Entry-Level Positions in Psychology
There are numerous entry-level positions that are
open to individuals with a bachelor's degree in
psychology. These kinds
of positions typically are those that use "people
skills" (e.g., communicating with and relating to
individuals from diverse backgrounds as is required for
case workers, counselor's aides, and in sales,
marketing, personnel, and management positions),
analytical skills (e.g., figuring out why a certain
problem occurs and how to minimize or eliminate it),
writing skills (e.g., writing a logically developed
report), and research skills (e.g., using statistics,
tables, and graphs to analyze problems and to
communicate relevant findings). Clearly, these skills
can be used in a wide variety of work settings. Human
services (e.g., counseling, social work), business,
criminal justice (e.g., probation officer, corrections
officer), health and recreation, and education are some
examples.
U.R.I. Career Services provides
numerous opportunities for students to explore
entry-level career opportunities, including free
aptitude testing and job lists.
U.R.I. Career Services
The American
Psychological Association (APA) has a useful website for
undergraduate students.
http://www.apa.org/students
Experience, Inc.
also provides lists of job opportunities, including
positions in non-profit organizations.
www.experience.com
Psychweb online provides helpful
information about careers in psychology and it lists a
variety of entry-level positions that can be obtained by
psychology majors.
http://www.psychwww.com/careers/index.htm
You also might use the "Monster Board"
web site and search for psychology positions with the
keyword "entry."
www.monster.com
About.com
provides useful information about careers in psychology,
as well as links to job listings.
Online Psychology Career Center
The Riley Guide for Women, Minorities,
and Other Affinity Groups
and Audiences
http://www.rileyguide.com/diverse.html
Finally, the following sources should be helpful in getting an idea of the wide variety of entry-level positions that are open to psychology majors:
Carroll, J. L., Schmidt, J. L., Jr. , & Sorensen, R. (1992), Careers in psychology: Or what can I do with a bachelor's degree? Psychological Reports, 71, 1151-1154.
Zeller, M. J. (1988). Titles of jobs in human services for students with a bachelor's degree in psychology. In P. J. Woods (Ed.), Is psychology for them? A guide to undergraduate advising.Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.
*modified from: [www.psychwww.com/careers/jobs.htm] and [www.rider.edu/users/suler/gradschl.html]
