Graduates with an undergraduate or graduate degree in psychology often consider furthering their educations in order to continue receiving the necessary credentials to become a psychologist. While this is an option, a degree in psychology is also a start toward entering a diverse number of possible career fields outside of psychology.
Psychology Degree Overview
Communication is a key skill in many professions, and the focus of a psychology degree on interpersonal skills and the understanding of human interactions and behaviors gives graduates with a degree in psychology a solid foundation for many different career paths. Written communication is also developed in psychology degree programs.
Psychology students gain a variety of other helpful skills for other career paths as well. Researching is a skill that is helpful in many positions, and the amount of research a student in a psychology degree program completes qualifies a candidate for any career in which this is a requirement. Case study analysis is a particular form of research that is beneficial in business careers as well.
In addition to psychology and human behavior courses, students should also consider adding elective or minor courses that are focused on a career field or academic discipline outside of psychology. This will increase marketability of the degree outside of the psychology field.
To read more about the skills and knowledge gained with a psychology degree, see the American Psychological Association website at http://www.apa.org/.
Possible Career Paths for Psychology Graduates
Communication skills and an understanding of behavior give psychology graduates an advantage in several careers. At the top of these possibilities, jobs in social services and management are prospects for graduates in psychology to consider. Human resources, social services, and teaching positions are also viable options for psychology graduates to consider.
The understanding of human behavior is also often a selling point for psychology graduates because of the importance of predicting reactions to business operations and consumer responses or trends. One area in which a psychology can be most beneficial for this reason is in marketing.
The Marketing Field
Marketing professionals perform several different types of tasks. Candidates for marketing positions should be able to incorporate both critical and creative thinking to solving problems, use analytical skills to identify issues and interpret data, communicate interpersonally and in groups, and consider and anticipate consumer needs and demands, devising plans to reach this audience in campaigns to drive sales of products and services.
A psychology degree gives graduates the advanced general education and expertise in human behavior and communication needed to be successful in the marketing field, particularly at the entry-level. Entry-level positions in marketing include sales representative, management trainee, marketing communication, direct marketing specialist, sales consultant, sales analyst, telemarketer, and market researcher.
Additional Considerations
There are some additional resources to consider for psychology graduates interested in entering the marketing field. By earning certificates in marketing, candidates for job positions in this field can add in credentials that are helpful in getting an application noticed. An example of a possible certification is the Professional Certified Marketer designation, offered through the American Marketing Association. For more information on potential certifications and helpful career tips, visit the American Marketing Association website at http://www.marketingpower.com/Pages/default.aspx.
