Is a Career in Psychology Right for You?
Are you interested in human behavior and how and why people think, feel, and act the way they do? Do you often find yourself trying to help others navigate everyday challenges? A career in psychology could be right for you. Psychology isn’t just about studying the mind; it’s about understanding people on a deep level and helping to make an impact in their lives. You can follow many different paths in this career field, from counseling to research and lots more in between.
But how can you be sure this field is for you? Let’s take a closer look.
What Does a Psychologist Do?
Psychologists study human emotions, thoughts, and actions by observing and interviewing patients as well as conducting studies and tests. They diagnose and treat psychological, emotional, and behavioral conditions and disorders like anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and other issues using psychotherapy, behavior modification techniques, and assessments.
There are many different types of psychologists that specialize in various fields. Clinical and counseling psychologists diagnose and treat mental health disorders, industrial-organizational psychologists help in workplaces, school psychologists focus on educational and developmental behaviors, and forensic psychologists work on legal cases. What specific kind of psychology you should pursue depends on your career and goal aspirations.
6 Signs a Career in Psychology Would Be Right for You
A career in psychology can be a rewarding way to make a meaningful impact on other peoples’ lives. Let’s explore some of the skills and traits that make for a good psychology professional.
You Are Curious
Being naturally curious is a good trait to have if you want to be successful in psychology. It drives your desire to understand human thoughts, emotions, and actions and pushes you to explore patterns of behavior and seek answers to complex questions about mental health. Being inquisitive is a positive indicator that psychology is the career path for you.
You Are an Active Listener
It’s essential in psychology to be a good listener. It helps you build trust; you spend a lot of time listening to a patient’s problems and concerns and need to analyze and interpret their words carefully before responding. Active listening makes for productive communication and therefore effective diagnosis and treatment.
You Are Empathetic
Psychologists are masters at empathy and showing genuine concern. Through their active listening and body language, they can create a safe place for patients. They are also able to notice subtle clues in their patients’ tone of voice and body language so they can respond appropriately to put them at ease.
You Are a Great Confidant
If you’re the friend everyone turns to for reliable advice, you’re likely a trustworthy person. This is an important trait to be successful in psychology. Building trust with clients is essential. A psychologist’s ability to maintain confidentiality and offer nonjudgmental support helps foster strong relationships and leads to better insights and treatment.
You Are Open-Minded
Open-mindedness is an excellent way to build trust and offer effective care as a psychologist. In this role, you must approach each client without bias and remain open to diverse perspectives and be able to adapt to novel ideas. Being easy to talk to can be a strong asset for you.
You Are a Great Communicator
Strong communication skills are essential for psychologists. Effective communication allows you to explain and share complex ideas, build good rapport, and ensure patients understand their treatment plans. If you’re skilled at expressing yourself clearly and reading other people’s verbal and nonverbal clues, you are likely able to build strong therapeutic relationships.
Start Your Career with Excelsior University
If you’re interested in helping others live and feel their best, a career in psychology might be for you. The first step is to earn the right degree. Excelsior University’s Bachelor of Science in Psychology program can prepare you to enter the psychology field by teaching you about basic psychology and human intelligence principles, cognition, personality theories, and more. If you’re ready for a fulfilling and dynamic path in understanding human behavior and helping others, contact an Excelsior admissions counselor and get started on your psychology career.
