General Information:

Psychology provides a broad, liberal arts background.
Some students may choose to study psychology because they enjoy the subject but wish to pursue careers requiring “any major.” In this scenario, it is critical to develop desirable skills through internships, part-time or summer jobs or volunteer experiences. Some skills valued most by employers include: communication, interpersonal, leadership, teamwork and computer skills.
Other students may major in psychology because they want to work in a related field. Many entry-level helping positions are available, however the amount of direct client contact is limited for those who have a bachelor’s degree. Students may wish to pursue graduate education in psychology, social work, counseling, college student personnel or other related fields to increase opportunities and earning potential.
For those wishing to pursue graduate education, maintain a high grade point average, secure strong faculty recommendations and gain experience through volunteer or work opportunities. Assist a faculty member with his or her research.

Prepared by the Career Planning staff of Career Services at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. (2005) UTK is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA Employer.

Explore Possible Careers Pathways in Psychology:

Human Services: Areas & EmployersAreas – Human Services
Counseling
Advocacy
Mental Health Services
Case Management
Programming
Community Relations
Administration
Employers
Federal government, including Departments of: Health and Human Services Justice, Veterans Administration
State government, including Departments of: Human Services, Mental Health & Mental Retardation, Community mental health centers, State psychiatric hospitals, Facilities for mentally impaired, Justice, Probation and parole
Local government
Senior citizens’ centers
United Way agencies
Nonprofit organizations
Religiously-affiliated service organizations
Hospitals
Human Services: StrategiesStrategies
Obtain essential practical experience through part-time or summer jobs such as camp counselor, tutor, or resident hall advisor. Complete an internship for academic credit. Gain experience through volunteering with organizations such as crisis hotlines, Big Brother or Sister, Special Olympics, service fraternities or sororities, etc. Many entry-level helping positions require one year of related experience. Volunteer experience can typically fulfill this requirement. Learn to work well with different types of people. Develop strong communication skills.
Cultivate the desire to help others. Become fluent in a foreign language spoken by multi-cultural clients. Be willing to relocate. Become familiar with government hiring procedures. Acquire knowledge of government and community resources available for those in need. Obtain a graduate degree in psychology, counseling, or social work for substantive counseling work and advancement into administrative work. Many specialties exist at the graduate level, for example school counseling, mental health counseling, rehabilitation counseling, etc. Pursue particular degrees depending upon interests and career goals. Pursue an excellent academic record.
Research: EmployersEmployers
Federal government including: Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute of Education, Office of Naval Research
National headquarters of non-profit organizations
Universities and colleges
Research: StrategiesStrategies
Work with a professor on his or her research project. Develop strong quantitative and statistical skills. Obtain a graduate degree for greater opportunities.
Human Resources: Areas & EmployersAreas – Human Resources
Employment and Recruitment
Labor Relations
Compensation and Benefits
Employers
Large companies
Government agencies
Employment and temporary agencies
Large non-profit organizations including hospitals and educational institutions
Human Resources: StrategiesStrategies
Acquire related experience as a resident hall advisor, orientation leader, admissions tour guide or student assistant in career services. Find student organization committee work in policy making or settling disputes. Supplement curriculum with business courses. Acquire strong computer skills.
Public Relations: Areas & EmployersAreas – Public Relations
Research
Programming
Writing and Editing
Event Planning
Media Placement
Public Speaking
Fund-raising
Employers
Public relations and advertising firms
Companies with public relations departments
Professional associations
Federal, state and local government
Colleges and universities
Non-profit organizations
Public Relations: StrategiesStrategies
Develop strong writing and speaking skills. Obtain related experience with campus newspaper, television or radio station. Serve as an admissions tour guide or work in alumni relations or other PR-related functions. Volunteer as a fund-raiser or political canvasser. Gain experience through internships. Join the campus chapter of Public Relations Society of America.
Advertising: Areas & EmployersAreas – Advertising
Creative
Media
Account Services
Research
Employers
Advertising agencies
Companies with in-house advertising agencies or departments
Advertising: StrategiesStrategies
Obtain relevant experience with campus newspaper, television, or radio station.
Work with student-run businesses. Find an internship, even if unpaid, with a market research or advertising firm. Develop a portfolio for creative positions.
Obtain a business minor or double major for account services positions.
Market Research: EmployersEmployers
Market research firms
Market research departments of consumer goods and manufacturing firms
Market Research: StrategiesStrategies
Develop a strong background in math and statistics. Get involved in the American Marketing Association. Obtain related experience. Get a part-time or summer field service position with a market research firm. Obtain business research experience. Serve as a canvasser or phone interviewer for a non-profit organization or political campaign. Earn a graduate degree in statistics or marketing for the greatest number of opportunities.
Teaching: EmployersEmployers
Public and private schools
Colleges and universities
Teaching: StrategiesStrategies
Obtain teaching certificate for public school positions. Dual certification will increase marketability. Seek guidance from education department of your college. Secure strong personal recommendations. Volunteer as a tutor.
Gain experience working with children or adolescents. PhD required for post-secondary teaching.
Retailing: Areas & EmployersAreas – Retailing
Management
Employers
Department stores
Specialty stores
Discount stores
Super retailers
Retailing: StrategiesStrategies
Secure leadership positions in campus organizations. Work a part-time or summer job in a retail store. Demonstrate a willingness to take on additional responsibilities such as “assistant manager.” Be willing to start in a management-trainee program. Learn to work well with different types of people.
Sales: EmployersEmployers
Retailers
Service providers
Wholesalers
Manufacturers
Insurance companies
Real estate companies
Sales: StrategiesStrategies
Obtain experience through internships or sales jobs. Take business courses.
Participate in student organizations and seek leadership roles. Must be highly motivated and well organized. Develop a strong commitment to customer satisfaction. Must work well under pressure and be comfortable in a competitive environment.