In recent decades, the number of students majoring in psychology has increased dramatically. Psychology is usually one of the top five most popular majors on college campuses worldwide, and it is a highly preferred field of study in many universities. Psychology is one of the most adaptable degree programs that allows students to develop a diverse set of talents and pursue a variety of career routes. Graduates of psychology programs learn how to communicate effectively in writing and oral form, evaluate and analyze data, and improve their problem-solving abilities, contributing to professions other than psychology.
Psychology courses give students a comprehension of human behavior that allows them to better understand themselves and many others. Young people often attempt to examine who they are as individuals by exploring various aspects of themselves. It is no surprise that psychology piques college students’ interest for this reason alone. As young people mature, college may be a time of significant adjustment and development (Lantz, 2011). College students are often still forming personal identities and determining who they are. They also have to deal with the emotional upheaval of love and romantic relationships. With so many highs and lows to contend with during this hectic period of one’s life, studying the human mind and behavior can provide personal insights and a deeper, richer understanding of oneself.
Students will also discover the complex interconnections between human behavior and the environment surrounding them. It includes how culture affects people, what motivates them, and the ways in which personalities control a person’s daily activities (Coan, 2019). During their training, many psychology students learn much about themselves, including their personality type and how it affects their conduct, what motivates them, and their interactions with one’s environment. Many psychology graduates receive a profound feeling of empathy and thoughtfulness due to these results, which aids them in their employment and personal relationships.
Psychology courses give students an understanding of human behavior that allows them to understand themselves and others better. Students also explore the various relationships between individual conduct and the environment in which people operate, including how culture affects and influences a person, what motivates them, and how their personalities control daily activities, among other topics. Every profession in the field of psychology contributes in some way to human development, which renders it one of the most fruitful areas of work. (Cherry, 2020). Psychology graduates can pursue various jobs, including Clinical Psychologist, Behavioural Psychologist, Counselling Psychologist, Addiction Psychologist, and Educational Psychologist, depending on the career path they take (Nevid, 2021). These fields may occasionally overlap but, for the most part, remain separate because of the unique problems each deals with.
Patients with emotional and behavioral disorders receive psychotherapy from counseling psychologists, enhancing their sense of well-being and self-confidence. Clinical psychologists are frequently observed in medical facilities where they create treatment programs for people who have a mental illness (Antwertinger et al., 2020). Educational psychologists can aid learners with ADHD or dyslexia by developing teaching methods, researching how children learn and retain knowledge, and assisting students with ADHD or dyslexia. Addiction counselors work directly with patients to develop an understanding of their addiction and encourage them to overcome it (Clay, 2017). Behavioral psychologists help patients with anxiety, sadness, trauma, and violence by developing treatment regimens (Nevid, 2021). These psychologists adopt behaviour-modifying approaches to avoid new misconduct and create a more positive lifestyle.
Potential psychologists are encouraged to be emotionally aware in order to understand both what a patient says and the patient’s body language. They must be completely in control of their emotions in order for their personal lives to not interfere with their professional career (Coan, 2019). This trait goes hand in hand with professionalism in general, but psychologists must project a sense of stability and empathy in order to gain patients’ trust. Independently of what type of personality they were born with, psychologists should have high concentration and excellent analytical abilities.
Psychologists not only have fascinating and gratifying work, but they also have the freedom to set their personal hours, especially if they own their own clinic. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 27 percent of psychologists are self-employed, allowing them to choose their own hours and arrange sessions at unusual hours of the day and week. Working part-time in private practice while working full-time someplace else is also an option for psychologists (Antwertinger et al., 2020). Psychologists should have a degree and the relevant licenses, excellent business and problem-solving abilities, financial resources, and plans for future expansion to start a private practice.
While psychology majors are sometimes listed among the lowest-paid occupations, the reality is that there is a wide range of job opportunities accessible. A bachelor’s degree does frequently lead to fewer work prospects and lower compensation, but it can be utilized as an intermediate step towards graduate study in psychology, counseling, law, business, or medicine. Unemployment, overall, is not a concern for the majority of psychologists in the US. The level of research among MDs is a lower percentage among recipients of other STEM degrees. Thus, in a current ever-changing world, the prosperity of the psychological field becomes another attractive factor for potential students and professionals.
References
Antwertinger, Y. J. et al., (2020). Transitions to successful careers: Pharmacy, psychology and business students reflecting on practicum feedback.In enriching higher education students’ learning through post-work placement Interventions (pp. 47-67). Web.
Clay, R. (2017). Trend report: Psychology is more popular than ever. Web.
Cherry, K. (2020). The different reasons why students choose psychology as a major. Verywell mind. Web.
Coan, R. W. (2019). The optimal personality: An empirical and theoretical analysis. Routledge.
Lantz, C. (2011). Psychology student: Employability guide. Higher Education Academy Psychology Network.
Nevid, J. S. (2021). Essentials of psychology: Concepts and applications. Cengage Learning.