An Overview Of Seven Jobs In Psychology
Updated May 17, 2019
Reviewer Whitney White, MS. CMHC, NCC., LPC
Source: pixabay.com
Psychology is a very wide sector. The study of the human mind, its function, and how it impacts behavior is a fascinating field with countless avenues, perspectives, and directions to choose from. For this reason, many people choose psychology as their chosen field of study and subsequent career.
Reviewing Different Types Of Psychologists
The following jobs are only the tip of the iceberg with regards to available positions in psychology, and each role has a unique impact. Psychology is an interesting profession to pursue and can impact many lives.
School Psychologists
As the name suggests, school psychologists are responsible for working with children in educational settings and schools. In many cases, this type of psychologist is tasked with helping young people who are dealing with social, academic, and emotional issues. Many school psychologists can work with these children by helping them with problem-solving skills, anger management, self-regulation tips, and communication strategies.
If you or someone you know is considering pursuing a school psychology career, the prospects are very bright. Currently, children are facing a variety of issues which they did not have to face twenty or even ten years ago. School psychologists will play an important role, as we work to understand the issues that today's youth face.
Clinical Psychologists
Clinical psychologists specialize in working with individuals who are struggling with various psychological disorders, emotional, and mental health issues. In many cases, clinical psychologists practice privately or in mental health facilities and hospitals. There is an extensive amount of training and credentials which are required to become a clinical psychologist, but this line of work makes a considerable difference in the lives of many people.
Source: pixabay.com
There are many tasks which a clinical psychologist will perform throughout their career. Some examples of these tasks include, but are not limited to, identifying and diagnosing existing disorders, conducting research, aiding patients in action plans, goal development/achievement, and functioning healthily in the real world. The line of work can be very demanding and unpredictable depending upon the setting and extent of issues which clinical psychologists must work with.
Health Psychologists
In a nutshell, health psychologists are responsible for aiding patients in living healthier lifestyles and doing away with habits which are antithetical to health. Individuals in the line of work will also study various factors and elements which can impact health or lack thereof. In many cases, the factors above are biological, social, and even psychological. Despite the existence of these variables, health psychologists still have the responsibility to help their patients be as healthy as possible.
Some of the first steps of helping patients achieve health involve teaching them about the benefits of health and certain steps which they can take to be healthier individuals. Likewise, patients should also know about the perils of sickness, which habits can generate sickness, and the undesirable, subsequent consequences. In many cases, this, coupled with information on how to be healthier, can serve as a wake-up call to people who were previously unaware. Health psychologists typically work in hospitals, health facilities, universities, and even in government agencies.
Cognitive Psychologists
Cognitive psychologists have the responsibility of studying the internal human mechanisms which control and impact behaviors. This includes the development, retention, and storage of memories. The development of language and the intake of things happening in everyday life are additional examples of subject matters which cognitive psychologists must study and specialize in.
Cognitive psychologists play a critical role in society. The findings from their studies often impact software, educational content, public policy, and much more. Many cognitive psychologists frequently work in private consulting facilities, universities, corporations, and government agencies. As one might imagine, there are a variety of credentials and boxes to tick before someone can begin practicing as a cognitive psychologist.
Consumer Psychologists
Although not as commonly addressed as other psychology career paths, consumer psychologists are very active and play a quite critical role in society as we know it. Individuals who choose this line of work are tasked with the responsibilities of constructing marketing/advertisement campaigns, determining the popularity of a product/service, and probing the behavioral patterns of shoppers and buyers. Consumer psychologists must also have ample knowledge about how media, culture, and interpersonal relationships impact the decisions people make when buying goods and services.
Source: pixabay.com
As one might imagine, consumer psychologists work very closely with businesses, retailers, and economists. The knowledge they gather is very critical for big corporations and businesses which need to know whether or not their products/services will garner success from the public. The services of consumer psychologists are also especially valued during times when the economy is in peril.
Industrial-Organizational Psychologists
Industrial-organizational psychologists specialize in conduct which occurs in the workplace and other professional settings. In many cases, the knowledge of these psychologists is used to ensure that the best prospects are hired into positions which are most suitable for them. One of the ultimate goals of industrial-organizational psychology is to maximize productivity and efficiency in the workplace. Certain individuals in this line of work may train prospective and current employees.
Most commonly, industrial-organizational psychologists work in human resources management departments. Their services are often contracted by large companies that want to bring the best individuals on board. Sometimes, these types of specialists will have prospective new workers complete certain screening tests to determine their aptitude for the job.
The Role Of Psychology In Today's World
Psychology plays a massive role in today's world, and its impact extends to many sectors in society. No realm is more important than the other. Each one has its impact and there are many people in multiple areas and positions which rely upon the work, studies, and findings of various psychologists.
The study of the human mind allows us to understand humankind better. The research that psychologists generate and work they do help people overcome challenges, aid in the treatment of mental illness, support understanding of wellness, develop goods and services people need, and extend into public policy to influence education, training, and more. Regardless of your background, psychology has undoubtedly impacted and even helped you in one form or another.
Source: pixabay.com
Are You Interested In Psychology?
If you are interested in pursuing psychology as a career path, there are many options to pick from. Exploring all your options and making sure that you make an informed choice is always a great first step. Next will come obtaining the necessary educational degrees, credentials, and licenses which are required to practice. This is an investment which can take many years to complete.
Could You Benefit From The Services Of A Psychologist?
At some point in time most of us require guidance or help through life's challenges. If you are working through a challenge, looking for support or guidance, or needing help managing a mental health issue, a psychologist or licensed therapist can be a big help. BetterHelp has an amazing team of licensed therapists available to assist you. Change your life today by clicking here!
