social work.
6. Neuropsychologist
Median Salary: $103,950
Neuropsychologists specialize in understanding brain-behavior relationships. They assess and treat cognitive, emotional, and behavioral dysfunctions caused by neurological conditions and brain injuries. As a neuropsychologist, you can diagnose disorders like dementia, epilepsy, stroke, and traumatic brain injury. Earning a PhD in neuropsychology allows you to conduct specialized assessments and implement rehabilitation plans.
7. Behavior Analyst
Median Salary: $59,760
Behavior analysts, also called applied behavior analysts, work with individuals to change problematic behaviors. They develop and implement behavior modification programs, especially for children with developmental disabilities like autism. As a behavior analyst, you can teach new skills and reduce harmful behaviors through positive reinforcement strategies. Eligibility requires a master’s degree and certification from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board.
8. User Experience (UX) Researcher
Median Salary: $99,080
UX researchers analyze how users interact with products and interfaces. They conduct studies to evaluate and improve the overall user experience. With training in psychological research and data analysis, you are well-suited for a career as a UX researcher. You can work for tech companies, analyzing engagement with apps and digital platforms. Strong analytical and communication abilities are essential in this growing field.
9. Career Counselor
Median Salary: $58,120
Career counselors guide people making decisions about school, jobs, and career changes. They administer career assessments, review resumes, and teach job search techniques. With a master’s degree in counseling psychology, you can work in schools, colleges, and career development agencies. As a career counselor, you can empower people to pursue satisfying careers aligned with their strengths and interests.
10. Market Research Analyst
Median Salary: $65,810
Market research analysts help companies understand customer needs and make smart business decisions. They design surveys and focus groups to collect data on consumer behaviors, preferences, and motivations. A psychology degree provides ideal preparation for this role with its emphasis on research methodology and human behavior. As a market research analyst, you get to uncover insightful trends and patterns every day.
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Psychology career goals essay
Are we all really alone? Is there a simple way to solve life’s problems? What actually makes us happy in life? These are just a few of the many questions have helped stimulate my interest in Psychology.
I want to become a psychologist because in my culture mental health issues are ignored and disregarded. My enthusiasm for the human brain developed during my early teenage years, once my sister’s mental state declined and her specialist was conflicted with what to diagnose her, leading her to be admitted into hospital., leading her to be admitted into hospital. After seeing first-hand, the complex and somewhat abstract nature of it all I became fascinated by the mind works and the way it’s flexible enough to both empower and deceive us.
My involvement within the school’s fundraising mental health campaigns was extremely satisfying and meaningful, and it has prompted my interest in a career in psychology. Being involved in these campaigns offered me the opportunity to enhance my communication skills, improved my ability to work under pressure, as well as enabling me to develop some leadership skills. My work experience placement at Guys and St Thomas hospital further encouraged my keen interest, when I noted how fortunate we are to have such a broad-based, and free, mental health services in this country.
My attendance at the Women of the World conference in South Bank, confirmed that my decision of pursuing a career in the field is the right one as a discussion on women’s mental health erupted the room with hope that an important social impact would prevail in this modern society in this day and age – making me additionally want to make a distinct difference for people in the coming future.
I am excited about studying the psychology modules offered on my current Access to Health and Human Sciences course. It is allowing me to think about the psychology sector in a totally different way as it equips me with the essential theoretical knowledge needed to pursue a career in psychology. I find myself analysing my own life and applying the psychological theories I had learnt to explain behaviours and attitudes that I witness daily. I now feel very confident developing my views into well-structured opinions, and hope this will contribute to my evolving academic growth. I make good use of my private study time to review and consolidate what has been taught to me in class. I enjoy working as a member of a team and value others’ opinions and ideas, but I also enjoy working independently outside of lessons. Being an excellent verbal communicator has helped me become a very effective team member. I believe that motivation is the key for success, and I consider myself a highly motivated individual with a passion and dedication to learn new skills. I am a positive, hardworking, determined individual and feel I will gain so much through university life.
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I know that my enjoyment for the subject will allow me to excel academically. I am particularly determined to follow my interest in carving out a career in the field of psychology and would relish the opportunity to study psychology at degree level. I enjoy making new friends and embracing new challenges. I think that you will find me an honest and industrious person. I believe I have the potential to develop my personal and social skills by continuing my education to a higher level. These qualities make me the ideal candidate for the degree course; and I believe that I will be able to both gain from and contribute to it. I am very much looking forward to commencing my studies at university.
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- Gelso, C. J., & Fretz, B. R. (2001). Counseling psychology (2nd ed.). Brooks/Cole Publishing Company.
- McLeod, J. (2013). An introduction to counseling (5th ed.). Open University Press.
- Neukrug, E. S. (2019). The world of the counselor: An introduction to the counseling profession (5th ed.). Cengage Learning.
- Nystul, M. S. (2017). Introduction to counseling: An art and science perspective (6th ed.). Pearson.
- Palmer, S., & McMahon, G. (Eds.). (2014). Handbook of counseling (2nd ed.). Routledge.
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10 Psychology Careers To Know About
What are the goals of a psychology major?
For example, the goals of a psychologist may involve developing and providing patients with a variety of helpful tools to help them with mental illnesses. With a list of goals and objectives, a psychology major can plan and prepare for each milestone.
Why should a psychology major set career goals?
It’s beneficial for a psychology major to set and achieve career goals to help them get their ideal job, advance in their career and feel fulfilled in their work. For example, the goals of a psychologist may involve developing and providing patients with a variety of helpful tools to help them with mental illnesses.
What career paths can a psychology major pursue?
Review some career paths that psychology majors can pursue: Psychology majors can pursue a career in clinical psychology. In this field, they work with patients directly to diagnose psychological problems and mental illnesses. Psychology majors also need a Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) to practice clinical psychology.
Can a psychology major get a degree?
A student can major in psychology during their undergraduate degree and use this credential to earn a graduate degree, whether it be a master’s or doctorate degree. Review some career paths that psychology majors can pursue: Psychology majors can pursue a career in clinical psychology.
