Bachelor's in Psychology-Not qualified for anything if grad school doesn't work out?

[SLPosteriorCricoarytenoid]

Hello,

 

Sorry if this belongs in another thread. I wasn't sure where to post this. Here's a condensed version of this post: What are jobs one is qualified for with a bachelor's degree in psychology?

 

I graduated with a BS in psychology and a biology minor last spring. I felt pressured to apply to graduate school last year and spent over $1,600 (OUCH) applying to PhD programs in neuroscience only to realize it didn't fit my career goals. I especially felt pressured by my professors to apply since they thought I would be successful in neuroscience. I couldn't see myself more than likely doing research and teaching the rest of my life after graduate school. I also wanted to work directly with individuals affected by neurologic/neurodegenerative disorders in person and not just behind the scenes. I figured this out after applying to graduate school, unfortunately. 

 

I sought out practical experiences that would (so I thought) make me marketable for jobs and/or graduate school. I completed a great internship assessing individuals with brain damage, have a biology minor, conducted psychopharmacological research for a year, have a pending publication, was a teaching assistant for a year and a half for different courses, was an officer for honor societies and clubs, volunteered in a rehab hospital, had a paid job editing papers, work with individuals in a group home, graduated with honors, scored in 92%ile on psychology standardized graduation exam, had strong letters of recommendation etc. 

 

Here's the depressing part. I knew I needed to have a backup plan in place in case I wouldn't be able to attend school in fall 2014, so I did job hunting and applied to a wide variety of jobs. I applied to approximately 60 different jobs that I was qualified for with a BS in psych and I received zero job offers. It was very discouraging after spending days writing out cover letters, filling out applications, following up on jobs, etc. However, I did get interviewed for two different research positions which went nowhere. No one else returned my inquiries or pursued me further. I was aware of how scarce jobs are with a bachelor's in psychology but I didn't realize it would be quite THAT hard. I was fortunate in that I was able to get into my post-bacc program for speech-language pathology so I did not need "a real job" while taking my post-bacc classes that are pretty rigorous and take up all my time.

 

My diploma was one expensive piece of paper that vocationally qualified me for jobs that people with a high school diploma can do (maybe I'm being a little pessimistic). I can't even fathom what I will have to do for the next year to make ends meet if I don't get into grad school this year and get stuck with my bachelor's degree and massive student loans. 

 

I am currently a post-bacc student this year taking speech pathology courses and applying to graduate programs to become a speech pathologist that specializes in neurogenic disorders. I am cautiously optimistic that I might get in somewhere since I found my passion in this field, can write with no reservations why I'm pursuing this field, have related experiences, etc. Once again, I need to make plans for the possibility that I don't get accepted into graduate school this year. 

 

So again I ask: What will you do if you don't get in to graduate school? Do you know of people with a bachelor's in psych who have found decent paying jobs? What kind of jobs??? 

 

I would like to know so I can explore more options of what to do if I don't get into graduate school. Perhaps I'm missing out on some types of jobs that this degree prepared me for. I can't help but be pessimistic at this point. 

[spunky]

 Do you know of people with a bachelor's in psych who have found decent paying jobs? What kind of jobs??? 

 

 

does Starbuck's barista count? (sadly, i'm not joking).

 

at this point i think you're taking the best path by becoming a speech pathologist. honestly, unless you can transform that psychology degree into something more applied (e.g. social worker, some time of care-giving, etc.) you're pretty much stuck with looking at clerical and other general service jobs. 

 

we had a deeper discussion in this thread but it was geared towards graduate school. as you can imagine, your prospects are more dismal with only a bachelor's degree: 

 

sorry if i'm not sugar-coating it enough but i think you're still on time to fix things and at least have a decent fighting chance at some type of meaningful job. 

[tsgriffey]

I am in a similar boat. Feel useless in terms of having a marketable skill. Although, one thing I've thought about using my psych BA for if my academia dreams fall through is advertising, but I haven't looked into the job market for that yet. That's a way to still think in the realm of psychology and, in doing so, bring something to the table for the dreaded soul-sucking corporate America .

Edited January 20, 2015 by tsgriffey

[Much Anxious Very Waiting]

Hello,

 

Sorry if this belongs in another thread. I wasn't sure where to post this. Here's a condensed version of this post: What are jobs one is qualified for with a bachelor's degree in psychology?

 

I graduated with a BS in psychology and a biology minor last spring. I felt pressured to apply to graduate school last year and spent over $1,600 (OUCH) applying to PhD programs in neuroscience only to realize it didn't fit my career goals. I especially felt pressured by my professors to apply since they thought I would be successful in neuroscience. I couldn't see myself more than likely doing research and teaching the rest of my life after graduate school. I also wanted to work directly with individuals affected by neurologic/neurodegenerative disorders in person and not just behind the scenes. I figured this out after applying to graduate school, unfortunately. 

 

I sought out practical experiences that would (so I thought) make me marketable for jobs and/or graduate school. I completed a great internship assessing individuals with brain damage, have a biology minor, conducted psychopharmacological research for a year, have a pending publication, was a teaching assistant for a year and a half for different courses, was an officer for honor societies and clubs, volunteered in a rehab hospital, had a paid job editing papers, work with individuals in a group home, graduated with honors, scored in 92%ile on psychology standardized graduation exam, had strong letters of recommendation etc. 

 

Here's the depressing part. I knew I needed to have a backup plan in place in case I wouldn't be able to attend school in fall 2014, so I did job hunting and applied to a wide variety of jobs. I applied to approximately 60 different jobs that I was qualified for with a BS in psych and I received zero job offers. It was very discouraging after spending days writing out cover letters, filling out applications, following up on jobs, etc. However, I did get interviewed for two different research positions which went nowhere. No one else returned my inquiries or pursued me further. I was aware of how scarce jobs are with a bachelor's in psychology but I didn't realize it would be quite THAT hard. I was fortunate in that I was able to get into my post-bacc program for speech-language pathology so I did not need "a real job" while taking my post-bacc classes that are pretty rigorous and take up all my time.

 

My diploma was one expensive piece of paper that vocationally qualified me for jobs that people with a high school diploma can do (maybe I'm being a little pessimistic). I can't even fathom what I will have to do for the next year to make ends meet if I don't get into grad school this year and get stuck with my bachelor's degree and massive student loans. 

 

I am currently a post-bacc student this year taking speech pathology courses and applying to graduate programs to become a speech pathologist that specializes in neurogenic disorders. I am cautiously optimistic that I might get in somewhere since I found my passion in this field, can write with no reservations why I'm pursuing this field, have related experiences, etc. Once again, I need to make plans for the possibility that I don't get accepted into graduate school this year. 

 

So again I ask: What will you do if you don't get in to graduate school? Do you know of people with a bachelor's in psych who have found decent paying jobs? What kind of jobs??? 

 

I would like to know so I can explore more options of what to do if I don't get into graduate school. Perhaps I'm missing out on some types of jobs that this degree prepared me for. I can't help but be pessimistic at this point. 

 

Sure - I manage a behavioral research lab with my BA in psych, as does one of my friends I went to undergrad with. Other psych jobs my friends have gone into - primary / secondary ed., social work, guidance counseling. 

 

Maybe you could try TFA or Americorps?

[melc_hammer]

I am in a similar boat. Feel useless in terms of having a marketable skill. Although, one thing I've thought about using my psych BA for if my academia dreams fall through is advertising, but I haven't looked into the job market for that yet. That's a way to still think in the realm of psychology and, in doing so, bring something to the table for the dreaded soul-sucking corporate America .

 

 

Hello,

 

Sorry if this belongs in another thread. I wasn't sure where to post this. Here's a condensed version of this post: What are jobs one is qualified for with a bachelor's degree in psychology?

 

I graduated with a BS in psychology and a biology minor last spring. I felt pressured to apply to graduate school last year and spent over $1,600 (OUCH) applying to PhD programs in neuroscience only to realize it didn't fit my career goals. I especially felt pressured by my professors to apply since they thought I would be successful in neuroscience. I couldn't see myself more than likely doing research and teaching the rest of my life after graduate school. I also wanted to work directly with individuals affected by neurologic/neurodegenerative disorders in person and not just behind the scenes. I figured this out after applying to graduate school, unfortunately. 

 

I sought out practical experiences that would (so I thought) make me marketable for jobs and/or graduate school. I completed a great internship assessing individuals with brain damage, have a biology minor, conducted psychopharmacological research for a year, have a pending publication, was a teaching assistant for a year and a half for different courses, was an officer for honor societies and clubs, volunteered in a rehab hospital, had a paid job editing papers, work with individuals in a group home, graduated with honors, scored in 92%ile on psychology standardized graduation exam, had strong letters of recommendation etc. 

 

Here's the depressing part. I knew I needed to have a backup plan in place in case I wouldn't be able to attend school in fall 2014, so I did job hunting and applied to a wide variety of jobs. I applied to approximately 60 different jobs that I was qualified for with a BS in psych and I received zero job offers. It was very discouraging after spending days writing out cover letters, filling out applications, following up on jobs, etc. However, I did get interviewed for two different research positions which went nowhere. No one else returned my inquiries or pursued me further. I was aware of how scarce jobs are with a bachelor's in psychology but I didn't realize it would be quite THAT hard. I was fortunate in that I was able to get into my post-bacc program for speech-language pathology so I did not need "a real job" while taking my post-bacc classes that are pretty rigorous and take up all my time.

 

My diploma was one expensive piece of paper that vocationally qualified me for jobs that people with a high school diploma can do (maybe I'm being a little pessimistic). I can't even fathom what I will have to do for the next year to make ends meet if I don't get into grad school this year and get stuck with my bachelor's degree and massive student loans. 

 

I am currently a post-bacc student this year taking speech pathology courses and applying to graduate programs to become a speech pathologist that specializes in neurogenic disorders. I am cautiously optimistic that I might get in somewhere since I found my passion in this field, can write with no reservations why I'm pursuing this field, have related experiences, etc. Once again, I need to make plans for the possibility that I don't get accepted into graduate school this year. 

 

So again I ask: What will you do if you don't get in to graduate school? Do you know of people with a bachelor's in psych who have found decent paying jobs? What kind of jobs??? 

 

I would like to know so I can explore more options of what to do if I don't get into graduate school. Perhaps I'm missing out on some types of jobs that this degree prepared me for. I can't help but be pessimistic at this point. 

 

 

I got my BA in psych with a minor in neuroscience and I am now working as research technician in a pretty prestigious neuroscience lab. I didn't get into grad school last year (I applied to Clinical programs), but have received interviews for neuroscience programs this year. There are plenty of opportunities to move up in whatever field you want to move up in, and interim years are definitely not a bad thing. There are ALWAYS research jobs at big universities. Just Google them!

[C10H12N2O]

Hello,

 

Sorry if this belongs in another thread. I wasn't sure where to post this. Here's a condensed version of this post: What are jobs one is qualified for with a bachelor's degree in psychology?

 

I graduated with a BS in psychology and a biology minor last spring. I felt pressured to apply to graduate school last year and spent over $1,600 (OUCH) applying to PhD programs in neuroscience only to realize it didn't fit my career goals. I especially felt pressured by my professors to apply since they thought I would be successful in neuroscience. I couldn't see myself more than likely doing research and teaching the rest of my life after graduate school. I also wanted to work directly with individuals affected by neurologic/neurodegenerative disorders in person and not just behind the scenes. I figured this out after applying to graduate school, unfortunately. 

 

I sought out practical experiences that would (so I thought) make me marketable for jobs and/or graduate school. I completed a great internship assessing individuals with brain damage, have a biology minor, conducted psychopharmacological research for a year, have a pending publication, was a teaching assistant for a year and a half for different courses, was an officer for honor societies and clubs, volunteered in a rehab hospital, had a paid job editing papers, work with individuals in a group home, graduated with honors, scored in 92%ile on psychology standardized graduation exam, had strong letters of recommendation etc. 

 

Here's the depressing part. I knew I needed to have a backup plan in place in case I wouldn't be able to attend school in fall 2014, so I did job hunting and applied to a wide variety of jobs. I applied to approximately 60 different jobs that I was qualified for with a BS in psych and I received zero job offers. It was very discouraging after spending days writing out cover letters, filling out applications, following up on jobs, etc. However, I did get interviewed for two different research positions which went nowhere. No one else returned my inquiries or pursued me further. I was aware of how scarce jobs are with a bachelor's in psychology but I didn't realize it would be quite THAT hard. I was fortunate in that I was able to get into my post-bacc program for speech-language pathology so I did not need "a real job" while taking my post-bacc classes that are pretty rigorous and take up all my time.

 

My diploma was one expensive piece of paper that vocationally qualified me for jobs that people with a high school diploma can do (maybe I'm being a little pessimistic). I can't even fathom what I will have to do for the next year to make ends meet if I don't get into grad school this year and get stuck with my bachelor's degree and massive student loans. 

 

I am currently a post-bacc student this year taking speech pathology courses and applying to graduate programs to become a speech pathologist that specializes in neurogenic disorders. I am cautiously optimistic that I might get in somewhere since I found my passion in this field, can write with no reservations why I'm pursuing this field, have related experiences, etc. Once again, I need to make plans for the possibility that I don't get accepted into graduate school this year. 

 

So again I ask: What will you do if you don't get in to graduate school? Do you know of people with a bachelor's in psych who have found decent paying jobs? What kind of jobs??? 

 

I would like to know so I can explore more options of what to do if I don't get into graduate school. Perhaps I'm missing out on some types of jobs that this degree prepared me for. I can't help but be pessimistic at this point. 

Hello,

 

I have a B.A (hons) in Psychology and I am currently running a research lab and working on co-authoring two papers for publication. I also have friends who have obtained positions as 'Behavioural Consultants' with only a B.A. I think there are jobs out there, though probably not as many as one would like. 

[SLPosteriorCricoarytenoid]

Thanks for the input so far.

 

It is interesting to see what others have done with a bachelors in psychology. Also, I did look into being a literacy tutor for the Reading Corps for a year before applying to be a speech path post-bacc student. That was my backup plan had I not been accepted into my post-bacc year (which I was accepted and am currently in my 2nd semester). 

 

I also did have a few large universities that showed interest in me working in research labs. I decided against pursuing those further since I was able to start my post-bacc plan of study this last fall as I had hoped. Those were the very few jobs that showed an interest out of the 60+ I applied for. Interestingly enough, one was a pretty prestigious position assisting with the NIH funded brain mapping project. The other was another brain mapping project being conducted on children with autism. Both would've been great opportunities that I would've likely pursued had I not been able to continue in my education last fall. I thought it was interesting that I was considered for jobs like those when many jobs requiring much less qualifications didn't show an interest in me! 

 

I have to say though, for the amount of work and dedication in my undergrad I find it disheartening how there are so few jobs I am qualified for. Not that I was blind sided by this at all though. I understood that jobs were limited for a bachelor's in psychology while I was completing it. I'm happy that I found my way to a related field (a lot of overlap!) with great job prospects when I'm finished. I just finished my graduate school apps and I'm trying to get a backup plan (job ideas) in motion in case grad school doesn't work out and I'm stuck with my loans from my psych degree for another year. 

[Pretty_Penny]

This thread really piqued my interest. I graduated from UW-Madison with a BA in Psychology (GPA: 3.949) and a BA in Spanish (GPA: 4.0) in May 2013. I spent two of my four years at UW-Madison working in an adolescent development research lab, where I completed my senior honors thesis. I wanted a career in academia and, during my senior year, applied to 8 developmental psych PhD programs.

 

I declined an interview at one, and was accepted to 2 programs: Penn State (top 5 in my field) and University of Maryland (top 15 in my field). I chose to attend Penn State and completed one year of grad work with a 3.86 GPA, before leaving due to extreme negative behavior from my advisor, a lack of opportunity to switch labs, and general disillusion with academia (you can see my other posts if you have any interest in that).

 

After leaving grad school, I applied to upwards of 20 jobs. I had interviews with probably 5, and was offered 2. Many of the places I applied to simply never got back to me. One position I was offered was a research position which paid around $31,000 a year, and the other was a social services position with a non-profit that paid about $1000 less. I saw more opportunity for advancement in the social services position and, though I was clearly very qualified for the research position, chose to go in a different direction. Obviously I am not making a ton of money, but that is the nature of social services positions and it is more than enough for me to live off of. I will say, though, that my Spanish degree was really what got me the job, as they were looking for someone to work with their Spanish-speaking population. I can also say that I am much happier in my current position!

 

Good luck!

Edited January 21, 2015 by Pretty_Penny

[isilya]

This thread really piqued my interest. I graduated from UW-Madison with a BA in Psychology (GPA: 3.949) and a BA in Spanish (GPA: 4.0) in May 2013. I spent two of my four years at UW-Madison working in an adolescent development research lab, where I completed my senior honors thesis. I wanted a career in academia and, during my senior year, applied to 8 developmental psych PhD programs.

 

I declined an interview at one, and was accepted to 2 programs: Penn State (top 5 in my field) and University of Maryland (top 15 in my field). I chose to attend Penn State and completed one year of grad work with a 3.86 GPA, before leaving due to extreme negative behavior from my advisor, a lack of opportunity to switch labs, and general disillusion with academia (you can see my other posts if you have any interest in that).

 

After leaving grad school, I applied to upwards of 20 jobs. I had interviews with probably 5, and was offered 2. Many of the places I applied to simply never got back to me. One position I was offered was a research position which paid around $31,000 a year, and the other was a social services position with a non-profit that paid about $1000 less. I saw more opportunity for advancement in the social services position and, though I was clearly very qualified for the research position, chose to go in a different direction. Obviously I am not making a ton of money, but that is the nature of social services positions and it is more than enough for me to live off of. I will say, though, that my Spanish degree was really what got me the job, as they were looking for someone to work with their Spanish-speaking population. I can also say that I am much happier in my current position!

 

Good luck!

Wow, 20?? I know engineering graduates who apply to 100+ before they are able to land something. That's insane!! Where was this?

[Pretty_Penny]

Wisconsin. I applied all around the state. The research job I was offered was in Madison and the nonprofit position I accepted was in Green Bay.

[VulpesZerda]

I know this doesn't really answer your question, but I think you have a good chance of getting in to grad school based on your qualifications!

 

I am in the same boat as you, though, as far as thinking of a back-up plan with just a measly BA in psychology. I'm stumped too, but I think that I would basically apply to as many lab manager positions as I could find. One friend of mine became a mental health counselor at an in-patient clinic for teens, and another friend worked as a mental health counselor for the state hospital, which was a bad enough experience that it made her completely changed careers, lol. Tough degree!

[FacelessMage]

I applied for a gamut of entry-level jobs with only my BSc and got plenty of interviews and interest in my degree from employers. Not all of the them were necessarily psychology-related, although my final, full-time job sort of was. I applied and interviewed for several research assistant positions(in both psychology and health sciences), positions in student recruitment with universities (I got interviews at all 3 major universities in my city, and was offered a job in one of them), career recruitment/head-hunting with HR firms (I had experience in I/O psych with was valuable), psychometrist/psychological associate jobs, and various positions working with individuals/children with developmental disabilities. I didn't even meet all the requirements in the job ads for some of the jobs I applied for, but they obviously didn't mind. 

 

The position I ended up being hired for was working as an employment support worker for adults with developmental disabilities, which was a great gig. It paid fairly decent, and also paid my phone bill and mileage (there was a lot of driving around to job sites). I also worked part-time at an educational toy store for the heck of it (also because they were pretty hostile to me leaving for a while). I know a lot of people in my program went on to work at the big oil and gas companies in various positions (which was pretty much the norm for a lot of graduates in my city, not just psych majors), or worked with children with disabilities or research. 

 

I deliberately took a year off so that I could work and save up money and gain life experience before entering grad school, and I thought that it was a good experience. I knew eventually that I would leave to pursue graduate studies, but until I got accepted I had a god job. It's all about what you make of your skills to potential employers in my opinion. Feel free to message me if you have questions! 

[juilletmercredi]

Yes, I have several former students with BAs in psychology who got jobs out of college in a variety of fields.  I also have some friends from college who got a job with a BA in psychology - 30% of our majors are employed at graduation (most of the rest decide to go to graduate school).

 

BAs in psychology work in marketing and advertising firms, in business/corporate/general management, human resources, management consulting, banking, nonprofits (in general roles and especially as research associates), community organizations (ditto), educational testing firms like ETS and Pearson, school systems, social service organizations, colleges and universities (admissions, recruitment, advising, institutional research), and in mental health provision (usually in adjunct positions like rehabilitation counselors or residential staff at halfway houses or residential facilities).

[horse.renoir]

It depends on what you want to do long-term. If you want to do clinical work, then, no, you're not going to find something that most people would keep long-term. If you want to do market research type stuff, you're probably more likely to find something because there's more cash in that field.

 

I've heard terrible things about working for Reading Corps, FYI. I was in AmeriCorps and that was great, though, and I've heard excellent things about VISTA. Although, I suppose those two depend largely on what one would be doing, specifically.

[Xeno]

I think psychology is really a tough place... It depends by what you mean as in "good paying job."  I personally do not know anyone with just a BA who has a "good paying job."  I live in a major US city with over 8 million residents....soooooo.....psychology is a very popular major and you can't do much with it because of oversaturation.   I would suggest getting a certificate in something entirely unrelated like marketing, business, or project management if the whole grad school thing doesn't work... and well taking a sales job selling insurance or something like that.  I know it is feasible in some places to substitute teach for about $100 or less a day if that is something that interests you.   If you have no work experience in an office though, things might be pretty tough... 

[weshh]

I have my BS in Psychology, one job that you can do is be a teacher.

There are several routes to alternative licensure, research the specific pathways for your state

Here what my state requires and some options in no particular order:

A)

1) Take the subject area test for what you would like to teach ( I took and passed FTCE Elementary Ed. ).

2) Apply for a statement of status of eligibility from your state department of education.

3) Apply/interview for an open teaching position  (usually many options, listed on school district database)

4) When you accept a teaching position you will be grantited a temporary teaching certificate that is good for 2 years and you will have a teaching job.

 

You could alternative complete a 1 year teacher prep program at a community college and get your professional teaching certification.

 

C)

Or you could just apply for a subistitue position or a Teaching Assistant position. You are already qualified for these jobs but they pay significantly less than an actual teacher salary. Teacher salary in my state = 38,000. Substitute teacher pay = 75 per day. Teaching Assistant/paraprofessional = 10-12 per hour. There is also significantly less work with the latter roles.

 

D) There are jobs as behavioral specialist working with children/adults with Autism usually. A degree in Psych is a plus for these jobs but again they don't pay significantly well.

 

 

I just thought I would post this in case you may be interested in teaching should the need for a different field arises. 

 

 I have spent the last 3 years as a Teaching Assistant, sub, and now a 5th grade temporary teacher. I can say with confidence that it is a field that I do not plan on continuing to work in. I am looking into applying to graduate schools and getting a MA in Psych and then perhaps pursuing a PhD. Teaching is a very in demand but also demanding field, it is for some and not others.... but the option will always be there should you feel inclined to take it. The speech specialists at the schools I've worked in always seemed like they were in a good position. THey would come in and work with the kids for a period of time (or call the kids in) and then they would leave. They are not commited to maintaining a classroom which is one of the very demanding aspects of teaching on top of lesson planning and whatnot.

 

 

Glad you found your interests, you sound like a dedicated and qualified applicant.... I'm sure it will work out!

 

 

 

 

 

Regards,

 

Wes

Edited March 23, 2015 by weshh

[Applemiu]

You can go into marketing or market research, HR, or also work in Higher ED as admission officer (usually the entry level position got Higher ED) and then advisor.