To: Dr. Erika Paterson, ENGL 301 Instructor
From: Brionne McWilliams, ENGL 301 Student
Date: March 5, 2019
Subject: Feasibility Analysis of a Professional Psychology Career (Revised)
Introduction
Over the years, psychology has quickly become one of the most popular university degrees. Undergraduates obtaining a degree in psychology possess strong critical analysis skills, increased social awareness, and the ability to evaluate human behavior to maximize productivity, all of which are valuable assets in most professional industries. Whether in business administration, education or social work, most psychology undergraduates seek employment shortly after graduating. However, if students want to work more directly in the field of psychology assessing, diagnosing, and treating mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders, professional psychology may be an attractive career choice. A career in professional psychology is extremely competitive and requires rigorous postgraduate training but is highly rewarding. Students need to identify their desired career path to becoming a professional psychologist.
The intended reader for my report will be Dr. Steven Barnes, Associate Head of Undergraduate Psychology Affairs at the University of British Columbia. Dr. Barnes oversees undergraduate course scheduling and academic advising. His advising position gives him the authority to incorporate my recommendations into the programs and services provided to help undergraduate students make informed and thoughtful decisions about their academic path throughout their degree.
Statement of Problem
Because of the rigorous postdoctoral training required students must ask themselves two main questions before choosing their career path: Is a professional career in psychology the right career for me? If so, which is my best option for entering the field?
Proposed Solution
Undergraduate psychology students should consider a career in professional psychology based on their credentials, interests, expectations and possible training paths. A professional psychology career is a feasible career for anyone who wants to gain proficiency in an area of psychological specialization and increased opportunities to work in diverse areas of psychology. Job prospects in the field of psychology are much better for individuals with graduate degrees.
Scope
To investigate the feasibility of a career in professional psychology, I plan to pursue the following areas of inquiry:
1. What are the key factors in a professional psychology career?
2. What is the employment outlook?
3. What are the technical skills required?
4. What are the other skills and characteristics required?
5. What are the advantages and drawbacks of the career?
6. Compare the career paths (Masters vs. Doctorate programs).
Methods
My primary data sources will include interviews with Dr. Steven Barnes, Associate Head of Undergraduate Psychology Affairs at the University of British Columbia and Dr. Darko Odic, Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of British Columbia. I will ask them about their individual career paths, the requirements of the career, advice for prospective students, and the psychology field in general.
My secondary sources will include review papers on career planning in psychology. I will examine the 2015 psychology graduate survey conducted by the Canadian Psychological Association. I will also conduct a literature review on different career paths for professional psychology.
My Qualifications
My qualification is that in June of last year, I received my B.S. in honours psychology. My career aspiration was to become a clinical psychologist, therefore, I applied to several graduate programs. My application was not accepted which forced me to re-evaluate my career interests and seek guidance from professionals in the field. Therefore, I have gained detailed knowledge about different career paths and careers in professional psychology. I also have access to university professors and career counselors required to complete the study.
Conclusion
Clearly, deciding if a career in professional psychology is the right choice is an imperative question to answer. Therefore, anyone considering a career in clinical psychology should follow these recommendations:
• Speak to practising psychologists such as members of state associations and psychologists at APA’s Annual Convention to gain invaluable advice that can help you make a proper career choice.
• Explore different career choices by researching career profiles and volunteering (i.e. local agencies in your community or psychology research labs)
• Weigh the implications of each career path (work environment, salary, job outlook, cost of training, length of post-doctorate training option: masters vs. doctorate)
With your approval, along with any suggestions, I will continue my research.
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