Psychology is one of the most popular undergraduate and graduate degrees in our country, and even around the globe. A psychologist should ideally have communication skills, the ability to collect, organize, analyze and interpret data, sensitivity in dealing with clients and an understanding of human behavior. Anyone with an undergraduate, masters or doctoral are eligible to work as psychologists. Psychology graduates may work in human resources or communications, while further education will open paths toward clinical practice and research.
Undergraduate students study theory as well as gain practical skills in psychometric testing and other psychological tools. They can further specialize in social psychology, criminal psychology, behaviour and organizational psychology, counseling psychology, rehabilitative or health and medical psychology among many. Depending on the specialization they choose, students can gain a number of opportunities to work at a number of institutions ranging from corporate offices, to hospitals to even starting their own clinic at some point.
- Counseling psychologists basically help clients deal with problems they face in their daily life.Such people could be victims of domestic violence, sexual abuse or could be facing post traumatic stress disorder. Psychologists in this field deal with relationship or marital problems, career counseling, or rehabilitation counseling. They are required to have strong communication skills, be open-minded and have sensitivity in their approach to clients. Counselors can work in schools, NGOs, career centers or take up private practice.
- Clinical psychology is the largest employing specialization in psychology and deals with the diagnosis, understanding and treatment of psychological disorders. Theydeal with people of all ages who suffer mental or physical health issues such as depression, anxiety, addictive behavior or eating disorders. They work at hospitals, drug rehabilitation centers, NGOs etc.
- Industrial – organizational psychologists apply psychological principles to solve workplace dilemmas and ensure employee well-being. Their job profiles include, but do not limit to analyzing workplace productivity, study consumer behavior, increase business efficiency, help businesses hire qualified employees, and improving organizational structure.
- Social psychologists largely focus on individuals’ behavior, how they impact and are impacted by other people, social environments, etc. Their job will depend on the kind of environment they are employed in. For example, if a social psychologist is employed in a college, he or she might conduct research on social issues like conflict management, interracial relations and gender equality. They may also be employed as professors to teach students to become social psychologists like themselves. Other departments of work include business, law, medicine, private firms or government agencies.
- Criminal psychologists work in forensics, with attorneys, courts, law enforcement agencies, and others involved in criminal cases. The work with witnesses and victims to establish a timeline of events, evaluate defendants, and even lend their expertise to assist attorneys and courts. Don’t be fooled by what you see on shows like Criminal Minds or Law and Order, it’s not as glamourous as it seems!
Here are top colleges in India to pursue a degree in Psychology
- Lady Shri Ram College, Delhi – B.A (Honours) Psychology
- Indian Institute of Psychology and Research, Bangalore – B.A Psychology, MSc Psychology, MSc Counseling Psychology
- Sophia College for Women, Mumbai – B.A Psychology
- Fergusson College, Pune – B.A Psychology, M.A Psychology (Industrial & Clinical) Ph.D Research, Post Graduate course in Counseling Psychology.
- Loreto college, Kolkata – B.A (Honours) Psychology.
Colleges Abroad offering Psychology courses include –
- New York University – B.A Psychology, M.A General Psychology, M.A Industrial & Organizational Psychology, Ph.D Cognition & Perception, Ph.D Social/Personality.
- University of British Columbia – B.A Psychology, B.Sc Behavioural Neuroscience, A Behavioural Neuroscience, Clinical, Cognitive Science, Developmental, Health, Quantitative Methods, & Social/Personality.
- University of Amsterdam – B.Sc Psychology, M.Sc Psychology (Behaviourial Data sciences, Brain & Cognition in Society, Cultural Developmental & Health)
- University of Queensland – Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BSc) or Bachelor of Psychological Science, Master of Clinical Psychology; Masters of Organisational Psycholog, Master of Psychology, Master of Counselling, Honours Degree in Psychology, Master of Business Psychology.
- Cardiff University –Sc Psychology, Ph.D , M.Phil Psychology.
There’s a plethora of lucrative careers than can be explored with psychology. However, reaching the professional level that is required takes a lot of hard work and determination. We spoke to Ashini Shah, a consulting counselor and psychologist to get her advice on a career in psychology. Here’s what she had to say –
