Career Opportunity Research and Report

Making a career choice can be a difficult task, and choosing the right job that suits one's needs is challenging because it requires extensive and comprehensive research. There are millions of career opportunities available, and before making a choice, it is important to consider several factors some of which include compatibility, requirements, benefits, salary and working conditions ("Importance of Career Research," 2017). In the psychology field, for example, there are tons of career paths that an individual can follow, and after comprehensive research, several psychology specialties will be discussed in the sections below, where job responsibility, locations, salaries, education, licensing requirements and career outlooks for each specialty will be addressed, 

Child Psychologist 

A child psychologist deals with young children and adolescents. The job responsibilities of a child psychologist include the analysis and diagnosis of the mental, emotional and social development of adolescents and children. They diagnose and treat children for learning disabilities, research on childhood development and help a child’s healthcare team in the development of a safe treatment plan. A child psychologist can be employed in different settings, some of which include mental health clinics, schools, and hospitals. The median annual salary for child psychologists is $64,000, according to the U.S. Department of Labor ("American Psychological Association (APA)," n.d.). 

To become a child psychologist, one needs to hold a doctoral degree or at least a master’s degree in psychology. Licensure requirements for child psychologists are the completion of a two-year supervised clinical internship and a pass score in state and national tests. The Occupational Outlook Handbook cites that through this year (2018), there will be an average growth of the profession especially due to increased awareness of children’s mental health. Therefore, job prospects in this particular specialty for individuals with a doctoral degree in applied psychology are expected to increase in the next few years ("Careers in Psychology - All Psychology Careers and Fields," n.d.). This particular specialty would be of interest to me because I love dealing with children and helping them tackle their developmental issues would help me contribute to their future growth. 

Counseling Psychologist 

Counseling psychologists treat individuals who present with severe symptoms of everyday life stresses. They interact with patients and use cognitive behavioral therapy and person-centered therapy to help people change their behaviors and improve their quality of life. Counseling psychologists various settings including psychiatric hospitals, private practice, schools, and health clinics. Counseling psychologists earn $72,540 per year, according to United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (U.S. BLS). 

Counseling psychologists study a bachelor’s degree in psychology accompanied by a master’s or a doctoral degree in counseling psychology. For licensure, one must hold at least a master’s degree in counseling psychology and must have passed the National Counsellor Examinations for Licensure and Certification. Also, one is required to have completed given hours of a supervised internship. Occupational Outlook Handbook estimates that by 2026 employment for counseling psychologists will have increased by 14%. I would not be interested in this career path because working with stressed adults can be a little difficult and demotivating especially if the adult in question is emotional. 

Clinical Psychologist 

Clinical psychologists work in a variety of areas, and in most cases, they choose the specific population that they prefer treating. A clinical psychologist may choose to specialize in specific chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, or mental disorders such as anxiety and depression, or psychological issues such as schizophrenia. Work locations for clinical psychologists are usually mental health facilities and hospitals. Other areas where clinical psychologists work are schools, police departments, and organizations which are either private or government ran. The annual salary of clinical psychologists depends on factors such as popularity, experience, and location. However, as per the 2015 statistics by U.S. BLS, clinical psychologists earn an average annual salary of $76, 040 

Clinical psychologists hold doctoral degrees, and to be fully licensed as a clinical psychologist, one must pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP), after completion of a one-year supervised clinical internship. According to BLS, by 2020 there will be a 22% job growth in clinical psychology. I would be interested in becoming a clinical psychologist because this career provides an opportunity for choosing the population and type of disorder that I would like to specialize in. 

Developmental Psychologist 

Developmental psychologists help people understand growth and development of people at different ages. They usually specialize in certain ages, where some may focus on child development and others on geriatrics. Their job responsibilities depend on the chosen specialty group, but they mostly encompass patient evaluation for developmental disabilities in children and assistance of older adults so that they can live independently. Developmental psychologists can work with patients from their homes, in school, learning centers, nursing homes, and hospitals. They also work as teachers and researchers in institutions. Developmental psychologists earn an annual median salary of $69, 150 ("Home: Occupational Outlook Handbook: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics," 2018). 

Developmental psychologists hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, but they can opt for advanced degrees in developmental psychology (Master’s or Doctoral degrees. Licensure requires completion of an accredited program, and an internship placement as well as acquiring a pass score in give licensure examinations. BLS estimates that by 2022, there will be an 11% growth of job opportunities for developmental psychologists ("Psychology Careers | CareersInPsychology.org," n.d.). I would be interested in this career path because it provides an opportunity where an individual can choose a preferred population. 

Experimental Psychologist 

Experimental psychologists conduct tests and experiments and research studies on various psychological topics. Their job description involves working with subjects of their experiments, collecting materials for experimental studies, analyzing results from studies and writing grants to request funds to carry out future experiments. They work in a variety of settings, which is mostly determined by the group of the population that the psychologist wishes to study. Work locations include mental institutions, healthcare facilities, and nursing homes among others. The mean annual salary for developmental psychologists is $75,000 ("Home: Occupational Outlook Handbook: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics," 2018). 

An experimental psychologist must hold a minimum of a Master’s degree in experimental psychology. License requirements for this profession include; hands-on training through a residency program or a supervised internship program and a pass score in license examinations. BSL estimates that the growth of this profession is at 19% with statistics indicating that by 2024, more than 33,000 job opportunities will have been created ("Psychology Careers | CareersInPsychology.org," n.d.). I would consider this career path in the future because I love learning new things which can be achieved through experiments. 

Forensic Psychologist 

Forensic psychologists play a critical role in the criminal justice system. Their job responsibilities include the provision of psychological assessments of defenders in criminal investigations and giving out testimonies in court. Forensic psychologists also assist the victims of crime through treatment. Additionally, they investigate various types of abuse including; child abuse, domestic violence, and elderly abuse. They also work in correctional settings where they offer a psychological evaluation to different individuals as well as inmates. Other work locations include police stations and law firms. The annual median salary for a forensic psychologist is $62,863 ("Home: Occupational Outlook Handbook: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics," 2018) . 

Forensic psychologists hold either a Doctoral degree in forensic psychology, of a Master’s degree of the same. A doctorate, however, increases the chances of employment. Licensure requirements include training under supervision and completion of accredited psychology programs as well as a passing score in licensure examinations. Career outlooks for this profession are promising, with BSL statistics estimating that by 2026 there will be a 14% increase in the demand for forensic psychologists ("Psychology Careers | CareersInPsychology.org," n.d.). I would be interested in this career path because it is a fascinating career choice that involves every-day new experiences. 

Industrial-Organizational Psychologist 

Industrial-organizational psychologists conduct research studies or review studies conducted by other researchers in organizations and workplaces. They use the obtained results to solves issues within organizations. They work in different organizations including construction sites, factories, and plants as well as white color organizations such as office buildings. These psychologists, therefore, resolve problems that may impact the normal functioning of an organization. The salary for industrial-organizational psychologists mostly depends on the level of education, but estimations for their annual salary is $80,000 ("Home: Occupational Outlook Handbook: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics," 2018). 

A Bachelor’s degree in industrial psychology is the minimum educational requirement needed for a career in this field. However, job opportunities increase with the level of education, and those holding a Doctoral Degree have the highest number of job opportunities. Industrial-organizational psychologists are not subject to licensure, and one's state of practice determines licensing requirements. However, most states require that all psychologists be licensed, and therefore, the general licensure requirements include completion of a doctorate, supervised internship and a pass score in EPPP. Occupational Outlook Handbook estimates that in the next 10 years, demand for these professionals will increase by 53% since business will be looking for alternatives to increase employee retention and work productivity ("Psychology Careers | CareersInPsychology.org," n.d.). I would not be interested in this career path because it involves dealing with adult populations who can be difficult to handle and predict. 

Health Psychologist 

Health psychologists can either work as clinical health psychologists, occupational health psychologists, community health psychologists, and public health psychologists. Though job responsibilities depend on employment settings, health psychologists mainly focus on providing emotional support for the patients and their families. In community and public settings, they evaluate the most effective programs that can be used to change people’s lifestyle and hence promote their health. Those in the public policy field address important issues in healthcare. They also work in clinical settings where they provide therapy for terminally ill patients. Their annual salary is estimated to be at about $97,740 ("Home: Occupational Outlook Handbook: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics," 2018) . 

Health psychologists need to have a Doctoral degree in psychology, and a Master’s degree or certificate in psychopharmacology. Licensing requirements include a supervised internship[ and a pass score in the licensing examination. According to BLS, this profession is expected to grow by an annual rate of 11% in the next half decade ("Psychology Careers | CareersInPsychology.org," n.d.). I would be interested in this field of psychology, more particularly public health psychology because it involves an analysis of peoples behavior to establish the most effective health promotion programs. 

Neuropsychologist 

Neuropsychologists focus on the relationship between mental abilities and brain structures. They conduct experiments with the aim of acquiring more information on brain function and how it relates to emotions, cognition, and behavior. Their typical workplaces are laboratory settings and clinical settings. Their primary job responsibility is therefore research. In clinical settings, they diagnose and assess patients especially those with brain injuries. Others practice privately where they act as consultants. Their median annual salary is $94, 100 ("Home: Occupational Outlook Handbook: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics," 2018). Neuropsychologist requires a bachelor’s degree in psychology and additional training in neuroscience or biology. However, advanced degrees such as a master’s and doctorate degrees in neuropsychology increases one's chance of securing a job. Certified and licensed professionals obtain their licenses by undergoing a supervised internship or residency program after completion of the doctorate program, after which they sit for a licensure examination. By 2022, the average growth rate of this profession is expected to be 11%, considering that more than two million people suffer from brain injury every year ("Psychology Careers | CareersInPsychology.org," n.d.). I would not be interested in becoming a neuropsychologist because it requires training in both psychology and medicine, which can be daunting. 

School Psychologist 

School psychologists work with students who struggle academically by using psychological and educational methods to improve performance. They also consult with relevant school stakeholders, such as parents and teachers, to establish the various factors influencing the educational outcomes of children. They also work with other mental health professionals within the school, to promote the emotional and social growth of students. Also, they design anti-bullying programs which ensure that the school environment is emotionally safe for children. School psychologists work in settings such as public schools, universities, colleges, private schools, community centers, and health clinic. Their annual salary is approximately $81, 330 ("Home: Occupational Outlook Handbook: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics," 2018) . 

School psychologists must hold a master’s degree in school psychology, after completion of a bachelor's degree in either educational psychology, general psychology or counseling psychology. Licensing requirements are a graduate degree in school psychology, a 1200-hour internship program with more than 600 hours in a school setting as well as a passing score on the Praxis II school psychology examination. BSL estimates that in the next decade, there will be an 11% employment growth rate among school psychologists ("Psychology Careers | CareersInPsychology.org," n.d.). I would consider becoming a school psychologist in future because it involves shaping the future generation by assisting students to excel academically. 

Social Psychologist 

The work environment for a social psychologist determines job responsibilities for social psychologists. Their job, however, involves analysis of previously conducted research studies on social psychology. They also conduct original research studies. They pace people in natural environments and observe their behaviors, and results from such studies are used to solve real-world problems. For instance, they may promote individual products and brands and get more people to purchase the product. They also counsel people on various social problems. There annual median salary is estimated to be $79,450 ("Home: Occupational Outlook Handbook: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics," 2018) . 

Social psychologists require a bachelor’s degree in general psychology or social psychology. They may also choose to obtain a masters or a doctorate in social psychology. Social psychologists do not require a license. In the next decade, this career field is expected to grow at a rate of 12% ("Psychology Careers | CareersInPsychology.org," n.d.). I would consider this career field in the future because I love conducting research studies. Moreso, this field is interesting as it provides one with an opportunity to understand why people behave the way they do. 

Sports Psychologist 

Sports psychologists assist professional and amateur athletes in several ways. Their job responsibility involves helping athletes improve their performance, conflict resolution, pain therapy for injured athletes, helping athletes handle pressure, and motivate athletes as they struggle with everyday routines. They work in various facilities, where athletes are catered for or accommodated. The annual median salary for sports psychologists is $98,590 ("Home: Occupational Outlook Handbook: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics," 2018). 

This profession requires that an individual hold a bachelor’s degree in sports psychology. This may also be attained by acquiring a bachelor’s degree in general psychology and physical education. For job security, individuals enroll for advanced degrees, i.e., masters and doctoral degrees ("Psychologists: Jobs, Career, Salary and Education Information - CollegeGrad.com," n.d.). Licensure depends on the state, and requirements include; completion of a doctoral program, two-years supervised internship and a pass score in national/state examinations. Job opportunities in this career field are expected to grow by 19% by 2024 ("Psychology Careers | CareersInPsychology.org," n.d.). I would consider following this career path in the future because I love sports and I would like to help athletes achieve their life goals. 

Summary 

Comprehensive research on the 12 specialities was enlightening, and a lot of knowledge has been gained. The occupational outlook handbook, as well as the Americal Psychological Association (APA) websites, were used to obtain relevant information. However, even though both websites have a lot of information regarding psychology careers, the occupational outlook handbook was easy to navigate the APA website. 

Occupational outlook handbook contained more helpful information and was more comprehensive. For instance, the APA website does not provide information on the projected growth rate of different career fields. The APA website also provided selected information on different aspects while the occupational outlook handbook website had all the information required for this research. For example, it provided graphs indicating the expected growths in different fields. Moreover, information provided on the website was easier to understand than that provided on the APA website. 

References  

American Psychological Association (APA). (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/ 

Careers in Psychology - All Psychology Careers and Fields. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.psychologyschoolguide.net/psychology-careers/ 

Home: Occupational Outlook Handbook: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2018). Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/ 

The Importance of Career Research. (2017). Retrieved October 11, 2018, from https://www.youthvillage.co.za/2013/09/importance-career-research/ 

Psychologists: Jobs, Career, Salary and Education Information - CollegeGrad.com. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://collegegrad.com/careers/psychologists 

Psychology Careers | CareersInPsychology.org. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://careersinpsychology.org/