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Careers in Psychology

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Careers in Psychology
Amy Garrow-Estrada
BEH/225
October 05, 2014
Deanna Foley, instructor

Careers in Psychology Over the years I have thought about a career in psychology a few times, but I do not think that it would work for me since it is not my true goal in life. Throughout my time in school though, I have found a few areas of psychology interesting, and believe that they could be beneficial for my career as a health care administrator. I found that the community psychologist role would be a good role to look into, along with the role of the developmental psychologist. Both of those careers hold the most interest for me, and what they can do for me to give back to the community and to the people that I plan to one day build my retirement home for.

A community psychologist helps people to strengthen their abilities, and to meet their own personal needs. They help people to find the resources to help themselves, and to work with others to improve their lives and those around them. They strive to enhance a community, and find a way to empower the people to make a stronger community. They work with schools to prevent bullying, with neighborhoods to prevent crime, and they help to implement changes to policies to improve health outcomes. It is their job to show others how to work within their social systems to meet their needs.

According to Education Portal, “Those interested in becoming community psychologists may begin their careers by completing a bachelor's degree program in psychology. Students may take courses such as social psychology, cultural psychology, education, developmental psychology, biology and ethics in an undergraduate community psychology program. Because the field is competitive, many prospective community psychologists complete a bachelor's degree program and continue on to earn a more concentrated master's degree (Community Psychology: Career Options and Requirements, 2014). However, completing a Master’s degree or even a Doctoral degree will offer more placements in employment than those with just a Bachelor’s degree. A Master’s degree allows for Research Associate, Behavior Analyst, Director or Manager of a Community Services/Mental Health Agency, Crisis Evaluator, Community Program Evaluator, Rehabilitation Counselor, Public Policy Analyst, Mental Health Counselor, Hospital Program Manager and Public Health Administrator (Community Psychologist, 2013).

Community psychologists work in a range of workplaces, such as community and non-profit organizations, universities and colleges, government agencies (such as health and community service agencies), consulting firms, health authorities, private practices, advocacy organizations, schools, research centers and medical centers (Community Psychologist, 2013). A community psychologist can be an analyst/evaluator, consultant, educator/professor, program administrator, or a researcher.

However developmental psychologists study the psychological development of the human being that takes place throughout life. Until recently, the primary focus was on childhood and adolescence, the most formative years. But as life expectancy in this country approaches 80 years, developmental psychologists are becoming increasingly interested in aging, especially in researching and developing ways to help older people stay as independent as possible (Careers in Psychology, 2014).

Developmental psychologists can work in a wide range of settings. Some work in educational settings at colleges and universities, often conducting research on developmental topics while also teaching courses. Others may work in government agencies to help assess, evaluate and treat individuals suffering from developmental disabilities. Other possible areas of employment include assisted living homes for the elderly, teen rehabilitation clinics, centers for the homeless, psychiatric clinics and hospitals (What Is a Developmental Psychologist?, 2014). I find this very interesting, because with our elderly living even longer it is important that we find ways to help them to stay healthy while they age. My area of interest is in keeping the older people independent, and helping them to develop ways to help themselves.

While there are limited employment options at the master’s degree level, those holding a Ph.D. or Psy.D. in Developmental Psychology will find the greatest range of employment opportunities. Individuals with a doctorate degree can teach at the university level, and can be employed in private practices, hospital, mental health clinics and rehabilitation centers (What Is a Developmental Psychologist?, 2014). However, according to Education Portal “Developmental psychology programs at the doctoral level require students to take core courses in developmental theory, statistics, and methodology, as well as social and emotional development. Students may attend seminars in specialized areas” (Developmental Psychologist:Salary, Duties and Requirements, 2014). A master’s degree also provides job opportunities as counselors, researchers, data collectors, and analysts. Those with a bachelor's degree can find employment in day care settings and preschools, also as psychological or rehabilitation assistants in hospitals, clinics or residential facilities (Developmental Psychology Careers, 2014).

By 2016 jobs in health care and social assistance will rise by twenty five percent, and that will add four million more jobs, including developmental psychologists (Developmental Psychology Careers, 2014). This looks promising for all health care workers, and social assistance positions no matter what area of interest that one chooses. Who knows where the numbers will be in another few years when more elderly keep aging and the community will need assistance with that. Only time will tell, and from the way that psychology has gone over the course of its time frame, it will continue to expand and grow into many more great fields that may spark other forms of interest along the way.

References

Careers in Psychology. (2014). Retrieved from American Psychological Association: http://www.apa.org/careers/resources/guides/careers.aspx?item=2

Community Psychologist. (2013). Retrieved from Psychology Careers: http://psychology-careers.com/community-psychologist/

Community Psychology: Career Options and Requirements. (2014). Retrieved from Education Portal: http://education-portal.com/articles/Community_Psychology_Career_Options_and_Requirements.html

Developmental Psychologist:Salary, Duties and Requirements. (2014). Retrieved from Education Portal: http://education-portal.com/articles/Developmental_Psychologist_Salary_Duties_and_Requirements.html

Developmental Psychology Careers. (2014). Retrieved from AllPsychologyCareers.com: http://www.allpsychologycareers.com/career/careers-in-developmental-psychology.html

What Is a Developmental Psychologist? (2014). Retrieved from About education: http://psychology.about.com/od/psychologycareerprofiles/a/developmental-psychologist.htm

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