Career Possibilities with your Doctorate in Psychology: Stories from Inspiring Leaders
This chapter shows versatility in career options for psychology master’s and doctoral degree holders. It describes overall employment patterns in the field of psychology, such as top occupations, work activities, and the degree of relatedness of the job to psychology. It also provides information about major workforce segments, including health service psychologists and those working in academia. A section on “essential” skills gives examples of skills critical to the successful performance of all jobs. The chapter also examines demographic characteristics with special attention to shifting trends that position psychology to better respond to population needs and characteristics of early career psychologists. Possible future trends are highlighted, including a greater role for technology, the use of applied psychology to inform real-world issues, and opportunities to address equity. The chapter concludes with resources and recommendations to engage in one’s own career exploration journey.
