Students opting for a career in psychology have been a need of the hour in India, and abroad. Over the past few years, psychology has become a prominent field of study, undergraduate or postgraduate.
But, what is psychology?
It is the scientific study of the human mind and its functions, especially those affecting behaviour in a given context.
Most people misunderstand what the subject is, and more importantly, why it is important. If you have chosen a career in psychology, you may have or will encounter many questions, doubts, etc.
If you study psychology, can you read my mind?
Psychology? Will you work at a mental hospital?
Does India have a scope in this field?
No. No. And, most definitely, yes.
There is immense scope for a career in psychology. However, it may be confusing to pinpoint courses, colleges, and a specific career in the field.
But, where there is confusion, there is always career counselling.
Nonetheless, psychology as a subject has many fields and specializations. You can always choose what you are most interested in, and aim for a career in that field.
Psychologist
One of the most popular careers in psychology is that of a psychologist. As you complete your graduation and post-graduation in the field, you can qualify as a psychologist. This is a highly specialised job role that allows you to work with people of all backgrounds.
From clients to patients, as a psychologist, you will be responsible for analysing behaviour, thoughts, and emotions. Based on which, you will be required to advise your clients on certain issues and actions.
There are various fields that you can opt for if you aim to be a psychologist. Some of these are occupational psychology, educational psychology, sports psychology, etc. It is important to know that a career in practising psychology doesn’t require a doctoral degree. A Masters’ degree is a must to be eligible for a licence to practice psychology.
Psychotherapy
Another popular career in psychology is Psychotherapy. In this field, you as a psychotherapist will be working with various individuals, groups, families, couples, etc. to overcome different issues. Some of these include emotion-related issues, relationships, addiction, etc.
To pursue a career in psychotherapy, you will need to choose a specialisation in your degree depending on your interests. You will learn about different types of cognitive behavioural methods and psychoanalytic and psychodynamic therapies. Apart from this, you will also learn more about the implementation of:
- Art therapy
- Music therapy
- Drama therapy
- Hypnotherapy
- Experiential therapy
Psychotherapy as a career in psychology has become highly prominent in many countries all over the world. The importance of mental health is rising. Psychotherapy and its approaches have been paramount in helping people overcome different issues.
Social Psychology
Our behaviour is highly influenced by those around us. Social psychology is a branch of psychology that studies the behaviour of an individual or a group of people. Social psychologists have made a career in psychology studying how influenced you are by the behaviour or presence of others.
Studying and analysing the behaviour of individuals based on group dynamics. How group dynamics influence choices and actions made by you, and understanding how changes in perception are influenced by others.
As a social psychologist, you will be studying interpersonal and group dynamics. This will include social challenges, such as prejudice, implicit bias, bullying, criminal activity and substance abuse. You will research social interactions and the factors that influence them like group behaviour, attitudes, public perceptions and leadership.
Behavioural Counsellor
Among the many careers in psychology, counselling remains the most popular profession today. As a counsellor, you will be primarily involved in helping people come to better terms with their lives. By exploring, understanding their emotions, and feelings, a counsellor can guide you to come to terms with your life.
A counsellor works with clients in a confidential setting and your primary job would be to listen to your clients. However, just listening is not enough. As a counsellor, you will be expected to empathise, offer respect and be patient, all while analysing the issues he or she projects. This is all to help them cope with their situation and guide them in making choices.
Counselling is often a form of psychotherapy where talking and discussions encompass the session between you and your client. Some of the aspects that a counsellor guides you with are family, health, abuse, rehabilitation, education, grief, mental health, career, etc.
Career Counsellor
To continue from the previous paragraph, career counselling has been picking up the pace to becoming a top career in psychology. In 2019, reports stated that 93% of Indians are aware of only 7 career options.
However, that is not the case today. Students and parents are being exposed to different careers in psychology, and that includes career counselling. You, as a career counsellor essentially guides students to understand their strengths and weaknesses. Through a series of tests, you can help students identify the right career path according to their strengths.
Not only so, but you will also be able to assist them in offering them choices in the course, college, and country. A career counsellor, in a session, offers a detailed road map to students as to what they can take up in 10th grade, and after 12th grade. Career counsellors also offer guidance to working professionals and postgraduate students.
Corporate Counselling
Corporate counselling is another career in psychology that is picking up pace over the past few years. Psychology is all about understanding human behaviour, and all companies have a human resource department.
Corporate counselling or human resource-oriented roles are prominent in private sectors and public sector companies. Counselling in corporations encompasses various areas such as employee satisfaction, professional development, recruitment, training, payroll, and international communication.
Media
A media career is not the ideal or the obvious choice for a psychology graduate. However, the power of the media has been witnessed no matter what a person’s career is.
Today, even with a career in psychology, many counsellors, psychologists, and psychotherapists have taken to social media.
Why?
To make people aware of the various issues around mental health, how to recognise it, deal with it, and more importantly, ask for help when needed. What’s more? Not only on social media, but many psychologists have offered their insights in various TV shows, movies, short films, etc.
Research
A career in psychology for research is not uncommon. However, it is limited to research agencies, public or private organisations, and majorly universities. Many psychology graduates opt to combine research with teaching, especially those based out of universities.
Research as a career in psychology can also be opted by you if you aim to work for a charity organisation or a non-profit organisation.
Students opting for a career in psychology have been gaining momentum not only abroad, but in India as well.
However, with psychology having many different sub-specializations, it may get confusing as to what stream would be the most suitable for you. This is where career guidance comes in. Get in touch with us today, if you wish to get some clarity on different careers in psychology.
Aditya
Aditya is a Marketing Manager at Univariety. He loves writing about anything and everything. With a passion for writing and his vision to help students with their education, he wishes to see a better future for them. Aditya loves sports, reading, and photography.
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Adityahttps://www.univariety.com/blog/author/aditya/
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Adityahttps://www.univariety.com/blog/author/aditya/
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Adityahttps://www.univariety.com/blog/author/aditya/
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Adityahttps://www.univariety.com/blog/author/aditya/
