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Step 1
Evaluate yourself to see if you have what it takes to be a consumer psychologist. A consumer psychologist must have good decision-making skills, be able to evaluate and present data and communicate well. Consumer psychologists need to be computer-savvy in order to manipulate data and create presentations with state-of-the-art technology.
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Step 2
Earn a degree in psychology. A bachelor's degree in psychology is the springboard for a career in consumer psychology. Focus on courses aimed at advertising, marketing and consumer trends. Purdue University, the University of Nebraska and Cornell have reputable programs for perspective consumer psychologists.
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Step 3
Receive an advanced degree in consumer psychology. The focus of a master's degree can be on survey research, data analysis or business. A Ph.D. is usually earned with a course of study designed around economics or statistics. Decide on your focus based on your ultimate career goal. A background in business is a plus if you want to work in the marketing department of a firm.
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Step 4
Find a job as a consumer psychologist. If you want to become a professor, seek out employment at the university where you studied. Ask your professors for references and network within the department. If you want to work in a corporate setting, check job listings for advertising and marketing firms that have openings for a consumer psychologist. View the website for the Society for Consumer Psychology for weekly updated career postings (see Resources below).
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Step 5
Join organizations and associations that focus on consumer psychology. The American Psychological Association and the Academy of Marketing Science are nationally recognized groups where you can continue to learn trends in consumer psychology and network with other professionals.
