According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) there has been a steady increase in demand for psychology courses over the last few years, both from people who want to practice psychology in a traditional field, and from those who want to use the knowledge in an unrelated area, such as business. This is happening as people realize that psychology training is one of the most useful things you can get – for almost any career.
In the complex world of today, psychology courses lend you the training to handle a wide variety of roles and job-situations: from education to marketing, from social work to finance, from elder care to the military – all need understanding of human psychology.
Therefore, psychology knowledge had become more in demand, both from employers who are looking for these skills, but also as a result of the turbulent nature of the world we live in today.
Fast changes and conflict in society mean more stress. Individually we want more but seem to have less time. In the work place interpersonal communication skills are more highly valued than ever. Employers demand more in less time.
All of these mean (1) that there is a greater amount of psychological stress about, which we need help relieving and (2) knowing about how humans think will help you survive and grow in the workplace.
Are you now convinced you should take a psychology course?
In case you’re not, we’ll close this discussion by pointing out a few of the job options that are available just in the field of traditional psychology. Bear in mind that we are not going to mention the vast array of career options outside psychology.
Forensic Psychology: Not always as glamorous as it might look on TV; here you work in and around the criminal justice system. You might be advising police, the prison service or the courts. You could work in a law firm helping with jury selection and trial strategy.
Educational Psychology: Here you’d help deal with issues that children face in education. Many children today suffer with emotional problems, learning difficulties and issues of social acceptance. You’d help them to resolve these.
Clinical Psychology: Here you work with people in the health system, either at hospital or various community settings in this well known mental-health-psychology field. You might counsel patients with mental health issues or help those with learning difficulties.
Counseling Psychology: Possibly the best known field. As a qualified counselor you use your skills when working one-one-one with clients to resolve personal issues or psychological difficulties. This is a very popular and in-demand field.
3 other fields for you to consider: Occupational Psychology, Psychotherapy and Sports Psychology.
