Studying Psychology: Where Can it Take You?
With Australia facing a shortage of psychologists, now is the time to invest in a career in psychology and meet the demand. Whether you're just starting to research tertiary education options, or you're a fourth year psychology student trying to decide what's next, there are a wealth of opportunities available to someone with a background in psychology. While many might immediately think of becoming a registered psychologist, the field of psychology offers a range of careers spanning healthcare, education, business, and social services. In this article we’ll explore six different career options (as well as the skills and work environment each entails) that allow you to leverage a psychology degree in different ways.
1. Registered psychologist
One of the most well-known career options for psychology graduates is becoming a registered psychologist. This role is dedicated to diagnosing and treating mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and personality disorders. Even within the realm of practicing as a registered psychologist, there are many options available, particularly in terms of a work environment. Registered psychologists may work in places such as hospitals, schools, universities, research centres, and private practice. Those who choose to work in private practice have the flexibility of being able to set their own hours and choose how many patients they will see each day.
In terms of their day-to-day, psychologists in this field spend the majority of their time working with people, so strong communication and empathy are a must. During their sessions, registered psychologists will help their patients find healthy ways to approach their mental health issues by drawing on their understanding of psychological theories and therapeutic techniques. This is a rewarding career for those interested in helping others navigate life’s challenges while fostering personal growth.
2. Marketing psychologist
Working in the field of psychology does not necessarily need to involve treating mental illnesses. A more specialised field within psychology is marketing psychology, where psychologists help businesses understand consumer behaviour and how to design effective marketing strategies. Based on the advice they receive from marketing psychologists, companies can create more targeted advertising campaigns and improve customer experiences.
The typical day of a marketing psychologist might involve conducting consumer research (for example looking at the buying behaviours of consumers and how their values and lifestyles might influence this) and advising companies on their advertising campaigns and how they could tweak them to maximise their impact. In this field, a deep understanding of human behaviour is critical, but so is an understanding of marketing principles and business strategies. A career in marketing psychology would thus suit someone with a keen interest in the overlap between psychology and business.
3. Social worker
Social work is a career that ranks among the top high-growth industries in Australia. If you have a strong sense of justice and are drawn to helping those in need, then you may find a career in social work to be a rewarding path. Social workers who have a background in psychology provide counselling and work to connect individuals and families with community resources. Like registered psychologists, social workers are employed in a variety of settings, from hospitals and schools to community centres and social service agencies.
Much of a social worker’s job involves supporting those with substance abuse issues or experiencing a crisis. Their aim is to improve their clients’ overall wellbeing. Duties that social workers take on include case management, conducting assessments, developing treatment plans, and offering counselling. If you have strong interpersonal skills and enjoy building connections with others, then social work could be a good fit.
4. Forensic psychologist
For those intrigued by the intersection of psychology and law, forensic psychology can offer a fascinating career. Forensic psychology is a broad field. Some forensic psychologists, for example, are responsible for criminal profiling, while others evaluate the mental health of individuals involved in criminal cases or assess the risk of an individual reoffending.
A forensic psychologist’s day could involve reviewing case files, conducting psychological evaluations, writing reports, or providing expert testimony during legal proceedings. It’s a demanding and sometimes high-pressure role, as the decisions made by forensic psychologists can have significant implications for individuals and society.
5. Researcher
If you have a passion for exploring human behaviour at a deeper level, maybe consider a career in academia. Research psychologists conduct studies to expand knowledge in various psychological subfields. This career path generally requires a PhD and a strong interest in research methodologies and data analysis.
A typical day for a research psychologist might involve designing experiments, collecting and analysing data, and publishing findings in academic journals. Many psychologists in academia also teach university courses and mentor students pursuing their own psychological studies. Those in academia often make strong contributions to the development of new psychological theories or practices, shaping the future of the field.
6. Sports psychologist
A relatively new field to psychology, sports psychologists help to elevate the performance of athletes by teaching them how to manage the difficult psychological demands they face daily. However, a sports psychologist is not only limited to working with elite athletes, as even non-athletes can benefit from learning how to manage stress and overcome mental blocks or setbacks.
A sports psychologist might work one-on-one with their client to teach them relaxation techniques, goal-setting, or how to improve their focus and motivation. They might also be employed by sports teams or organisations and work with coaches and other support staff to create a positive, mentally strong team environment. This career requires a deep understanding of both psychology and sports performance in order to tailor interventions to the unique needs of athletes.
A degree in psychology provides access to a myriad of career paths, each with its own set of challenges and rewards. Whether you choose to work directly with individuals in a clinical setting, use your expertise to advise on marketing or legal matters, work with athletes, or explore the fascinating realm of human behaviour through research, there is no shortage of opportunities. By exploring the many options available, you can find a path that best suits your skills and interests.
