If you're considering a career in psychology, think about the type of psychology you want to practice. Your options range from cognitive psychology, social psychology, clinical psychology or abnormal psychology. As a psychologist, you have the opportunity to become a clinical psychologist or use your skills to further learning and help schools by specializing in educational psychology. Discover where your passions lay so you can steer your psychology career in the right direction.

Make a five year and ten year plan of action for your goals within the field of psychology. Gear your continuing education toward meeting those specific goals and create a relationship with professors and professionals who are respected in their fields and who are willing to help you achieve success.

1. Select a school to help you achieve your psychology degree.

2. Join professional psychology associations to network with others in your field.

3. Use the best resources to locate a job in the field of psychology.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Choose a school with a strong psychology program

Research the variety of colleges that offer psychology degrees. Make sure they offer the specialties you're most interested in. Take into account the options offered for taking classes, including home study and online or distance learning programs. Such options make it possible for you to obtain your psychology degree from a prestigious college regardless of its physical location.

I recommend: Obtain your psychology degree through Ashworth University through a home study program that allows you to progress on your own time table. Pepperdine University provides an excellent education that prepares you for a variety of careers in the field of psychology.

Network using professional psychology associations

Evaluate the benefits of the various psychology associations. Locate the associations that focus on your specialty and provide benefits such as conferences and continuing education. Think about joining more than one professional association so you maximize your ability to network with others in the psychology profession.

I recommend: Consider joining the American Psychological Association so you stay on top of news and continuing educational options. Social Psychology Network provides you with a comprehensive list of professional organizations for you to consider affiliating yourself with.

Utilize the right resources to further your psychology career

Save yourself time and money when looking for employment in the field of psychology by using job listing services that focus solely on the industry of psychology. Consider the benefits of each site and request a trial period so you can try out the listing service prior to paying for membership.

I recommend: JobsinPsychology.com provides you with a comprehensive listing of job openings in the field of psychology. Association for Psychological Science provides you with a continuously updated listing of career opportunities for psychologists.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Think about a career in social services as a way to use your education to help your community by providing psychological services to those who need your help the most.