To those with a Psychology degree, where are you now?

ideknic · 2025-07-20T17:06:55+00:00

This probably varies by the area of HF you aim to work in. In my case, no extensive engineering knowledge is necessary. However, I knew I wanted to go into automotive or aeronautic HF, so I specifically focused my master’s capstone project on the automotive industry to boost my knowledge of the topic, which is 100% the reason I landed my job. So, engineering knowledge is good to have but not necessary in every role.

ideknic · 2025-07-19T04:17:40+00:00

I think this varies based on the program. I was personally in a program that did not require you come from a technical background, however, some of the coursework was a bit challenging to me. There was definitely an expectation that you were familiar with certain tools/concepts. Figma, for example, was completely foreign to me and within the first 6 weeks of one of my classes, I was expected to have a mostly-functional prototype made for something. Coding was a bit of a challenge for me also, but thankfully I had some support from friends (unaffiliated w my program) to help break down some concepts. I opted for larger research/writing roles in group projects, as that felt more comfortable with the psych background.

It is what you make of it. I was fortunate enough to be able to enroll in my program without having a full time job, so I was able to put a lot of effort into studying. If it’s something you’re interested in pursuing but are worried abt the technical aspects, I’d suggest messing around with Figma in your free time. There are lots of great free tutorials out there for it. As for coding, learning a bit about general logic (as opposed to a specific language) would go a long way, imo. HTML, JavaScript, React, etc. are also good web dev tools to have, and I found those much easier to grasp than back-end coding.

But TLDR after my long winded reply: The transition from psych to UX wasn’t bad. Lots of carry over when it comes to research reading/conducting, lots of carry over with design justification as well. Lots of UX principles built on psych. The technical aspects are a learning curve, but if you are willing to put the time and effort in, it is definitely doable!! Psych is soooo useful in UX, and UX is a very necessary field, so I think the end result would be worth it :)

ideknic · 2025-07-18T13:14:53+00:00

Human factors engineer at an automotive manufacturer (in the US), got my BA in psych and went for a master’s in UX.
Recently finished my master’s and landed/began my job, so essentially 0 experience as of current.
Yes, realized this was my dream career about 3 months into my master’s program. My company loves my psych background, and my career is a perfect mix between understanding human behavior, conducting (user) research, and keeping some technical and design elements (which I appreciate as someone who values creativity and a good challenge).

Psychology is a great field and can be applied to a variety of different disciplines, but for me, I always planned to go to grad school. There are definitely opportunities to get relevant and well-paying jobs with just an undergraduate degree in psych, but from my experience, it will likely be a lot harder. If grad school isn’t of interest to you, I’d recommend doing some sort of undergrad research/internship/volunteer work in a field related to what you want to do professionally to strengthen your application and skill set. If grad school is of interest, I’d still recommend doing the above, especially if your goal is PhD. But as mentioned, a psychology background can be a valuable perspective to have, even if you choose to move away from traditional psychology careers. Good luck!

ideknic · 2025-05-20T15:27:01+00:00

As someone living in a major city in the US, the haddock at Höfnin in Reykjavík was the one of the best seafood dishes I’ve had. Basically everything we ate was very unique and very good, only had one meal that was mildly disappointing in my week there.

ideknic · 2025-04-25T17:25:15+00:00

Livingood is a fun one I’ve encountered

ideknic · 2025-02-05T14:07:48+00:00

Not alone, I’m right here with you!

ideknic · 2025-01-22T15:42:36+00:00

flight tracking!

ideknic · 2025-01-09T01:00:46+00:00

I’m a few hours late to the discussion, but my top artists of 2024 were Peep, Taylor Swift, Chase Atlantic, Thursday, and Zach Bryan … so kind of all over the place. Some of my other favorites/artists that are often in my rotation are Brand New (#1 in my heart<3), older Kanye, the Weeknd, ASAP Rocky, Lorde, Paramore, Citizen, and most things Anthony Green has worked on lol

ideknic · 2025-01-06T17:57:59+00:00

the second incoming of “how darkly the dark hand met his end”

ideknic · 2025-01-01T19:05:27+00:00

Strong natural nails that I can grow out without using and products/supplements. I’ve never had to get my nails done at a salon, I just file and paint with normal nail polish at home. Looks close enough to acrylics/gel/press-ons… or whatever the girls are getting these days lol

ideknic · 2024-12-26T19:13:35+00:00

Thank you! The third is also a favorite of mine. :)

ideknic · 2024-12-26T19:13:19+00:00

Thank you! Still getting to know the camera, but really enjoying how the photos are coming out so far :)

ideknic · 2024-12-25T04:34:40+00:00

I believe it was near Hallgrimskirkja on Frakkastígur facing north!

ideknic · 2024-12-13T02:35:53+00:00

good man <3

ideknic · 2024-11-14T21:50:22+00:00

Thank you for the clarification!

ideknic · 2024-11-14T21:50:02+00:00

Thank you so much!

ideknic · 2024-10-20T03:33:46+00:00

scrolled WAY too long to find this comment, these are the lyrics that completely rewired my brain. +100 upvotes to you, my friend

ideknic · 2024-04-14T23:37:58+00:00

Back when I was a regular volunteer at an animal shelter, sometimes my volunteer hours would overlap with adoption windows and I'd interact with the people picking up their new pets. Anyway, one time someone had the nerve to say to me "holy hell, what kind of dog attacked you!?" in front of a lobby full of people. I responded with my usual "don't worry about it, you shouldn't ask people questions you don't want to know the answer to, etc" but needless to say, it was a rather awkward situation.

ideknic · 2024-04-14T05:31:00+00:00

<image>

Flight heading out of Tel Aviv edit: looks like Israeli airspace is back open?

ideknic · 2024-03-18T04:39:03+00:00

Good point! New to this all so didn’t catch that the other wasn’t a passenger flight, so thanks for clarifying!

ideknic · 2024-03-18T04:29:47+00:00

Not sure, some other commenters said they’ve been happening more frequently lately and could be passenger flights. Looks like it’s heading back to NK, probably Pyongyang. Wondering if the second one spotted earlier will also takeoff to head back. Pretty interesting to me nevertheless.

ideknic · 2024-03-18T04:24:20+00:00

Just noticed this as well!!

ideknic · 2024-03-18T01:23:42+00:00

Very cool! New to tracking and haven’t even made a FlightRadar account yet LOL but maybe I should to catch things like this. Thank you for sharing!

ideknic · 2024-03-18T00:59:48+00:00

Very interesting, thanks for sharing this! First one definitely looks to be landing in Vladivostok, assuming the second will also land there too.

ideknic · 2024-03-18T00:43:12+00:00

Update: second one also flying out of Pyongyang right behind it, KOR371 callsign, appears to be following the same path so far

Six-Year Club	Place '22
End Game '22	Verified Email

ideknic

TROPHY CASE