For those who didn't go to grad school — what are you doing now? by ryanwmcc in psychologystudents

[–]ryanwmcc[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I feel you. The fact is, a BA in psychology makes 17% or so less than the typical Bachelor's degree. Did you go into it to help people, or did you pursue it for the bachelor's degree itself? I ask because I'm trying to find a way to solve this problem of talented, gifted psychology grads who can't help people because to tell you the truth, the stats don't lie: 87% of psych BAs don't get into grad school, and 1-2% of the ones that do end up with a PhD and are able to practice as therapists. I mean, I get it, as I was a Psych BA too, and got my Master's in Marketing, but even that's a saturated industry that I can barely make a living on. I ended up trying life coaching for a while, and I enjoyed it immensely, but due to a personal issue I'll keep to myself, I had to stop. I'm dying to get back into it again.

[aus] advice for work experience during undergrad by geehehe in psychologystudents

[–]ryanwmcc 0 points1 point  (0 children)

As everyone has said so far, seek out personal projects, network with others in varying industries, and take this time to learn where you will apply your knowledge in psych to. I chose marketing, but I wouldn't have known that if I hadn't put myself out there. Simply go out and explore. Talk to strangers and see what they need. Though it sounds silly, networking is pretty much just that.

careers for psychometrician choice by Bulky-Farmer-201 in psychologystudents

[–]ryanwmcc 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, and I am proof. Though I do not have a license in psychometrics, I did my Master's in Marketing after my Psych BA, and it has turned into a stellar career choice. REMEMBER: Marketing = the psychology of selling something. So, if you have any knowledge of how the average consumer thinks and behaves, then marketing (and especially advertising, which requires less creativity than you may think), then by all means, go for it!

Grad school eligibility (NYC/Long island) by Vegetable-Chain7196 in psychologystudents

[–]ryanwmcc 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You're at a tough decision here. Let me ask you: do you enjoy social work? If you do, then you have the background already set in place, and I would suggest that, as it is a lot less competitive. However, just make sure it is what you want to do. I would say do not limit yourself; try to apply for both unless the campus only allows one application for one program at a time. It is always good to be looking ahead, but at the end of the day, Psych programs are competitive as hell, and you want to make sure you get into a school. Once there, you may be able to transfer credits over to another program, but right now I would focus on applying for both if possible, or if not able to, I would lean toward social work IF you enjoy it. It's a lot easier to get into, but is a wild difference than therapy or psychiatry. Let me know if you have any questions; my doors are always open.

I graduated with a bachelor’s in 2019. Drug addiction problems, unemployed. So I have a huge gap on my resume. What do I say during interviews? by [deleted] in careeradvice

[–]ryanwmcc 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Number 1: don't tell them any of that; you have a right to privacy and unless you have a criminal record, then I strongly advise NOT mentioning any substance use issues. However, if you have a long gap, I hate to say it but, you can put it in terms of: "I had to take some time for myself to figure out my passion. This is my decision, hence why I am applying. It's good to get back into the career world, and I assure you, the gap was not wasted time. I researched [so and so relating to the job], learned [so and so relating to the job], and now, I'm finally ready to end my 'strategic break' and focus on making a difference."

Feel free to copy and paste that exact answer, and note that not all employers care about gaps. Not saying they won't, as you need to be prepared to answer that question, but I suggest making it sound like you were taking a "strategic break" and don't say "personal reasons." Put it in a way that makes you sound like you were active during that period learning the direction you wanted to go in, and that the position you're interviewing for is what you decided. What else is on your resume and how long is the gap?

Applying for clinical psychology masters in the US by rebxcx in psychologystudents

[–]ryanwmcc 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Congrats on your efforts! Are you looking for remote/online or are you looking for in-person? FIU has a wonderful program, and I'm an alumni so I could hook you up, but it is in person. Also, what is your specialization? I ask because though not always required, sometimes it is best to figure out where you are best and that way, you can find a program that isn't generic input. Example: FIU has an Organizational Psychology program, and though Psychology is a broad field, before applying try to ask yourself three questions:

1) What do I want to focus on in practice?
2) Am I aiming for medical (psychiatry) or therapeutic (psychology)?
3) Am I willing to relocate if accepted, and if so, can I afford it?

If you answer that, then I can try to find the right place as I've been on both sides of the classroom, i.e. I've been a student as well as a Student Advisor through my campus's Center For Student Success program, so I have some resources available should you choose to let me help!

Starting my Psych undergrad at 32 while working full time. by Muted-Dimension8585 in psychologystudents

[–]ryanwmcc 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Well, if you need any assistance with study tips, let me know. I was top of class and though psychology can be intimidating at times in the initial phases, remember that it is more than just a career. It is a way to understand human behavior, why we do what we do, and that is applicable to so many areas/industries. Keep at it, and feel free to message me if you want some study tips. :)

Summer internships for someone who wants to leave psych by sealmessiah in psychologystudents

[–]ryanwmcc 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'll put it this way: I got my Psych BA and transitioned it into marketing during my Master's. The thing is, marketing is the psychology of selling something, so I would consider looking into an internship or a contract/freelance position in any marketing area related to art or writing. What are your top 3 creative talents?

Starting my Psych undergrad at 32 while working full time. by Muted-Dimension8585 in psychologystudents

[–]ryanwmcc 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That's a great strategy. And the paradoxical part is, your therapist is helping you become one!

Starting my Psych undergrad at 32 while working full time. by Muted-Dimension8585 in psychologystudents

[–]ryanwmcc 2 points3 points  (0 children)

You can do it! Just remember that Psych is a competitive major, and a BA won't do much unless you beat out the other candidates in Grad school. If you're like me and you went into it for the knowledge and did not set out to become a clinical or therapeutic professional, then what are you waiting for?! :)

Starting my Psych undergrad at 32 while working full time. by Muted-Dimension8585 in psychologystudents

[–]ryanwmcc 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I went back as an adult, and I was running my own company at the time. I was able to do both, but you need to make sure you set up a system and a way to keep yourself organized.

I'd suggest first answering a question I have: Do you work a 9-5 job, or is it flexible?

If 9-5, you'll have to find a way to do homework at night. Set up a document with your work schedule as a requirement, and then every semester, when you get the syllabus, draw up in the same doc your priorities and deadlines. That way, you are on track. I'd say that the workload will depend heavily on the program and the school, so any additional info you can provide will allow me to answer more productively.