Psychologists Career
Brain is complex software available till date and many things affect this wonderful tool. When it functions it has the power to change the world. Remember Archimedes, Ramanujan or Mendel. Human brain is extremely sensitive towards events both positive and negative happening around it. Malfunction of brain often leads to disaster. However, it’s also equally easy to control the brain if you understand. And that understanding does not develops in few hours or months or years. But those interested to get deeper into the brainwaves chose Psychology as a study discipline. Same like any other profession like mathematician or space scientists or veterinarian; students interested in Psychology requires several years of study to become an expert. Jobs for qualified Psychologist are offered in government and private sector agencies including, schools, hospitals, industries, public health etc.
Being a Psychologist is an interesting option, you can look forward to the satisfaction of helping others, can enjoy high earnings, learn about people and how they think, and may have variety in work.
If we put it in simple words- Psychologists study human behavior. They work with different settings giving a helping hand or treating patients with serious mental illness. Psychologists use a number of methodologies during their treatment or counseling- gather information and evaluate behavior through controlled laboratory experiments, psychoanalysis, or psychotherapy. They also may administer personality, performance, aptitude, or intelligence tests.
There are varieties of areas for specialization; Clinical Psychologists and school psychologists are the most popular, besides these two there are others like, Counseling, Developmental, forensic, industrial organization and social psychologists etc.
Role of Psychologists
- Study behavior and brain function.
- Collect information through observations, interviews, surveys, tests, and other methods.
- Evaluate, understand and predict behavior.
- Use their knowledge to increase understanding among individuals and groups.
- Develop programs that improve schools and workplaces by addressing psychological issues.
- Work with individuals, couples, and families to help them make desired changes to behaviors.
- Identify and diagnose mental, behavioral, or emotional disorders.
- Develop and carry out treatment plans.
- Collaborate with physicians or social workers to help treat patients.
Skills of Psychologists
Analytical skills: Analytical skills are important when performing psychological research. Psychologists must be able to examine the information they collect and draw logical conclusions from them.
Communication skills: Psychologists must have strong communications skills because they spend much of their time listening to and speaking with patients.
Observational skills: Psychologists study attitude and behavior. They must be able to watch people and understand the possible meanings of people's facial expressions, body positions, actions, and interactions.
Patience: Psychologists must be able to demonstrate patience when dealing with people who have mental or behavioral disorders.
People skills: Psychologists study people and help people. They must be able to work well with their clients, patients, and other medical professionals.
Problem-solving skills: Psychologists need problem solving skills to find treatments or solutions for mental and behavioral problems.
Trustworthiness: Patients must be able to trust their psychologists. Psychologists also must keep patients’ problems in confidence, and patients must be able to trust psychologists’ expertise in treating sensitive problems.
Some Reported Job Titles
Applied Behavior Science Specialist (ABSS), Counseling Psychologist, Counseling Services Director, Counselor, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Psychologist, Psychotherapist, Senior Staff Psychologist, Staff Psychologist, Child Psychologist, Clinical Director, Clinical Psychologist, Clinical Therapist, Forensic Psychologist, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Licensed Psychologist, Licensed Psychologist Manager, Pediatric Psychologist, Psychologist
Where to study
You can obtain a BA or BS in Psychology and chose to pursue higher studies like MS / PhD etc. Industry looks for a minimum of bachelor’s degree qualification to give a job offer. However higher degrees are preferred. Many universities and colleges worldwide offer study programmes in Psychology. For details go to
University Hub.