Alright, let’s dive into what I’ve been up to with my psychology degree. Honestly, when I first graduated, I was kinda lost like everyone else. It’s not like they hand you a manual on how to use that piece of paper.
Phase 1: The “Anything That Pays” Stage
- First off, I needed a job. Any job. Landed a gig as a customer service rep at a call center. Nothing glamorous, but it paid the bills.
- Learned: People are…interesting. My psych background actually helped me de-escalate some pretty wild situations. Active listening and empathy go a long way, even when someone’s screaming about their internet not working.
Phase 2: Getting a Little More Focused
- Started volunteering at a local community center. Helped with after-school programs for kids from disadvantaged backgrounds.
- Observed: The real-world application of developmental psychology. Saw firsthand how environment impacts behavior. It was eye-opening.
- Networked: Met some social workers who gave me some solid advice on career paths.
Phase 3: Dipping My Toes into Research
- Scored a part-time research assistant position at a university. Mostly data entry and literature reviews, but hey, it was a foot in the door.
- Learned: The painstaking process of research. It’s not all eureka moments. A lot of it is just grinding through spreadsheets.
- Made connections: Befriended a grad student who was working on a fascinating study about the effects of social media on mental health.
Phase 4: Finding My Niche (Maybe)
- That grad student gig led to a full-time research coordinator position. I was responsible for recruiting participants, collecting data, and managing the study.
- Discovered: I actually enjoyed the research process. Especially the part where I got to interact with people and hear their stories.
- Considered: Should I go back to school for a Master’s or PhD? Still on the fence about that one. It’s a big commitment.
Phase 5: Current Status – Mental Health Tech
- Made a jump, currently working for a small startup that’s developing a mental health app. My psych background is surprisingly useful!
- Responsibilities: User research, providing insights on app design to ensure the user experience is effective and helpful, and making sure the content aligns with psychological principles.
- Am learning: A lot about the tech world and the intersection of technology and psychology. It’s fascinating!
So, yeah, that’s my journey so far. It’s been a winding road, but I’m finally starting to feel like I’m using my degree in a meaningful way. The key is to be open to new experiences, network like crazy, and don’t be afraid to take risks.
Final Thoughts
A psychology degree isn’t a golden ticket to a specific career. It’s more like a versatile toolkit. You gotta figure out which tools you want to use and how to apply them. And honestly, that’s part of the fun.
