PSY 305 Week 1 Exploring Psychology Careers 
Exploring Psychology Careers
Sara M. Covey
PSY 305
February 6, 2015
Dr. Sheila Rapa
Exploring Psychology Careers Everyone who decides to enroll in college must, at some point, think about what area they want to major in. There are many things that students consider when choosing a major. Some make their decision based on what they think can make them the most money once they begin their lives in the work force. However, many students believe that if you choose a major that interests you and challenges you then you can use those skills that can help you in any career. (R. Landrum & S. Davis, 2014) Let’s face it. Employers know that when they hire someone straight out of college they are not immediately going to know everything there is to know about their position they were hired for. That is what on-the-job training is for. However, employers do expect college graduates, despite what their major was, to be excellent communicators, be well-rounded, and have the ability to be trained and have the ability to learn new things. Psychology is a degree program that produces those well-rounded, well-educated people. Psychologically literate people have an expansive vocabulary, are able to use scientific thinking, be creative when solving problems by looking at all angles, have integrity, act ethically, and are insightful about others’ behavior and their own. (R. Landrum et al, 2014) Therefore, although obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology is not a professional degree and one cannot be a Psychologist with a Bachelor’s, one gains a myriad of skills that are very marketable no matter the profession one is choosing after graduation. McGovern, Furumoto, Halpern, Kimble, and McKeachie (1991) made this point clear when they stated that “a liberal arts education in general, and the study of psychology in particular, is a preparation for lifelong learning, thinking, and action; it emphasizes specialized and general knowledge and skills.” Although
Sara M. Covey
PSY 305
February 6, 2015
Dr. Sheila Rapa
Exploring Psychology Careers Everyone who decides to enroll in college must, at some point, think about what area they want to major in. There are many things that students consider when choosing a major. Some make their decision based on what they think can make them the most money once they begin their lives in the work force. However, many students believe that if you choose a major that interests you and challenges you then you can use those skills that can help you in any career. (R. Landrum & S. Davis, 2014) Let’s face it. Employers know that when they hire someone straight out of college they are not immediately going to know everything there is to know about their position they were hired for. That is what on-the-job training is for. However, employers do expect college graduates, despite what their major was, to be excellent communicators, be well-rounded, and have the ability to be trained and have the ability to learn new things. Psychology is a degree program that produces those well-rounded, well-educated people. Psychologically literate people have an expansive vocabulary, are able to use scientific thinking, be creative when solving problems by looking at all angles, have integrity, act ethically, and are insightful about others’ behavior and their own. (R. Landrum et al, 2014) Therefore, although obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology is not a professional degree and one cannot be a Psychologist with a Bachelor’s, one gains a myriad of skills that are very marketable no matter the profession one is choosing after graduation. McGovern, Furumoto, Halpern, Kimble, and McKeachie (1991) made this point clear when they stated that “a liberal arts education in general, and the study of psychology in particular, is a preparation for lifelong learning, thinking, and action; it emphasizes specialized and general knowledge and skills.” Although
References: A Career in Forensic and Public Service Psychology. (2014). Retrieved from http://www.apa.org/action/science/forensic/education-training.aspx Compas, Bruce, & Gotlib, Ian. (2002). Introduction to Clinical Psychology. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Higher Education. Forensic and Public Service Psychology Serves Communities. (2014). Retrieved from http://www.apa.org/action/science/forensic/index.aspx Landrum, R. E., & Davis, S. F. (2014). The Psychology Major: Career Options and Strategies for Success (5th ed.). Pearson. Pursuing a Career in Clinical or Counseling Psychology. (2014). Retrieved from http://www.apa.org/action/science/clinical/education-training.aspx