Career Research: Psychology

Table of Contents What is psychology? .............................................................................................................3 Skills for a psychologist .........................................................................................................4 Personality match for psychologist ........................................................................................5

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 Outline I. Introduction II. Basic knowledge of Psychology A. Background information B. Education III. Psychology requirements A. Skills B. Personality IV. Future plans A. High school courses B. Goals V. Conclusion

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 Jenny Yoo Mr. Steigner Genre Lit. Block C 28 May 2012

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Career Research: psychology We are often inquired to reply to a basic yet perplexing query: what do you want to be when you grow up? Some of us may be able to answer that question right away, but some of us dont. I have been asked that question since kindergarten and it is surprising that I still have trouble trying to get a solution. Nevertheless, I have found a career I desire through research. Using the comprehensive list of aspects for choosing a dream job, I have concluded that psychology may be the job I was ultimately looking for. What is psychology? In simple terms, psychologists analyze the human mind and also explore how it works. By doing countless experiments, psychologists are able to know the causes of peoples actions (Psychologist). According to bls.gov, psychologists study mental processes and human behavior by observing, interpreting, and recording how people and other animals relate to one another and the environment (Psychologists : Occupational Outlook Handbook). There is a wide range of work environments for psychologists: some work independently, researching or experimenting. Some psychologists cooperate with others in a healthcare crew to collaborate with social workers and physicians (Psychologists : Occupational Outlook Handbook). Surprisingly, the job outlook of psychology is 22%, which is faster than the average rate (Psychologists : Occupational Outlook Handbook). Despite the fact that psychology is a
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 prominent job, there are certain requirements needed to achieve before becoming a psychologist. Psychologists usually have to study more years after college to get a doctoral degree, a license, and a certification to be qualified as a psychologist (Psychologists : Occupational Outlook Handbook). They can either receive a degree of Ph. D or a Psy. D, which is Doctor of Psychology degree. In order to obtain a Ph. D, one needs to complete a comprehensive exam based on research (Psychologists : Occupational Outlook Handbook). Even though there are psychology majors in college, it is not necessary to have one in order to get into a masters degree program. However, the program does require a course in introductory psychology, experimental psychology, and statistics. In order to attain a license and certification, it is obligatory to participate in an internship of one to two years, and pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology as well. Finally, the American Board of Professional Psychology awards certificates in many areas of psychology that can qualify the position of being a psychologist (Psychologists: Occupational Outlook Handbook). Although education is essential in becoming a psychologist, other skills are needed as well. Three of the fundamental skills are analytical, problem solving, and observational skills. Psychologists must be capable of acquiring significant information and make logical, practical conclusions based on their observations. They must be able to exhibit a practical solution to the patients complications as well. It is essential to observe actions, but expressions, body positions, and interactions to study the patiences attitude and behavior (Psychologists: Occupational Outlook Handbook). Additionally, communication and people skills are essential as well. Psychologists must have strong communication skills, because they usually spend their time conversing with patients. Ones ability to work and interact with people is perhaps the most important factor.

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 Other than requirements and skills, personality traits play a substantial role in becoming a successful psychologist. Some traits such as analytical, communication, observational, people, and problem solving skills must be present in psychologists so that they may effectively carry out the study of minds. Everyone is capable of acquiring skills and requirements to become a psychologist, but I believe that a perfect job for an individual should have several qualities, which includes common interest, personality, and abilities. Because of research, I have come across that many of my interests, personality, and abilities correspond with the job of psychology. During the procedure of selecting my job, I pondered upon the interests, I possessed starting from a young age, because it was necessary to know what I was interested in so that I can fulfill my passions while working. Going back to reminiscence, I have had curiosity what people thought all the time. Whenever I collaborated with my peers, I always took the initiative in cooperating with them, for working with others was always a pleasure. It soon came to me that psychology, a job requiring cooperation and research, could satisfy my interests (Kokemuller). Furthermore, I am able to relate my personality with psychology. According to the Jung Typology Test, I am an extravert; I receive energy from interacting, converge, and communicate with new people. Taking initiative in work and relationships is one of my unique character traits. Psychology requires me to work with other patients, and I will be affluent speaking with new people right away (Eccleston). Moreover, I am intuitive; I am imaginative and inventive, and prefer creative solutions to dilemmas. This will contribute to psychology, because it requires active listening and presenting a practical solution right away from any difficulty (Clinical Psychologist -Psychology (Behavioral / Mental Health)). Third, I prefer thinking to emotions, meaning that I base my solutions and judgment on objective logic instead of considering my

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 emotions. This will be helpful in the future because I need to be capable of coming up with logical, practical, and reasonable resolution (Essential Skills-Psychologists). Lastly, I tend to judge more than I perceive, and I tend to live in a planned and organized way. One of the most important aspects of this character is handling deadlines and time limits well. Being a psychologist means analyzing a patients data and turning things in time, and I understand this trait will provide me many advantages (Essential Skills-Psychologists). My potential in academics also portrays the aptness I have in becoming a psychologist. Even though psychology deals with humanism and the society, it has also associated with science and math. These two subjects are one of my biggest assets in academics. According to the American Psychological Association, psychology exerts a STEM discipline, which is science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Having superior talent in every field will help me develop my researches more successfully (Psychology as a Core Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Discipline- Executive Summary). An ideal job for an individual is a career where they can express their expertise and utilize them in their job. Based on this opinion, I believe that psychology is the exemplary profession for me due to certain passions, personality, and skills. I possess common passions and a personality with a psychologist. Not only that, my strongest academic skills relate to psychology. Still being a high school student, it is wise to plan so that I will be well prepared by the time I become a psychologist. By the end of high school, I would like to achieve academic goals relating to psychology. Later on, I should be able to acquire full knowledge of psychology once I graduate college. These goals will eventually assist me in becoming a successful psychologist. During high school, I would like to concentrate on math and science, owing to the fact that they are essential in psychology. By joining clubs, such as MAT and science club, I will be able

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 to expand my comprehension in those areas. Other than clubs, emphasis on math, especially statistics, and science subjects are crucial as well. The purpose of excelling in math is the fact that psychologists need to be capable of analyzing statistics in the midst of researching or gathering information (Cherry). In addition, I wish to gain basic information about psychology through videos and novels. TED videos about psychologists may be valuable for me to acquire further information. Books written by psychologists will be beneficial for me to be familiar with what they do. To directly achieve knowledge, I intend to take the introduction to psychology provided at YISS. Finally, my third goal is to major in psychology during college. At the end, I should have full apprehension about developmental psychology, which is the studying of human behavior, and strive to achieve a doctors degree (Developmental Psychology). Having a dream about a specific profession is a considerable way to set up ones plans for the future, but goals are one of the first steps to reach that dream. I have an idea that the procedure itself is more important than the result. By setting plans, I am able to organize what I will do for the rest of my high school years as a student and prepare what I will do in college as well. This gives me a firm grip on the tasks I need to succeed and obtain before becoming a psychologist.

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Works Cited

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Cherry, Kendra. "Why Are Statistics Necessary In Psychology?" Psychology - Complete Guide to Psychology for Students, Educators & Enthusiasts. about.com, n.d. Web. 27 May 2013. <http://psychology.about.com/od/education/f/why-are-statistics-necessary-inpsychology.htm>. "Clinical Psychologist -Psychology (Behavioral / Mental Health)." careers.org. Careers.org , n.d. Web. 24 May 2013. < http://jobs.careers.org/job/JHR7C75WFXX65FRF3SX/Clinical-Psychologist%E2%80%93-Psychology-Behavioral---Mental>. "Developmental Psychology ." The Princeton Review . TPR Education IP Holdings, LLC., n.d. Web. 23 May 2013. <http://www.princetonreview.com/Majors.aspx?cip=420701&page=1>. Eccleston, Lynn . "Introverts and Extroverts-Different Approaches to Life." ApaCenter Austin Psychology & Assessment Center. ApaCenter , 15 Mar. 2013. Web. 24 May 2013. <www.apacenter.com/introverts-and-extroverts-different-approaches-to-life/>. "Essential Skills-Psychologists." Human Resources and Skills Development Canada. Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, 20 Sept. 2012. Web. 27 May 2013. <www10.hrsdc.gc.ca/English/ShowProfile.aspx?v=408>. Kokemuller, Neil . "Important Considerations in Choosing a Job | Chron.com." Chron . Hearst Communications, Inc., n.d. Web. 27 May 2013. <http://work.chron.com/importantconsiderations-choosing-job-7746.html>. "Psychologist." U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 19 Mar. 2010. Web. 23 May 2013. <http://www.bls.gov/k12/social04.htm>.

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"Psychologists : Occupational Outlook Handbook : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics." U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 29 Mar. 2012. Web. 23 May 2013. <http://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/psychologists.htm>. "Psychologists : Occupational Outlook Handbook : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics." U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 29 Mar. 2012. Web. 23 May 2013. <http://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/psychologists.htm#tab4>. "Psychology as a Core Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Executive Summary." American Psychological Association (APA). Association, n.d. Web. 23 May 2013. <http://www.apa.org/pubs /info/reports/stem-discipline.aspx>. Discipline-

American Psychological

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