How to Become a Psychologist (with Pictures)

2024 Author: Samantha Chapman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 09:13

He is stronger than you: when you are with your friends, you tend to psychoanalyze them. You try to understand what they think, why they behave the way they do. You help them clarify and report problems they weren't even aware of. Your intellect is awakened by the mysteries of the human psyche, whether it is a child, an adult, a couple or an employee of a large company. In short, it seems that psychology is your calling.

Steps

Part 1 of 5: Prepare for University

Step 1. Try to get a high school grade

This tip is valid both for cultivating your specific career aspiration and for being successful in life. To find a good job (and do it well), you have to work hard and enroll in a good university. To get into a good university, you need to get good grades in high school. The reasoning is flawless.

If your school offers psychology courses, take them. Obviously, if you attend a psycho-pedagogical high school, this subject already belongs to the curriculum. The sooner you begin to familiarize yourself with the discipline, the better. Plus, it's convenient for you to study sociology and other psychosocial sciences

Step 2. Start working or volunteering

If you still go to high school, chances are your interests will change over time. However, if you think you have a more or less solid idea about the professional direction you want to follow, the best time to start is now. Visualize your future: Consider where you would like to work and with whom. Once you understand this, try to gain experience by entering the industry immediately.

This could mean volunteering at a hospital in your city, a shelter for battered women, or a large company. Gaining experience will not only help you study more profitably at university, you will also meet many people, and these contacts will help you find work in the future

Step 3. If your school offers a guidance counselor, talk to them

He can explain in detail the different ways to achieve the degree you want and the possible working environments that lie ahead. This professional can also explain the process to follow after graduation to access your dream job.

In addition, it is able to give you information on the study plans of the various universities. Know which faculties have the best programs for the branch of psychology you are interested in. Finally, it will help you understand where to apply for scholarships and financial support upon enrollment

Step 4. Learn more about the whole field of psychology

There are many branches to consider. When a person says "I want to be a psychologist," he generally refers to clinical psychology: he probably imagines sitting down with one or two people to analyze their subconscious. However, there are many other specializations, and before making a decision it is good to explore them and get to know them:

• Work Psychology: The study of human psychology in industrial work environments and large organizations.
• Clinical Psychology: The study of human psychology in clinical settings such as hospitals and mental health facilities. To follow the path of psychotherapy, one must instead have a degree in psychology or medicine and enroll in a specialization school.
• Cognitive Psychology: The study of internal mental processes, such as problem solving, memory, perception and language.
• Neuropsychology: the study of the brain and nervous system; their contribution to psychology and human behavior is analyzed.

Step 5. Research the different degree programs

The easiest way is to find a university that has a good program and get a master's degree in psychology. Find out about university teaching to find out if the branch you are interested in is offered (if you have already narrowed your interests). Furthermore, you need to know how many credits the degree thesis amounts to, if you can participate in concrete research and where you will do the internship. Some graduate programs are more focused on preparing for an academic career.

If you like, you can also enroll in a master's degree after graduation. Find out if it is possible to do it in the same university, otherwise you will have to go elsewhere. Either way, this is an advanced step, and when you get to that point you need to be absolutely sure of the path you are taking. First, you need to earn your bachelor's degree, then enroll in a master's degree course, and finally do a second-level master's or PhD

Part 2 of 5: Graduate in Psychology

Step 1. Enroll in a bachelor's degree program in psychology

To carry out this profession, it is preferable to have a master's degree, but of course you must start with the three-year. You don't have to focus on actual psychology, but it should still be a degree program associated with psychosocial sciences. Here are some equally good alternatives:

• Psychological sciences and techniques of development and education: study of the human path from infancy to adulthood.
• Sociology: this field studies the ways in which the human being behaves in different social groups.
• Psychological Cognitive and Psychobiological Sciences: This is a good three-year degree to achieve if you are predominantly interested in cognitive psychology and how the brain works.
• Cognitive Psychology and Neuroscience: This type of field is more appropriate for cognitive psychology than clinical psychology, because it focuses on the science behind human behavior, not behavior in and of itself.

Step 2. Participate in searches

Many psychology departments have ongoing research. Students participate as study subjects and researchers' assistants. It is a useful experience to get used to the concrete working world.

This step mainly concerns students in the last or penultimate year. During a class, it is quite common for the teacher or assistant to announce that So-and-so is looking for students to participate in his project. In many cases, the average counts to be chosen. When they offer you such an opportunity, contact the teacher in question immediately. This experience will also come in handy later

Step 3. Focus on the subjects that interest you most

If you are enrolled in the faculty of psychology, you will naturally receive full training. During the three-year course, however, you should still do some personal research and take external courses to start specializing right away. This will help you arrive more prepared for the master.

• At the university you will also have free credits and you can choose one or more subjects to follow. For example, you might be attending a gender studies course. This would lead you to research projects on women. You will make your experiences more solid and access to the world of work will be easier.
• Getting a second degree is another possibility, especially if you choose a course of study that is a little more concrete than psychology. The social sciences are undoubtedly interesting, but unfortunately it is not easy to find work; a second degree in business or marketing in the future will do more than just a pleasure to your wallet!

Step 4. Collaborate on a research project

In many universities, it is possible to graduate in psychology without even touching a concrete project. If you can have practical experience, take advantage of it now. Surely you don't have to work only for the glory, without getting any recognition, but try to "poke your nose" into a search: ask a professor if you can help to copy the data or distribute questionnaires.

If you don't know what to do in the summer, take advantage of these experiences. When you have three months of idleness ahead of you, take a trip to college. Talk to a couple of assistants or professors, show that you are motivated to help and see what they offer you. They will likely appreciate your goodwill and interest in the subject

Step 5. Remember that graduation isn't everything

Sure, you pay your taxes on time, but the university will never tell you certain things. For example, he won't tell you that many psychology graduates end up working at McDonald's. Not that there is anything wrong with it, work ennobles the man, but this is probably not the project you have in mind after sweating on books for years.

And let's also tell ourselves another truth. If we really want to be picky, a PhD is often needed to become the trained psychologist you dream of being. While the master is useful and opens some doors, a PhD would offer you many more opportunities. A master's degree is undoubtedly prestigious, but a PhD will allow you to gain more recognition and career opportunities

Step 6. Consider enrolling in medical school

Many are not sure what the difference is between a psychiatrist and a psychologist. In short, a psychologist does not have a medical degree and therefore cannot use drug therapy. If you want to become a psychiatrist (a professional who can prescribe medicines), you need to receive adequate training.

If this is the path you want to follow, you must prepare to enter the medical school, not the psychology one. Obviously, this is a completely different path. You have to understand what interests you most to make a decision

Part 3 of 5: Enroll in a Postgraduate Course

Step 1. Enroll in a master's degree program

To access, obviously you must have completed the three-year course of study. The faculties are limited, so you must prepare to take the entrance test, which is generally held in September. If possible, try more than one university for more chances. Start studying well in advance to be ready.

• The master's degree is a fundamental step to access a second level master's degree and a research doctorate. If you do not complete this course of study, you will hardly reach the finish line. Also, try to get good grades to stand out.
• The average should be high to be able to get the highest grades on graduation. It is important to be considered by a PhD program and to be more likely to win competitions.

Step 2. Determine the type of work you want to do

In general, you will find yourself facing four types of specializations: work psychology, clinical psychology, psychological orientation and experimental psychology. Knowing which branch you want to focus on and what you want to do guides you in choosing the university to attend and the path to follow.

• Work psychology leads you to work within businesses or other organizations. Essentially, you will find employment in a company and focus on activities such as employee psychological support and human resources.
• Clinical psychology is what almost everyone has in mind when they hear the word "psychologist". Your psychotherapist has followed this very course of study.
• Psychological orientation is similar to clinical psychology, but you will likely end up working in a school or state setting (even in prison). This is not the way to go if you want to open a private practice in the future.
• Experimental psychology is predominantly based on research and, as you will imagine, experiments. While it may involve several branches, it focuses on the application of theories and methods. Scholars of this branch try to resolve the most controversial ideas and discover new schools of thought.

Step 3. Determine your goal

Psychology is a huge field. Even after you have chosen a branch (such as clinical psychology), you will still have to decide what to focus on specifically. Focusing on a sub-category guides you to where and how you will work after graduation.

There are so many possibilities (educational psychology, rehabilitation psychology, environmental psychology, legal psychology, trauma psychology, forensic psychology, intercultural psychology, etc.). If we had to list them all, we would never finish. If you have followed all the steps listed so far, the three-year degree course has helped you to clarify your ideas: which is the branch that fascinates you the most?

Step 4. Decide if you want to do a Masters or PhD

A master's degree takes a lot less time and money, but you may find yourself with a less satisfying paycheck and fewer career opportunities. Also, you will realize that it is difficult to progress from a master's degree to a doctorate if you decide to return to university in the future. Sit down in a quiet place to reflect and consider the following:

• A master lasts one or two years; depending on the structure of the program, at some point you will do an internship that will allow you to accumulate hours of fieldwork. This path generally prepares you to practice as a marriage and family counselor, business or school psychologist.

• The PhD lasts for several years (this depends on where you do it and the planned structure), and you will also do an internship. Such a program prepares you to work as a psychologist in hospitals, clinics, or other institutional settings.

  • Remember that there are different types of PhDs, so be well informed. Also, keep in mind that many programs provide financial support to students, who generally work for the university assisting in teaching and research. A master's degree usually offers no financial support (unless you have an external scholarship).
  • Be guided by your interests to make a decision. If you want to open a private practice, follow the path of the PhD. If you want to work as a psychologist in a school, do a master's degree.

  

  Step 5. Find the right university

  As you will have understood, there are numerous possibilities to become a psychologist. For this reason, each faculty has its own peculiar characteristics, strengths and weaknesses. If you want to work as a business psychologist, and are especially interested in intercultural and heterogeneous professional environments, make sure the university has a good program aimed at this specific aspect of the discipline.

  • Many universities have a very specific specialization. One faculty may be known for its clinical psychology program, another for its experimental one. Make sure the institution can fulfill your aspirations.
  • Furthermore, it is very important to choose a faculty that is in line with your philosophical orientation. If you are a big proponent of psychoanalysis, you will probably not be happy to take a course with a purely humanistic approach. Which school of thought best represents you?

  

  Step 6. Research scholarships, grants and other benefits

  A specialization course is expensive and can last several years. At the end of the fair, the amounts to be shelled out are considerable. Before you find yourself in a sea of loans, look for funding and scholarships. The less you have to pay for your professional training, the better.

  With any luck, the university will offer you funding if you work as a teaching assistant, in a hospital or other associated organization. This at least partially reduces costs and makes it easier for you to organize your budget. However, it would also be difficult to hold onto another job while you study. It is best to do accurate maths and anticipate all possible financial situations before choosing a program

  Part 4 of 5: Shine at a Specialization Course

  

  Step 1. Try to actively participate in all faculty events

  Studying will take a lot of hours and you will hardly have much free time, but it will be useful to get good support from colleagues. Make friends with other students and assistants. Be friendly towards teachers. All this allows you to have numerous resources and moral support. Once you graduate, you will also have more contacts to land your dream job.

  Basically, the more people you know, the better off you will go. Being on good terms with your colleagues and teachers is vital, remember that this is your job for now

  

  Step 2. Look for an internship

  The university will help you find one, also because it is mandatory to do a pre-graduate academic internship. A supervised training is always useful to add to the curriculum and to be even more prepared.

  • Generally, the internship is done after earning a certain number of credits. It can be done inside or outside the university and is usually unpaid.
  • If you've done a PhD, you've practically come to an end at this point.

  

  Step 3. Write the thesis

  Typically, to complete this program, you need to submit a dissertation. This is one of the last steps in becoming a full-fledged psychologist. You can start writing it from the first year of the specialization course, in order to do a gradual work.

  The thesis is in the last stages of the journey, but this does not mean that you have to postpone it until the last. Don't underestimate it. If possible, write it progressively as you study and experience, especially if you aspire to publication

  

  Step 4. Consider continuing to study

  Believe it or not, you can specialize further even after your PhD. Learn about your university's programs to learn about alternatives - this project can help you land a prestigious job. In any case, many graduates do not follow this path. Choose it if you want to make a name for yourself in the industry and be recognized academically.

  Usually, graduates are not obliged to continue studying. In any case, if you decide to do it, you will have an even better chance of finding a good job, perhaps even abroad

  Part 5 of 5: Finding a Job

  

  Step 1. Before looking for a job, you must take the State Exam

  To access this exam, you must have a degree in psychology and have completed the postgraduate practical internship, another supervised work experience. The duration is 12 months and you will do it in the university itself or an external institution, such as a hospital or school.

  Thankfully, you have been preparing for this moment in the past few years. By now you are familiar with the various state organizations and institutions, so the internship is an additional experience to enrich the curriculum. It will come in handy to get to know other people in the industry as well

  

  Step 2. The State Exam allows you to obtain the qualification to carry out the profession, but then you must also enroll in the professional register of psychologists

  Only in this way can you exercise. Registered psychologists constitute the order of psychologists. In 99% of cases, the order has a regional organization. You can register for the exam at any university, not necessarily the one where you studied. You will have to fill in forms and pay the fees required by the faculty.

  • The State Exam is held once a year and consists of two parts: Section A, intended for those who have obtained a master's degree in psychology and completed a one-year internship, and Section B, dedicated to junior psychologists (they should have a three-year degree in psychological sciences and techniques and six months of training behind them).

  • The exam consists of three written tests and an oral test. The content of the tests in Section A differs from that in Section B.

    After passing the exam, you can enroll in any regional psychologist association. Contact the secretariat to find out which documents to submit and which fees to pay. Each year, a registration fee must be paid

  

  Step 3. Open a private practice

  Now that you have completed all the necessary steps to become a psychologist, it is time to work. One of the options you have is to start your own business. At this point, if you like, you can work alone, where and with whoever you like. However, you have to decide whether to stay in your city or move elsewhere.

  Many psychologists end up opening private practice, but first they try to form a good niche of patients in the community they want to practice in. Having a studio means that you are your own boss. If you dream of working independently, start networking now

  

  Step 4. Join the Italian Psychology Association (but there are others too)

  You can attend national and regional conferences and have access to all the resources available online. Being a member of such an organization is very helpful.

  These associations boast thousands of young members. They all network and also learn from the advice and experiences of others. If you are looking for tips, you know who to ask

  

  Step 5. Be willing to relocate

  After graduation, you need to consider moving to an area where you may have more career opportunities and find the job you want. A psychologist can practice anywhere, but, in today's economy, it is difficult for your dream job to be available right in your city. It will be very useful to have a good predisposition from this point of view, especially in the first years of operation.

  • If you want to move abroad, find out about the necessary documents and how to recognize the qualification, otherwise you will make a hole in the water.
  • The salary received by a psychologist depends on several factors, including the area in which he works. If you live in a provincial town mostly inhabited by working class people, you will not be able to impose the rates you would charge in an affluent area. While you must also take into account the cost of living, the place where you settle is a significant variable on the total income.

  

  Step 6. Keep up to date

  After joining the register, you must continue to practice, occasionally attend seminars and conferences to find out what is happening in your sector, network and be an active member of this order. Stay up-to-date on the events and news of the camp.