Psychology is one of the most sought after subjects that students want to earn a degree in and create a profession out of. Despite this subject’s popularity, there are still many misconceptions surrounding having a degree in psychology such as whether it is worth earning a major in psychology or not or what types of jobs can one get. In this blog, we will cover what one can do with a degree in psychology.
Psychology is the scientific study of the human mind and behaviour – how people think, feel and behave. Psychologists explore unanswered questions about the human mind and its functioning under various conditions such as from the basic working of consciousness, reasoning, memory and personality to how stress, anxiety, tension and mental illness affect the human brain. Psychology is science but is also a part of liberal arts. Thus, graduates in psychology develop into critical thinkers, analysts and researchers. They also grow skills in interpersonal and project management that are used in a wide range of careers.
Some psychology degree holders enter a field that is not directly or indirectly related to psychology such as business, politics or marketing. As per personal interests, one can pursue careers with a degree in psychology in both art and scientific fields. Roles for a psychologist can be as an advisor, researcher or even as a therapist. Students can opt to go for, either as a public or private counsellor, mental health advisor/supporter, therapist, social worker, health advisor, consulting psychologists and including jobs in media or other creative industries. Depending on one’s specializations and interests, there are many different options available for psychology degree holders :
Psychotherapist
A psychotherapist is a trained professional who assists their clients – individuals, groups, families or partners to overcome mental health conditions depression, schizophrenia, anxiety, insomnia, bipolar disorder and other issues such as addiction, stress, panic attacks, breakdowns or relationship related issues. They use therapy to treat these emotional and mental issues. Depending on one’s interest and what one chooses to specialize in during their degree, an individual can become a psychotherapist using numerous approaches such as cognitive behavioural therapy methods, drama therapy, psychoanalytic, psychodynamic therapy, art therapy, Hypno-psychotherapy, experiential therapy, humanistic and integrative psychotherapy.
Social Worker
A social worker helps people to cope up with the challenges they are facing in their lives or are going through a difficult phase. These people range from various ages and have issues – from children to teens, adults to elderly people, people with disabilities or victims of crime and abuse. Social workers are found in every aspect of community life whether it is public or private agencies, school, corporations, hospitals, health clinics, military or prisons. Social Worker tends to specialize in serving or working in a specific setting with children, teens and vulnerable adults.
Counsellor
A counsellor works with individuals suffering from personal issues be it mental or emotional in a confidential setting. They get involved with people and help them to overcome their problems and get better. Counsellors hold the ability to listen to people patiently, offer respect to their struggle and strength, empathize and encourage them as well as empower them. They support their clients by helping and guiding them to make the right choice and enabling them to cope much better with their situation. Counsellor is a form of verbal therapy and covers areas including marriage and family, mental health, rehabilitation, education, health, abuse, distress and career guidance.
Researcher
A career in Psychology in the research area can be based within public or private organisations, research centres or agencies and universities. Research that is carried on in university differs but tend to combine research and teaching. In other sectors, one can work for charity or NGO’s (non-profit organisations) and help in the research of challenging issues such as child development, brain development, the impact of drug abuse, brain damage, speech impediments, and consequences of trauma. Other wide-ranging research sectors also contribute to government policy development issues of importance for the industry and environment.
By – Habiba Zaidi
