Psychologists’ skills are in great demand

The coronavirus pandemic has destabilized the economy and injected uncertainty into educational and career plans for many people. But the data suggest that the versatility and human skills bestowed by a psychology education are a boon in the face of instability: psychology doctorate holders work in 61 different occupational categories. A PhD doctorate in psychology also teaches communication, management, and leadership, the top skills appearing in job ads between March and July 2020. Alongside problem-solving, teamwork, and critical thinking, these “resilient skills” appeared in 84% of employment ads in the early phases of the pandemic, according to a recent report from the labor analytics firm Emsi. The versality is also geographical, with data indicating a great need for psychologists across the United States, especially in the Mountain West and Midwest.