Psychology Careers: Is This The Field For You?

18 February 2010, 4:29 pm

Psychology Careers Require Empathy: Are

You a Caring Person?

If you have empathy for your fellow man then perhaps a career in psychology is right for you. A true desire to help other people overcome their problems will go a long way in giving you the drive and determination necessary to complete the education that is needed to understand the human temperament and the reasons behind human behavior.

Psychology Careers can be rewarding and give those involved a sense of positive contribution to society. However, at the same time jobs in this field can be tiring and emotionally draining for those people who aren’t prepared to immerse themselves in the suffering of others.

Are you a strong enough person to endure the emotional suffering of other people on a daily basis without it affecting you personally? Some people can’t, and that is why a thorough self-examination is highly recommended before deciding on a psychology career.

Some Questions to Ask Yourself

1.) Do you like helping people solve their problems through direct contact with them?

Many jobs in this field require direct contact with people.

2.) Is it important that you earn a high salary?

Not all psychologist jobs pay great money.

3.) How much time are you willing to spend in obtaining the necessary education?

As in most fields the more advanced degrees pay more money. Are you willing to invest 8 years of your life in obtaining a Phd?

4.) People who are psychologically or emotionally unstable can cause high stress situations. Can you deal with this?

Not everyone is cut out for this type of work.

5.) Many jobs in this field deal with traumatized children.

Do you think you would like to work with children in this situation?

6.) Psychologist can be employed in doctor’s offices, hospitals mental health clinics or any number of such institutions.

Do you see yourself working in such settings?

The questions can go on and on, but the important thing to remember is to make an honest assessment of your abilities and thoroughly research all potential avenues of employment in this field.

Your Next Step

Psychology programs are offered by most colleges and universities in the U.S. and throughout the world. After you have narrowed your sights down to a potential career path then you must obviously chose a school where you can pursue your studies. Psychology Schools are as varied as the jobs available in the field of psychology. A good place to start your research is with the 2010 FREE Education Guide.