Top 6 Tips for Psychology Students on How to Choose a Career Path
If you are considering becoming a psychologist but not sure what you should do first, you are reading the right article. Being a psychologist is pretty different from what you might have seen in the movies or on TV. The majority of people think that this kind of work is pretty easy to do, but it is only partially true.
Though some highly-qualified specialists frequently appear on TV and give interviews to the press, it is only 1% of their work. Believe it or not, they spend the remaining 99% on practicing and helping their patients.
To help you make an educated choice, we have come up with top 6 tips on how to become a psychotherapist. By following them step-by-step, you’ll be able to seriously improve your chances of getting the job of your dream.
#1 Choose Your Major Responsibly
If you apply for undergraduate studies, you can major in any field related to math, psychology, or philosophy. But when applying for a graduate or doctoral degree, you should have a pretty good idea what profession you desire to acquire.
There are several types of therapists, psychologists, and counselors. And though the path to each of the three professions might appear similar, it is actually quite complicated.
You can choose the same study program, but it’s vital that you select the right subjects and come up with a proper topic for your graduate paper. Special services for psychology students can help them choose a topic for a graduate paper or write it from scratch. Websites as getpsychologyessay.com also help students to make all the essays for a psychology college
Thus, you should approach choosing a major very responsibly. Some of the jobs pay good money but require you to spend more time studying and getting practical experience. For example, an annual salary of a psychiatrist is about $215,000, but to be eligible for it, you’ll need to study for at least 12 years. Marriage and family therapists make about $50,000 annually but can start working after studying for 7 years. So, choose well!
#2 Get a Degree from a Reputable University
It’s not that easy to answer the question of how to become a therapist. Though it’s not as difficult as becoming a doctor, it also requires you to spend a lot of time and effort.
According to Capella.edu, it takes approximately 7 to 8 years to complete your education and get both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.
Thus, we strongly suggest you think twice before applying to a particular university. Firstly, make sure that the university is internationally recognized and reputable. You can always check its ratings on TopUniversities.com. Secondly, check if it offers internships possibilities for students — this is essential for a career in psychology.
And finally, do not hesitate to apply for online study programs which are quite numerous these days. Not only will you be able to study at a top-ranked college or university without leaving your home but also save a lot of money on accommodation and travel.
#3 Do an Internship
To become a licensed specialist, you should study for as many as 10 years, which includes university studies, internship, and training. Thus, after graduating, you should get some first-hand experience working as a therapist.
An internship at a top-ranked company can make your CV look impressive, so you should choose it carefully. However, if your university has partnership agreements with some companies or hospitals, it can make your search a lot easier.
#4 Practice Abroad
The best way to improve your employment prospects and advance your skills is to practice your therapeutic skills abroad.
Firstly, you will get out from your comfort zone. An ability to remain calm in a stressful situation is an essential skill for any successful therapist, and working overseas can help you become self-confident.
Secondly, you may learn a foreign language and work at international companies.
#5 Never Hesitate to Ask for Help
Sometimes, being overloaded with academic assignments becomes unbearable. In order to be healthy and fit, you should get enough rest and always find time for your hobbies.
If you keep asking yourself, “How do I finish custom writing essay before the deadline,” do not hesitate to seek the help of specialized companies. That way you can save your time and money.
#6 Practice Your Communication Skills
Here’s one more answer to the question of how to become a psychologist — improve your interpersonal skills. According to Chron.com, empathy and problem-solving are the two skills any successful therapist should aspire to have. You can use Addiction Treatment Services find places that could be a potential job for you.
Your future profession is about working with people. Thus, you should understand their problems and treat them well. Another benefit of having excellent communication skills is that you can act as a mediator between people (for instance, when working as a family therapist) and help them resolve their family issues.
