Running head: CAREERS 1

Careers in Psychology

Kelsee Norman

PSY 496: Applied Project (PSL1606A)

Instructor: Jessica Lee

February 29, 2016

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Careers in Psychology
Section 1

Continuing in to graduate school after completing a Bachelor’s in psychology can seem

like a daunting task and to some even stressful and overwhelming. The most important thing to

keep ask yourself is what do you feel interest you; what will keep you pushing forward.

Choosing a career and major that interest you and will continue to make you grow your interest

is an important factor.

Denise has to make that very important decision when looking in to continuing her

education. She has narrowed down her choices that involve children. Children are what interest

her, but Denise is not interested in reading publications and conducting research. The lack of

interest in reading publications and conducting research eliminates a few majors. I have chosen

three majors that may be beneficial for Denise to review: Masters in Social Work (MSW),

Pastoral counseling (MA), and counseling (MS). In the case of her getting a MA/ MS in

counseling psychology, she will have the advantage of providing proper suggestions to the

children regarding the activities, which are required to be carried out by them (Davey, 2011).

If Denise chooses to continue her education in counseling psychology she would have a

better grasp on understanding child and adolescent ways of thinking which will help her develop

the best solution to problems that arise at that age. A pro that accompanies continuing ones

education in the above mentioned majors is she will have the right tools to provided advice and

counsel children and adolescents. Another upside to this degree is it requires minimal amount of

research and reading of publications. A con to receive a degree in pastoral counseling is that her

focus will not be strictly on children and adolescents, but adults as well. A degree in Social

Work will place the needs of children at the forefront for Denise, but often requires reading and

in tune with the lasted training and research. I feel that Denise will benefit most from the three
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majors I have listed above.

In the case of Raul, he has become overwhelmed with the approaching graduation date

and the undecided career path that will support his family. Deciding that clinical psychology is

not something he is interested in any longer has definitely added to his stress level. I believe that

it is best to, in some way; “shop around” when it comes to a career that you feel will suit you.

The best thing you can do is to look at people who you think have your “perfect” job and see

what they did in order to get there, this can truly help to find out your next move (Landrum,

2012). An alternative option for Raul is to explore his options, apply for internships that offer

little pay, conduct interviews with employees that have a position of interest to Raul. My advice

to Raul would be explore different routes, choose a career that will make you want to go to work

remember that work can be fun when you enjoy what you do.

Life works in mysterious ways, this is the case for John, and he has been laid off, but can

now explore an opportunity to do something that he is passionate about. Industrial/

Organizational psychology is a field that individuals may be unaware of. I/O psychology is the

study of human behavior within the workplace. John can gain a Master of Arts in

Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Master of Science in Industrial/Organizational Psychology

as well as an MBA with a concentration on Organizational psychology or a doctorate (Shoenfelt,

Stone & Kottke, 2015). The acceptance rate into an I/O psychology program is low. “There are

53 doctoral programs with an average acceptance rate of 25.7% while there are 76 masters

programs with an acceptance rate of 56.6% (Landrum, 2012).” Starting with a master’s then

gaining experience to continue on to your doctorates will benefit John. One important step to get

into any master’s program in letters of recommendation, these letters are done by professional

references. Along with recommendation letters, Johns GPA will reflect on whether he is
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accepted of not. He needs to ensure that he has a clear goal and objective while also being

knowledgeable in the program he is applying for. He needs to avoid generic information and be

more specific with his knowledge of the programs as well as his objective and goal with the

program (Landrum, 2012). If both of these factors are at a high level of satisfaction then John’s

chances of acceptance are high. John should pursue his passion and enroll in graduate school; he

will continue to grow his love for I/O psychology.

Section II.

Table 8.4: “High importance” ratings for postgraduate degree program admission
Doctoral Programs Master’s Degree Programs
Doctoral Programs Master’s Degree Programs
Admissions criterion Percent rated high Admissions criterion Percent rated high
importance importance
Letters of 86.7% Letters of 72.8%
recommendation recommendation
Statement of goals and 83.3% GPA 68.7%
objectives
GPA 70.9% Statement of goals and 63.7%
objectives
Research experience 69.2% Interview 47.0%
Interview 63.1% GRE/MAT scores 39.3%
GRE/MAT scores 53.1% Research experience 30.6%
Clinically related 16.4% Clinically related 20.4%
public service public service
Work experience 15.1% Work experience 19.9%
Extracurricular 3.8% Extracurricular 3.0%
activity activity

A. Letters of Recommendation
I would have difficulty I already have asked and
obtaining excellent & obtained excellent &
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meaningful letters from meaningful letters from

my instructors. my instructors.

1 2 3 4 5 6

Rating: 5

Explanation: I have given myself a 5 because I have already set out and have been in

contact with professors about recommendation letters. I believe that I would receive

great feedback for those who I’ve sent request out to. I am punctual with my schoolwork

and put forth my best effort in all my classes, which has helped me receive high grades.

However I feel that it is difficult to determine who to ask for recommendations from,

having online classes you don’t have the opportunity to develop relationships with

professors.

Plan to improve ratings less than 6: I plan to improve this rating by developing a better

relationship with my professors so that I am not limited to only a few to ask for

recommendations from.

B. GPA--overall

My GPA is below 3.0 My GPA is above 3.5

1 2 3 4 5 6

Rating: 6

Explanation: My grade point average is currently a 3.69 and I have high hopes in
maintaining this GPA through graduation. I always put pressure on myself to achieve the
best; this is why I do not allow myself to accept anything less than a B average.

Plan to improve ratings less than 6: N.A.

C. GPA—in the major

My GPA in my major My GPA in my major

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is below 3.5 is above 3.7

1 2 3 4 5 6

Rating: 6

Explanation: My current GPA for my Psychology major is 3.79, I have run into some
tough classes, but I intend to work to my full potential in order to raise my major GPA,
and continue on to my minor in Sociology.

Plan to improve ratings less than 6: N.A.

D. Research Experience

I have no research I have presented

Experience research papers or
published articles

1 2 3 4 5 6

Rating: 4

Explanation: I have given myself a 4 because I feel that although I am confortable with
conducting research and have done so, I have not published any articles. I have presented
research papers in previous undergraduate classes that received a high grade.

Plan to improve ratings less than 6: I hope to improve my research skills as I continue
into my Masters program. Conducting and writing more research papers will allow me to
become more comfortable with presenting my work.

GRE

I have not taken I score well on

GRE practice tests GRE practice
tests

1 2 3 4 5 6

Rating: 2

Explanation: I have looked into taking the GRE practice test, and reviewed if the schools
of interest require a GRE test. I plan to get my MSW and schools I have reviewed do not
require a GRE test for admissions.
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Plan to improve ratings less than 6: I plan to review and take practice GRE test even if
schools do not require this for entrance. Having a passing score even if not required for
the schools I’ve looked at will help prove my dedication to pursuing my degree.

E. Relevant Service or Work Experience

I have no relevant I have significant

service or work relevant service or
experience work experience

1 2 3 4 5 6

Rating: 4

Explanation: I do have relevant work experience in the world of psychology, but not
enough to qualify me for admissions into the fast track to my MSW. I have worked with
families and children in a school setting.

Plan to improve ratings less than 6: I plan to improve my score by implying for more
internships and volunteering for outreach programs in my city.
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References

Davey, G. (2011). Applied psychology. Hoboken, N.J.: Wiley-Blackwell.

Danielson, A. & Jordan, M. (1997). What is pastoral counseling?. Harvard Mental Health Letter,

13(11), 8

Landrum, R. E. (2012). Applied project: Capstone in psychology. San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint

Education, Inc.

Shoenfelt, E. L., Stone, N. J., & Kottke, J. L. (2015). Industrial–Organizational and Human

Factors Graduate Program Admission: Information for Undergraduate Advisors.

Teaching Of Psychology, 42(1), 79