Psychology

Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes, with application to many human concerns. Students with a liberal arts education should develop an understanding of themselves and others that allows them to function effectively in diverse situations, interpersonally and intellectually. The Psychology Department offers a strong curriculum aimed at providing its students with a comprehensive base from a variety of perspectives. Emphasis is placed on critical reading and thinking, understanding of the theoretical framework of psychology, and the methodology used in research. Students majoring in psychology are afforded an opportunity to be involved in research as well as to participate in local educational and mental health agencies. Many psychology majors continue their education in graduate school and the department strives to prepare them toward that goal. Should a student choose not to attend graduate school, the study of psychology can complement other fields of study.

The department sponsors two student organizations, Psi Chi which is the Psychology national honorary society and Psi Alpha Omega which is open to all students taking Psychology who have an interest in the discipline.

Contact the Department

Psychology Department
Georgetown College
400 East College Street
Georgetown, KY 40324

www.georgetowncollege.edu/psy/

Career Ideas for Psychology

AREA	EMPLOYERS	STRATEGIES
HUMAN SERVICES
Counseling Advocacy Mental Health Services Case Management Programming Community Relations Administration	Federal government, including Departments of: Health and Human Services Justice, Veterans Administration State government, including Departments of: Human Services, Mental Health & Mental Retardation, Community mental health centers, State psychiatric hospitals, Facilities for mentally impaired, Justice, Probation and parole Local government Senior citizens’ centers United Way agencies Nonprofit organizations Religiously-affiliated service organizations Hospitals	Obtain essential practical experience through part-time or summer jobs such as camp counselor, tutor, or resident hall advisor. Complete an internship for academic credit. Gain experience through volunteering with organizations such as crisis hotlines, Big Brother or Sister, Special Olympics, service fraternities or sororities, etc. Many entry-level helping positions require one year of related experience. Volunteer experience can typically fulfill this requirement. Learn to work well with different types of people. Develop strong communication skills. Cultivate the desire to help others. Become fluent in a foreign language spoken by multi-cultural clients. Be willing to relocate. Become familiar with government hiring procedures. Acquire knowledge of government and community resources available for those in need. Obtain a graduate degree in psychology, counseling, or social work for substantive counseling work and advancement into administrative work. Many specialties exist at the graduate level, for example school counseling, mental health counseling, rehabilitation counseling, etc. Pursue particular degrees depending upon interests and career goals. Pursue an excellent academic record.
RESEARCH
	Federal government including: Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute of Education, Office of Naval Research National headquarters of non-profit organizations Universities and colleges	Work with a professor on his or her research project. Develop strong quantitative and statistical skills. Obtain a graduate degree for greater opportunities.
HUMAN RESOURCES
Employment and Recruitment Labor Relations Compensation and Benefits	Large companies Government agencies Employment and temporary agencies Large non-profit organizations including hospitals and educational institutions	Acquire related experience as a resident hall advisor, orientation leader, admissions tour guide, or student assistant in career services. Find student organization committee work in policy making or settling disputes. Supplement curriculum with business courses. Acquire strong computer skills.
PUBLIC RELATIONS
Research Programming Writing and Editing Event Planning Media Placement Public Speaking Fund-raising	Public relations and advertising firms Companies with public relations departments Professional associations Federal, state and local government Colleges and universities Non-profit organizations	Develop strong writing and speaking skills. Obtain related experience with campus newspaper, television, or radio station. Serve as an admissions tour guide or work in alumni relations or other PR-related functions. Volunteer as a fund-raiser or political canvasser. Gain experience through internships. Join the campus chapter of Public Relations Society of America.
ADVERTISING
Creative Media Account Services Research	Advertising agencies Companies with in-house advertising agencies or departments	Obtain relevant experience with campus newspaper, television, or radio station. Work with student-run businesses. Find an internship, even if unpaid, with a market research or advertising firm. Develop a portfolio for creative positions. Obtain a business minor or double major for account services positions.
MARKET RESEARCH
	Market research firms Market research departments of consumer goods and manufacturing firms	Develop a strong background in math and statistics. Get involved in the American Marketing Association. Obtain related experience. Get a part-time or summer field service position with a market research firm. Obtain business research experience. Serve as a canvasser or phone interviewer for a non-profit organization or political campaign. Earn a graduate degree in statistics or marketing for the greatest number of opportunities.
TEACHING
	Public and private schools Colleges and universities	Obtain teaching certificate for public school positions. Dual certification will increase marketability. Seek guidance from education department of your college. Secure strong personal recommendations. Volunteer as a tutor. Gain experience working with children or adolescents. PhD required for post-secondary teaching.
RETAILING
Management	Department stores Specialty stores Discount stores Super retailers	Secure leadership positions in campus organizations. Work a part-time or summer job in a retail store. Demonstrate a willingness to take on additional responsibilities such as “assistant manager.” Be willing to start in a management-trainee program. Learn to work well with different types of people.
SALES
	Retailers Service providers Wholesalers Manufacturers Insurance companies Real estate companies	Obtain experience through internships or sales jobs. Take business courses. Participate in student organizations and seek leadership roles. Must be highly motivated and well organized. Develop a strong commitment to customer satisfaction. Must work well under pressure and be comfortable in a competitive environment.

General Information

• Psychology provides a broad, liberal arts background.
• Some students may choose to study psychology because they enjoy the subject but wish to pursue careers requiring “any major.” In this scenario, it is critical to develop desirable skills through internships, part-time or summer jobs, or volunteer experiences. Some skills valued most by employers include: communication, interpersonal, leadership, teamwork, and computer skills.
• Other students may major in psychology because they want to work in a related field. Many entry-level helping positions are available, however the amount of direct client contact is limited for those who have a bachelor’s degree. Students may wish to pursue graduate education in psychology, social work, counseling, college student personnel, or other related fields to increase opportunities and earning potential.
• For those wishing to pursue graduate education, maintain a high grade point average, secure strong faculty recommendations, and gain experience through volunteer or work opportunities. Assist a faculty member with his or her research.

Helpful Links

• American Psychological Society
• National Board for Certified Counselors
• American Psychological Association
• Community Psychology Net
• Online Psychology Career Center
• Psych Web
• Encyclopedia of Psychology
• Society for Human Resource Management
• American Counseling Association
• American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy
• Psychologist from the Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Human Resources, Training, and Labor Relations Managers and Specialists from the Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Counselors from the Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Social and Human Service Assistants from the Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Teachers-Postsecondary from the Occupational Outlook Handbook

Prepared by the Career Planning staff of Career Services at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
(2005) UTK is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA /ADEA Employer