FREE ESSAY ON INFORMATION ON THE CAREER OF PSYCHOLOGY

INFORMATION ON THE CAREER OF PSYCHOLOGY

Psychology
Job Outlook
Employment of psychologists is expected to grow more slowly than the average for all
occupations through the year 2006. More job opportunities will arise in businesses,
nonprofit, organizations, and research and computer firms for psychologists working as
consultants. Companies will use psychologists' expertise in survey design, analysis, and
research to provide marketing evaluation and statistical analysis.
Opportunities for people holding doctorates from leading universities in areas with an
applied emphasis, such as clinical, counseling, health, and educational psychology,
should have particularly good prospects. Psychologists with extensive training in
quantitative research methods and computer science may have a competitive edge over
applicants without this background. Graduates with a master's degree in psychology are
qualified for positions in school and industrial-organization psychology. Graduates of
master's degree programs in school psychology should have the best job prospects, as
schools expected to increase student counseling and mental health services.
Still others may find jobs involving research and data collection and analysis in
universities, government, or private companies. Bachelor's degree holders can expect very
few opportunities, directly related to psychology. Some may find jobs as assistants in
rehabilitation centers, or in other jobs involving data collection and analysis. Those
who meet State certification requirements may become high school psychology teachers.
Earnings
According to 1995 survey by the American Psychological Association, the median salary of
psychologists with a doctoral degree and 5 to 9 years of experience was $55,000 in
counseling psychology in individual private practice; $ 54,500 in private research
organizations; $51,000 as clinical psychologists in public psychiatric hospitals; and
$59,000 in school psychology. The median annual salary of master's degree holders was
$38,000 in counseling psychology; $43,000 in clinical psychology; $41,500 in research
positions; $60,000 in school psychology, and $55,000 in industrial-organizational
psychology. Some psychologists have much higher earnings, particularly those in private
practice. 
The Federal Government recognizes education and experience in certifying applicants for
entry-level positions. In general, the starting salary for psychologists having a
bachelor's degree was about $19,500 a year in 1997; those with superior academic records
could begin at $24,200. Psychologists with a master's degree and 1 year of experience
could start at $29,600. Psychologists, having a Ph.D. or Psy.D. degree and 1 year of
internship could start at $35,800 and some individuals with experience could start at
$42,900.
Related Occupations
Psychologists are trained to conduct research and teach, evaluate, counsel, and advise
individuals and groups with special needs. Others who do this kind of work include
marketing research analysts, advertising and public relations managers, clinical social
workers, physicians, sociologists, clergy, special education teachers, and counselors.
Occupations for People with Psychology Majors
Surveys of employers and psychology graduates indicate that the jobs obtained by
psychology majors with a bachelors degree are most often in social service and business
setting, such as: 
-  Business: personnel administrator, loan officer, retail sales management, occupational
analyst, industrial relations specialist, claims specialist, and marketing
representative.
-  Social Services: group home attendant, case worker, probation officer, admissions
counselor, occupational therapist, substance abuse counselor, youth counselor, employment
counselor, social service aide, public health administrator, parole officer, social-urban
planner, community relations officer, affirmative action officer, vocational
rehabilitation, and day care center supervisor. 
What Psychologists Do
Psychologists study the human mind and human behavior. Research psychologists investigate
the physical, cognitive, emotional, or social aspects of human behavior. Psychologists in
applied fields provide mental health care in hospitals, clinics, schools, or private
settings. Like other social scientists, psychologists formulate hypotheses and collect
data to test their validity. Research methods may vary depending on the topic under
study. Psychologists sometimes gather information through controlled laboratory
experiments, as well as through administering personality, performance, aptitude, and
intelligence tests. Other methods include observation, interviews, questionnaires,
clinical studies, and surveys. 
Health psychologists promote good health through health maintenance counseling programs
that are designed to help people achieve goals such as to stop smoking or lose weight.
Cognitive psychologists deal with money, thinking, and perceptions. Some conduct research
related to computer programming and artificial intelligence.
Counseling psychologists use various techniques, including interviewing and testing to
advise, on how to deal with problems of everyday living.
Developmental psychologists study the physiological development that takes place
throughout life.
Experimental or research psychologists work in university and private research centers,
and in business, nonprofit and governmental organizations. 
Industrial-organizational psychologists apply psychological principles and research
methods to the workplace in the interest of improving productivity and the quality of
work life.
School psychologists work in elementary and secondary schools or school district offices
with students, teachers, parents, and administrators to resolve students' learning and
behavior problems.
Social psychologists examine people's interactions with others and with the social
environment. They work in organizational consultation, marketing research, systems design
or other applied psychology fields. Prominent areas of study include group behavior,
leadership, attitudes, and perception.
Working Conditions
A psychologist's specialty and place of employment determine working conditions.
Clinical, school, and counseling psychologists in private practice have their own officer
and set their own hours. However, they often must offer evening and weekend hours to
accommodate their clients. Those employed in hospitals, nursing homes, and other health
facilities may work shifts including evenings and weekends, while those who work in
schools and clinics generally work regular hours. 
Psychology is the study of human behavior. It's a field that is growing in popularity
very quick. There are many different types of psychology. For example: school psychology,
cognitive psychology, and abnormal psychology. There are three main reasons why I want to
pursue a career in psychology. The first reason is because I find the field very
interesting to work in. Second is because I enjoy helping people with their problems.
Finally because of the amount of money involved in the field. 
The first reason why I want to become a psychologist is because I find the field very
interesting to work in. The field of psychology is a very intriguing and innovative field
to base a career on. I love studying about the different careers you could get into by
having a degree in psychology. I could work with children, adults, elderly, or do
research on something. Things are constantly being discovered, Someone always has a new
theory to discuss. It's just something I enjoy very much.
The second reason why I want to become a psychologist is because I enjoy helping people
with their problems. I'm the type of person people come to for advice all the time. If I
get into this field there will be many ways in which I could help people. I could become
a relationship psychologist to help couple with their problems or I could become a
children psychologist and help out children. There are a variety of things I could do in
this field that will keep me interested at all times.
The final reason why I want to become a psychologist is because of the amount of money
involved in the field. I know it might sound greedy but money is an issue when it comes
to the career I want to pursue. I want to be financially stable, so when I get older I
can support my family. It all depends which type of psychology I get into and what type
of degree I receive. Overall though, it still pays pretty well. Also it's just something
I enjoy doing.
In conclusion, these are the reasons why I want to pursue the field of psychology. One is
because I find it very interesting. Another is because I enjoy helping people. Finally,
because of the amount of money involved. Hopefully later in life I will achieve my goal
and excel in my career whatever it might end up being.