Wondering what people do with a bachelor's degree in psychology?
HUMAN SERVICES (Counseling, Advocacy, Human Health Services)
Employers
- Federal Government depts of Health & Human Services, Veterans' Administration, and Justice
- State Govt depts of Human Services, Mental Health, and Mental Retardation, psychiatric hospitals, community mental health centers, facilities for the mentally retarded, and probation/parole depts
- Local Government: senior citizens' centers
- Non-Profit Organizations such as United Way, Goodwill Industries, Boys and Girls Clubs, and YWCA/YMCA
Preparation
- Obtain essential practical experience such as residence hall adviser or camp counselor
- Enroll in an internship or practicum
- Perform volunteer services such as Special Olympics, Big Brother/Sister, or crisis hotline
- Learn foreign language for multi-cultural clients
- Become familiar with government hiring procedures
- Be willing to relocate
- Be prepared to obtain a masters degree for more substantive counseling work
ADMINISTRATION
Employers
- Federal, state, and local governments
- National headquarters and local branches of nonprofit organizations
Preparation
- Consider a business double major or minor
- Internship
- Gain experience in counseling, advocacy, or administration
- Need masters in health care administration for advancement
COMMUNITY RELATIONS
Employers
- Federal, state, or local government
- Local branches of national non-profit organizations
Preparation
- Gain experience in counseling, advocacy, or administration
- Internship
- Gain knowledge of community problems and govt resources
PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT
Employers
- Federal, state, or local government
- Headquarters and branches of non-profit organizations
Preparation
- Gain experience in counseling, advocacy, or administration
- Internship at a non-profit
- Obtain graduate degree for advancement
RESEARCH
Employers
- Federal government, especially Dept of Health & Human Services and National Institute of Education
- National headquarters of non-profit organizations
- Research Medical Centers & Hospitals
- Research Universities
- Consumer Behavior/Health Research Organizations & Companies
Preparation
- Develop strong quantitative, statistical, and research skills
- Internship in a laboratory or other research setting
- Obtain graduate degree for advancement
HUMAN RESOURCES (Employment & Recruitment, Labor Relations, Compensation & Benefits)
Employers
- Human resources (personnel) departments of companies
- Government personnel agencies and departments
- Employment agencies
Preparation
- Acquire related experiences such as a residence hall adviser, new student orientation leader, admissions office tour guide/recruiter, or member of committees that make policy, settle disputes, or adjudicate cases
PUBLIC RELATIONS (Research, Programming, Fund-Raising, Writing & Editing, Special Events, Media Placement, Public Speaking)
Employers
- Public relations and advertising firms
- Companies with in-house PR depts
- Trade associations
- Federal, state, and local government
- Colleges and universities
- Non-profit organizations
Preparation
- Develop strong writing and speaking skills
- Obtain related experiences with campus newspaper, TV, or radio, Admissions office tour guide or recruiter, Student activities office planning
- Serve as a fund raiser or political canvasser
- Find internship through Public Relations Society of America
ADVERTISING (Creative, Media, Account Services, or Research)
Employers
- Advertising agencies
- Companies/non-profit organizations with in-house advertising agencies or depts
Preparation
- Obtain experience with campus TV, radio, or newspaper
- Work with a student-run business
- Find an internship with a market research firm or a member of the American Advertising Federation
- Develop a portfolio for a creative position
- Business minor or double major for Account Services jobs
MARKET RESEARCH
Employers
- Market research firms
- Market research departments of consumer goods and manufacturing firms
Preparation
- Develop strong math/statistics skills
- Become involved in the American Marketing Association
- Obtain a part-time or summer job with a market research firm (search for Marketing Services online)
- Business firm internship
- Become a reporter for campus newspaper
- Serve as a canvasser/phone interviewer for a charity or political campaign
TEACHING •
Employers
- Public and private schools
Preparation
- Obtain a teaching certificate for public school positions
- Seek guidance from the Education Dept in your school
- Volunteer as a tutor
RETAIL and SALES
Employers
- All major retail firms including pharmaceuticals, medical, specialty, variety, and department store chains
- Wholesalers, manufacturers, insurance companies, and real estate companies
Preparation
- Obtain related sales experiences with part-time or summer retail job or work with campus newspaper or yearbook
- Secure leadership position in campus organization
- Perform an internship with a retail store
____________________________
This is a modified version of a document entitled Psychology: What can I do with this degree? available from the University of Tennessee Career Services Office.