5 Careers to Consider if You’ve Studied Psychology at University (Pros, Cons, and Earning Potential)
Posted on 9th August 2023
Studying psychology at university offers numerous benefits. Notably, it opens the door to a wide spectrum of exciting career prospects. From clinical psychology to market research, your options with a psychology degree are vast and varied.
Plus, this field further enhances your understanding of human behaviour, a skill beneficial in virtually every professional setting. It’s an amazing gateway to diverse fields!
Here’s a quick overview of some careers to consider if you studied psychology in college.
1. Educational Psychologist
Working as an educational psychologist involves applying psychology principles to enhance students’ learning experiences. For example, you could help develop strategies for dealing with educational difficulties or support student well-being efforts at all education levels.
Pros:
Opportunity to make a positive impact on students’ lives.
Fosters innovative approaches to learning strategies.
Cons:
Often requires additional certifications or education beyond an undergraduate degree.
Can be emotionally taxing when dealing with severe student issues.
As an educational psychologist, your annual earning potential typically falls between the range of $60 – $115k annually depending on your district and level of expertise.
2. Market Research Analyst (Research Psychologist)
As a market research analyst, you get to use your understanding of human behavior and psychology to predict market trends. The job requires keen analytical skills alongside the ability to process large volumes of data.
Offers scope for creativity and analytical thinking.
Varied opportunities across different industries.
Cons:
Tight deadlines and potentially high-pressure scenarios.
Often requires proficiency with statistical software tools.
Market research analysts can earn an average annual salary of about $65,000, with the potential for higher earnings as they gain experience and move up into managerial roles.
3. Human Resources Manager
HR is another field where the skills acquired from studying psychology become incredibly useful. Here, knowing how people work assists in recruiting, managing employee relationships, and formulating workplace policies for better productivity and job satisfaction.
Pros:
Wide variety of job activities, from hiring to conflict resolution.
An essential role in creating inclusive, productive workplaces.
Cons:
Dealing with difficult situations or disgruntled employees can be challenging.
Need to constantly update knowledge about employment laws and policies.
In the human resources field, managers often earn an impressive average annual salary of around $80,000 to $130,000 or more depending on the employer.
4. Clinical Psychologist
Becoming a clinical psychologist is undoubtedly one of the most direct paths forward for a psychology student or graduate.
A day in this career entails diagnosing and treating mental health issues in patients using various therapeutic approaches. It allows you to make a tangible difference in people’s lives, enhancing their well-being.
Better yet, clinical Psychology Jobs are fairly easy to find these days, thanks to online job boards and resources customized for these medical professionals.
Pros:
Ability to help people overcome their mental health challenges.
Various areas of specialization available.
Likely high demand as mental health awareness increases.
Cons:
Need for additional educational qualifications beyond an undergraduate degree.
The job can be emotionally draining.
As a clinical psychologist, you’re looking at an average yearly salary ranging from $60,000 to $103,000 with experience and specialization increasing potential earnings.
5. Criminal Profiler (Forensic Psychologist)
Last but no less fascinating is the world of criminal profiling – yes like on TV!
Using psychological insight, you’d assist law enforcement agencies in understanding criminal behaviors and motivations.
By doing so, you could help them solve crime more effectively and perhaps prevent future offenses. This career can be incredibly challenging, but also deeply rewarding for those who love combining psychology, detective work, and justice.
Pros:
Involved in solving complex criminal cases, which could be exciting for some!
Direct role in improving public safety.
Cons:
Potential exposure to violent or unsettling criminal cases.
High-stress job with unconventional working hours.
Criminal profilers’ salaries can vary widely based on agency size and location; however, on average they may earn anywhere from about $50k to high six figures.
Other Notable Mentions:
Counseling Psychologist
Industrial-Organizational Psychologist
Sports Psychologist
In conclusion, studying psychology at university paves the way for diverse, fulfilling career paths. Whatever avenue you choose, your degree becomes a ticket to making a real difference in the world while expanding your understanding of human behaviour.
