Careers with a bachelor’s degree in psychology

Alma mater: University of Connecticut

Wondering whether to pursue a bachelor’s degree in psychology? Meet 13 graduates who landed great jobs thanks to their psychology degrees.

What sparked your interest in psychology?

I decided to pursue a degree in psychology because I have always had a passion for helping others and trying to work with them to overcome obstacles in their lives. My passion for helping others is because of the obstacles I had to overcome in my childhood. Growing up with immigrant parents from a low SES background was extremely difficult, and I rarely had an opportunity to talk with anyone about the problems my family and I were facing. I want to become the person I wish I had been able to have growing up to help me through my problems. Psychology to me is a career that allows individuals to learn more about themselves so that they can, in turn, help others overcome any obstacle and that is what has drawn me into this field of work.

What was your experience like at the University of Connecticut?

The University of Connecticut was an incredible school and gave me several great experiences while I was there. I was fortunate enough to be accepted and attend the Stamford satellite campus, which was a more affordable option than having to attend the main campus up in Storrs. At UConn, I was able to learn and develop myself as a student and given opportunities to learn more about what I believed I wanted to do with my life. The professors within UConn Stamford’s psychology department are unlike any others I have encountered and were able to provide me with an incredible education as well as help me on a personal basis. My favorite class during my undergrad career was abnormal psychology because it was the first time I had been introduced to what a therapy session could look like, and we were able to act out a mock therapy session with our professor who was incredible. I also took on a second major while at UConn in business because I believe learning business is an essential component if one intends to have a private practice in the future.

How did you start preparing for your career while in school?

During my time at school, I utilized almost every service available to prepare me for my career and to develop myself as a student and as a person. I was involved with several organizations throughout the campus and became the copresident/vice president of the psychology club at UConn Stamford. I also utilized career services to do internships and connect with people in the field to learn more about the process of becoming a psychologist and what the field was like.

Talk about your career and how you found that opportunity.

Right now, I am currently working as a Fatherhood Engagement Specialist in Hartford helping fathers who have lost their children to the Department of Children and Families (DCF) get back on their feet and work towards getting their children back. My job revolves around helping clients connect with community services, engage positively with DCF, serve as a sounding board for their problems and help them navigate what options they have as well as what they would like to do in their lives. Previous to this position, I worked as a psychiatric technician at a psychiatric hospital which was another amazing experience and job that one could have with just a bachelor’s degree in psychology. With this job opportunity I was able to experience what it is like to work within an inpatient facility and was able to work one-on-one with several clients and assist them in whatever manner was necessary. This was an invaluable opportunity to learn whether this field was something I truly wanted to get into and it was a great job to have.

How are you using your psychology degree in your job?

I have utilized my degree in psychology in almost every job I have had since undertaking undergraduate school and completing it. I take what I have learned thus far from classes such as abnormal psychology or developmental psychology and apply it as a conceptual process trying to understand where my clients are and how I can best help them get through their days. At the psychiatric hospital, a typical day would consist of me getting into work watching over clients and helping them if they approached me with any concerns or just wanted to talk. During these conversations, a lot of what I learned about psychology during undergrad would be utilized making sure I was an active listener and was able to be both sensitive and receptive to what I was being told. Together we would work through problems, which would help their progress at the inpatient facility.

For psychology students who are still in school and thinking about their career path, what advice would you give them?

The best advice I would give psychology students who are thinking about pursuing a career in psychology is to try and expose yourselves to as many opportunities as possible in the field of psychology through volunteering at organizations, reaching out to other students and professionals who are in the field for advice and guidance, and to thoroughly assess if this is truly what you would like to do with your life. I would also highly suggest accessing career services and professionals who may be able to serve as mentors to create an idea of where you would like your career path to take you. A degree in psychology opens various paths one can take, so much so that most students have no idea what all of their options are. Try and explore as many options as possible and do not sell yourself short.