Want to delve into the mysteries of the human mind and make a positive impact on people’s lives?
A career in psychology is a fulfilling and rewarding choice for people who are passionate about understanding behaviour, emotions, and mental processes. But how can you secure a role in psychology, and what kind of qualifications and experience do you need to get started?
If you want to become a psychologist, there are a few ways you can break into the industry. We spoke to University of Liverpool Online Programmes, to find out their top tips:
Figure out which area of psychology is right for you
Before diving into the world of psychology, it’s essential to get a good grasp of the fundamentals – not to mention figure out which area of psychology is right for you.
This broad field encompasses a wide range of disciplines, offering career opportunities in everything from clinical psychology, counselling psychology, and educational psychology, to organisational psychology, child psychology, and forensic psychology.
To make sure your studies and experience are guiding you in the right direction, it’s key to explore these different areas to identify which aligns best with your interests and career goals.
Get a degree in psychology
The first step toward becoming a Psychologist is to study for a bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related field, which will enable you to pursue entry-level roles in some areas of psychology.
Then, in order to progress in the field and specialise in a certain area of psychology, you’ll need to gain a master’s degree in your chosen specialism – whether that’s mental health psychology, organisational and business psychology, or anything else.
Not only will studying for a master’s degree significantly expand your career opportunities, it’ll also boost your earning potential.
And, if you already have a degree in an unrelated subject, don’t panic. A Psychology MSc Conversion Course is a great way for you to get your foot in the door.
Gain relevant work experience
In addition to studying for a degree, gaining hands-on experience in the field of psychology is crucial for building your skills and enhancing your employability.
This could be in the form of internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer positions in settings such as mental health clinics, research laboratories, schools, or social service agencies. Some degrees also include work experience as part of the course.
These experiences not only provide valuable insights into the practical application of psychology but also allow you to network with professionals in the field, and potentially secure future employment opportunities.
Build a professional network
While you’ll undoubtedly build connections during your studies and work experience, networking outside of this is also a great way to boost your job prospects and collaborative research opportunities.
You can do this by attending conferences, seminars, and networking events to connect with fellow students, academics, and professionals in your field.
You could also join reputable professional organisations such as the British Psychological Society (BPS) to access resources, mentorship opportunities, and job listings.
Never stop learning and growing
The field of psychology is constantly evolving, with new research and advancements shaping our understanding of human behaviour and mental health.
Because of this, you should always be willing to expand on your knowledge, explore different areas of psychology, take on new challenges, and adapt to changing circumstances as you progress in your career.
Remember: your career journey may not always follow a linear path, and sometimes flexibility is the key to ensuring you’re moving in the right direction.
Why study online with the University of Liverpool?
Online programmes from the University of Liverpool provide a flexible study option to further your learning and progress your career while continuing with your current professional and personal commitments.
The University is a European leader in 100% online postgraduate education, with programmes designed for online delivery, state-of-the-art learning platform, and collaboration with fellow professionals from around the world.
More benefits of studying online with the University of Liverpool include:
- Receive a qualification from the University of Liverpool, a founding member of the UK Russell Group, consistently ranked in the top 200 universities worldwide
- Become a life-long member of the University’s fantastic global community of 270,000 alumni in 187 countries
- Affordable study options, discounts and scholarships for eligible candidates
- Explore interactive study materials via a state-of-the-art virtual learning platform
- Receive personalised support from experienced tutors and a student services team
Interested in starting a career in psychology? Talk to the University of Liverpool’s online programmes team today.
The University of Liverpool is one of Europe’s leading providers of 100% online postgraduate degrees, offering part-time programmes in a range of subjects including business and management computer science, law, psychology and public health.
