Starting a career in psychology can be both exciting and daunting. For many, the journey begins with entry-level positions that pave the way to more specialized roles. Understanding the various opportunities in the field and insights on how to enter it can help you make informed decisions as you embark on this rewarding career path.

This Field Needs You

In today’s turbulent world, the truth is that more people are seeking psychological services than ever. Mental health professionals are needed across demographics from children and families to veterans and seniors. According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Outlook Handbook, the overall demand for psychologists is predicted to grow 6% between 2023 and 2032. That growth rate is faster than average across all occupations!

The silver lining of this demand is that while mental and behavioral health disorders may be on the rise, so is the awareness and normalization of them. The stigma around asking for help still exists in many communities but has been reduced recently. Knowledgeable and empathetic people like yourself have the chance to make a change in this line of work. Whether working in a hospital, private practice, school, or community organization there is a place for you.

Psychology Job Opportunities Overview

An interest and education in psychology opens many doors. Below are a few position types that are often perfect for starting your career. However, depending on the organization you may need a couple years of real-world experience on your resume to meet the requirements to apply.

Research

Researchers play a critical role in academic and clinical settings. Assistant positions are often entry-level and perfect for those who prefer psychology theory over practice. Your daily tasks may include helping to conduct studies, collect data, and analyze results.

• Typical duties: Data entry, literature reviews, experiment setup
• Skills needed: Attention to detail, analytical skills, statistical knowledge

Counseling

Counselors guide and support individuals of all ages dealing with various issues. There’s a spectrum of specializations such as family, crisis, and substance abuse that counselors can choose to focus on. This is a popular and important role for people with psychology degrees to fill.

• Typical duties: Conducting individual or group therapy sessions, developing treatment plans, providing crisis intervention
• Skills needed: Empathy, active listening, problem-solving

Human Resources

Human resources employees in psychology settings often focus on recruitment, support, and training related to mental health. This department can be your foot in the door at a mental health organization or a wonderful long-term position for those interested in administration.

• Typical duties: Recruiting staff, organizing training sessions, managing employee relations
• Skills needed: Interpersonal skills, communication, knowledge of employment law

Case Management

Case managers coordinate client services such as mental health treatment, housing, and medical care. A focus is advocating for clients with acute and persistent mental illnesses. Since it is a managerial role, it requires a lot of communication with various involved parties.

• Typical duties: Assessing client needs, developing care plans, coordinating services
• Skills needed: Organization, problem-solving, understanding

Preparing for Clinical Psychologist Jobs

So, you want to take the leap and become a certificated clinical psychologist? You’re probably aware that this requires advanced education, plus significant experience and training. A bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, and doctorate are typically necessary for clinical practice. While you are still in school or shortly after graduating, working in entry-level roles can provide the valuable experience you’ll need. Internships and volunteer work can also serve the same purpose. It’s time to get out of the classroom and into the field!

Tips for Landing Your First Psychology Job

There are three to-dos you should prioritize as you prepare to apply for any of the positions mentioned. The first is networking. One option is to join professional associations and local psychology groups. The American Psychological Association (APA) is a great place to start. They offer a lot of free resources for people in your position, even for non-members. You may also consider attending conferences to meet others in the field and continue learning while you’re at it. These days networking can even be done from the comfort of your computer! LinkedIn is a great online platform for connecting with peers and finding potential employers.

Of course, you’ll also need to craft a strong resume. Psychology.org reports that each year in the U.S. more than 115,000 people are awarded a bachelor’s degree in psychology. To stand out, highlight any relevant experience you may already have, such as internships, volunteer work, or any coursework that included hours spent in the field. You should also showcase any special skills you have that are relevant to the positions you are applying for. Don’t forget to customize your resume and cover letter for each job application.

Finally, prepare for interviews. Again, it will help if you tailor your answers for each organization you speak with. A good place to start your research is to look for their mission and values on their website. This will give you a basic understanding of what the organization prioritizes. Consider how your education and experience apply to the specific role you’re interviewing for. There are some common questions you can look up and practice answering too. Most importantly, make sure you are excited about everything you apply for. True enthusiasm comes across in an interview and can make a big difference in what potential employers think of you and how you’ll fit into their organization.

Follow these guidelines and set a strong foundation for a fulfilling career in psychology. Whether you aim to become a clinical psychologist or explore other paths, the field offers numerous opportunities to make a significant impact. By positioning yourself as an intelligent and passionate candidate, you can secure a rewarding job while contributing to the growth and success of increasingly needed mental and behavioral health organizations.