Making the Most of Psychology Jobs

Equip yourself with the right tools for succeeding in psychology careers
By Andrea Townsley Nowadays, there are a multitude of jobs in psychology. Jobs for psychologists vary widely, depending on your degree area and your specific interests. Gone are the days when psychologists only held teaching positions or performed psychotherapy.
 

These areas of psychology still exist; however, there are more jobs than ever that rely on knowledge of psychology. Whichever field you choose, understand that you'll need to keep up with the times by always learning what you can from reputable sources in the field. Here are some tips for making the most of psychology jobs:

1. Keep up with industry news. Careers in psychology depend on being able to use relevant and current applications.

2. Know your own area of psychology employment inside and out. This will help you fine tune your skills and use them effectively.

3. Do your own research. Those in psychologist careers often take the time to design and carry out research studies to further the field as a whole.

Find a specialty to guide your career in psychology

The field of psychology is diverse, and finding a specialty that suits you can be a daunting process. Finding out what is offered at a college near you can help narrow down your choices. Then, you can look up the specifics to check out what that specialty is all about.
Try: You can find out more about different specialties at Psi Chi, The National Honor Society in Psychology, as well as at the University of Florida.

Stay active in organizations to beef up your resume when applying for psychologist jobs

Any type of activity or research study will look good when you apply for a job. Since participating in an organization's activities enhances your knowledge of the subject at hand, potential employers will view you as more experienced than applicants who do not have that background. After you obtain a job, you can further your knowledge by continuing your participation in these groups.
Try: Browse through the organizations at Social Psychology Network to see if any of them appeal to you. Post your online studies or experiments at the Hanover College Psychology Department to gain exposure.

Maintain your psychologist employment position by taking continuing education courses

Continuing education is a helpful way to gain up-to-date knowledge about theories and applications of psychology. Requirements vary from state to state, so check with your local licensing authority before enrolling in a class. At any rate, they will allow you to expand your knowledge and help you maintain your stature in the community.
Try: Check out the continuing education programs approved by the American Psychological Association. You can find a variety of programs available at psychceu.com.

• Any career in psychology relies on having pertinent, current data. Reading relevant journals related to your specific field will enhance your knowledge and make you a more attractive prospect to employers. In addition, you may choose to submit your own research to a publication and gain recognition in the field.