The scientific process of studying someone’s thought patterns, emotional cycles or habits and behaviors is known as psychology. There are many people who are interested in this type of work. Many of these careers must begin with obtaining a degree in psychology. However, because the field is quite broad, there are also opportunities to find psychology-related work with no special education or certification requirements.
Furthermore, it’s a common misconception that careers connected to psychology are limited to a select few job titles such as counselors, social workers, and mental healthcare workers. There are many excellent career opportunities that may be surprising to learn are associated with psychology. Keep reading to find out which of these psychology-related careers could be right for you.
Commonly Associated Psychology Careers
These are a few of the jobs that most people think of regarding a psychology-related career. Almost all of these options require some form of education or certification to lawfully practice, the majority requiring a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Counselors and Therapists
There are many variations in the kind of work a counselor or therapist may be involved with. Some employers require a master’s degree before you’re hireable as a counselor, while others accept your application and resume with only an associate’s degree. Therapists, on the other hand, are required to have earned a minimum of a four-year degree. Both have mandatory certifications respective to the specific type of work entailed with the position. Be sure to research the specific requirements in your area. Here are a few of the variations for counselors and therapists:
Counselors
- Career or Vocational
- Substance Abuse
- Mental Health
- Educational
- Religious
Therapists
- Behavioural
- Speech
- Rehabilitation
- Grief
- Nutritional
Social Services
As far as social work, workers in this field provide underprivileged individuals with information and resources to help them live well. They may also provide assistance by visiting individuals to be sure that all is well in the home. This is especially common when young, mentally handicapped, or elderly people are involved. These jobs require a bachelor’s degree or higher as well as licensure in the state and county of operation. Here are a few job options in the field:
- Case Management
- Victim Advocacy
- Child Welfare
- Community Service Management
Uncommonly Associated Careers
These career paths are also related to the field of psychology, even though you may be surprised at a few of them. Some of these tend to be more accessible. For example, you may only need life coaching certification rather than a 4-year degree.
- Life Coaching
- Sales and Marketing
- Research Analytics
- Human Resources
- Law Enforcement
- Communications
Ultimately, if you have an interest or passion for psychology, it can be difficult to know exactly which direction to go with your career. Consider your options and think about how you can best channel your personal strengths into a long, fulfilling career.
Author Bio: Meghan Belnap is a freelance writer who enjoys spending time with her family. She loves being outdoors and exploring new opportunities whenever they arise. Meghan finds happiness in researching new topics that help to expand her horizons. You can often find her buried in a good book or out looking for an adventure. You can connect with her on Facebook right here and Twitter right here.
