research and treatment of mental health disorders; combines science and clinical practice.
greater focus on clinical work and multicultural research; less emphasis on severe psychopathology and assessment.
supports youth in school settings; training in assessment, intervention, and consultation.
studies how biological, psychological, and social factors influence health and illness; often integrates clinical training and behavioral health interventions in medical settings.
research on human development across the lifespan.
studies social behavior, attitudes, and group dynamics.
focuses on mental processes like memory, attention, and decision-making.
explores brain-behavior relationships.
applies psychology to workplace issues like hiring, leadership, and productivity.
i may recommend seeking a master's if you are:
this is crucial for phd applications.
not required for phd applications, but can be valuable.
if you are interested, look at volunteer opportunities. some places to consider:
based on my personal experience — here are some things i wish i knew.
hover or tap a card to learn more.
provide immediate support to individuals in crisis via phone, text, or chat. usually includes robust training and supervision.
administers and scores psychological and neuropsychological tests under the supervision of a licensed psychologist. common in hospitals, private practices, and research settings.
support patients in inpatient or outpatient settings by helping with daily activities, monitoring safety, and assisting clinical staff.
may also be referred to as milieu therapist.
connect individuals and families with needed services (e.g., housing, healthcare, mental health support). common in social service, nonprofit, and healthcare settings.
support children in school settings, especially those with special education needs or behavioral challenges.
some states offer alternative pathways to becoming a licensed school teacher.
most common for youth programs. plan and run after-school programs, mentoring initiatives, or summer camps focused on wellness, academics, or leadership development.
guide college students through course selection, major exploration, and degree planning.
also look into college access or success coach roles.
help patients understand medical systems, insurance, and treatment options. found in hospitals or community clinics.
collect and interpret community-level data. great option for building experience in public data and federal systems.
may be found in the labor department.
evaluate insurance claims, especially in behavioral or medical health areas. many roles include training and the chance to specialize.
a similar role is utilization review assistant.
assist with health record systems, often at hospitals or insurance companies — especially relevant for those interested in digital health.
may be called data entry specialist.
support workplace diversity, health promotion, or mental health initiatives at a company or university.
provide health education, outreach, and support in underserved communities. often includes work in chronic disease management, maternal health, or behavioral health.
assist with recruiting, onboarding, training, and employee relations. great fit for those interested in workplace well-being and systems.
schedule interviews, review applications, and communicate with job candidates. can lead to growth in hr or recruiting fields.
may also be called a recruiter or recruiting coordinator.
support the compliance and logistics side of clinical research studies. often housed in hospitals or biotech companies.
the path to any meaningful career is rarely linear. often, we think the process is: dream → action → outcome. but in reality, it is more like a cycle: dream → action → new dream → new action. each step we take teaches us something. sometimes our goals shift, not because we failed, but because we grew.
you do not need to have everything figured out right now. invite curiosity and stay flexible. society often tells us to stick with the first thing we say we want, but there is bravery and beauty in choosing joy, following your values, and allowing your passions to evolve. there is no shame in changing direction when your experiences open your eyes to something new.
when i was younger, i never imagined i would be becoming a psychologist (i didn't even know what that was!). even as an undergraduate, i did not think i would become a sleep researcher. you do not know what you do not know, and while that uncertainty can feel overwhelming, it is also full of possibility. stay open. let your questions guide you.