Marg Career Library - Psychologist

Overview:

Psychology is the scientific study of mind and behaviour. Psychologists probe the complex ways that people think, behave, feel, communicate, and perceive the world around them. Some psychologists focus on clinical work with patients, while others devote themselves to researching the nuances of psychological behaviour; in any case, psychology is a vast discipline, with numerous career options to choose from.

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Career Path:

MPhil/PhD in Psychology or doctorate is necessary for anyone who wants to work with patients in a clinical setting or move into a research or academic position.

Stream of Study in 12th Grade/School:	Science Arts
Degree/Graduation Courses:	B.A/B. A.(H) Psychology B.Sc. in Psychology Diploma in Applied Psychology for 3 years
Higher education/Post Graduation Courses:	M.A Psychology (Applied Psychology /Clinical Psychology/Counselling Psychology/ Industrial Psychology) for 1-2 years in India M.Sc. Psychology M. Phil in Psychology/Clinical Psychology/Counselling Psychology for 2 years Ph.D. in Psychology/Applied Psychology for 3-4 years

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Top Colleges:

Indian Institute of Psychology and Research, Bangalore
Christ University, Bangalore
Keshav Mahavidyalaya, New Delhi
Ashoka University, Sonepat
Presidency College, Chennai
D.A.V College, Chandigarh
Department of Applied Psychology, UP
Lady Shri Ram College for Women, Delhi
Fergusson College, Pune
Jesus & Mary College, Delhi
Sophia College for Women, Mumbai
Bhim Rao Ambedkar College, Delhi
Mount Carmel College, Bangalore
Loreto College, Kolkata
Madras School of Social Work, Madras

Job Opportunities:

Corporate Sector/private companies
Healthcare and Hospital Sector
Psychometric Testing and Research Institutes
Private research or consulting firms
Substance abuse centres.
Government Agencies
Schools, colleges and universities
Social service agencies
Mental health centres

Job Responsibilities:

Design and implement behaviour modification programmes
Identify psychological, emotional, or behavioural issues and diagnose disorders, using information obtained from interviews, tests, records, and reference materials
Counsel individuals, groups, or families to help them understand problems, deal with crisis situations, define goals, and develop realistic action plans
Develop therapeutic and treatment plans based on clients' interests, abilities, and needs
Provide educational programmes on topics such as classroom management, teaching strategies, or parenting skills
Conduct research studies of physical work environments, organizational structures, communication systems and group interactions to assess organizational functioning
Formulate interview techniques, rating scales, and psychological tests used to assess skills, abilities, and interests
Conduct scientific studies of behaviour and brain function
Test for patterns that will help them better understand and predict behaviour
Discuss the treatment of problems with clients
Write articles, research papers, and reports to share findings and educate others
Supervise interns, clinicians, and counselling professionals

Work Life:

Academically connected psychologists maintain a private practice while teaching or conducting research. While working in academic settings they have flexibility in their schedules, but the demands on their time are high.
Their hours are fixed and they often work alone.
Every day is different. Every patient/client is different, and every session is different.
They do more than just therapy. There are days when they do psychological testing and other types of clinical evaluations.
Psychology is a vast field, so you can work in various sectors. You can work for the government; you can work for community clinics; you can work for some other entity. And then you have your clients that come to you.

Key Skills:

Excellent Interpersonal skills and communication skills
Empathetic listening
Ability to cope with emotionally demanding situations
Patience
Analytical Skills
Integrity
Observational skills
Problem solving skills
Research
Ability to work both on your own and with others
A genuine passion for helping people

Designation:

Entry level

Research Assistant, Rehabilitation Specialist, Human services Casework, Career Counsellor, Psychology Counsellor, Psychologist, Educator, Psychometrician, Counsellor, Teacher/Lecturer, Behaviour Therapist, School Psychologist

Mid level

Psychotherapist, Clinical psychologist, Assistant Professor – Psychology, Senior Counsellor, Senior Career Counsellor, Senior Psychometrician, Assistant Professor, Consultant Psychologist, Forensic Psychologist, Neuropsychologist, Social Psychologist, Cognitive Psychologist, Industrial/Organisational Psychologist, Child Psychologist, Sports Psychologist

High level

Professor -Psychology, Professor - Applied Psychology, Head of Psychometrics, Head of Psychological Services, Head of Clinical Psychology Department, Head of Counselling, Professor, Head of Department, Psychology

Merits & Demerits:

Merits

1. Upcoming field in terms of present and future demand
2. Work involves social interaction and is not routine
3. Satisfaction of helping people overcome their challenges
4. Opportunity to work with new people every day.

Demerits

1. Dealing with clients can be stressful and emotionally draining
2. Initial salary is not very high
3. Work schedule can be erratic at times

Overview
Career Path
Top Colleges
Job Opportunities
Job Responsibilities
Work Life
Key Skills
Designation
Merits & Demerits

Psychologist

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