How to Get a Job With a BA in Psychology

Getting a job with a BA in psychology is easier than you might think.

A bachelor's degree in psychology can lead to many types of exciting and meaningful career opportunities. A BA in psychology means that you have an interest in working with and helping people from all walks of life. At the undergraduate level, a degree in psychology enables you to work in social welfare, education, human resources or other fields of social service.

Instructions

1. Join the American Psychological Association. Becoming a member will offer you many benefits, including assistance with the job search, a place where you can post your resume on the APA's online career center and a searchable database of jobs that are available. In addition, the APA provides a resource center for career development, and a list of books that can be helpful to those just starting out in the field of psychology.

2. Consider getting a job in a related field. A BA in psychology will not entitle you to become a licensed psychologist, so when searching for and applying for jobs, keep other options in mind. You will be able to find jobs directly related to psychology, such as a psychology assistant or an administrative assistant in a psychologist's office. Jobs related to psychology, such as drug and alcohol counseling, case management, youth care and counseling in a correctional facility, are all high demand areas.

   The best way to get a job in one of these fields is to use an online search engine such as SocialService.com or to enlist at your university or college's career services office, which can provide you with guidance and additional resources to help you with your job hunt.

3. Make use of the resources available in the psychology department at your university. Inquire with the department's field placement or internship office. If you have completed an internship as part of your undergraduate studies, you can use the agency or institution where you interned as a starting point. Often, the best jobs are found by word of mouth or referral, and if you already have a good relationship with the agency where you interned, you can inquire about any possible job openings they might have.

   It's a small world in the field of social services, so even if they do not have a job for you, they may know of other opportunities in a similar agency. Use your academic adviser as a resource, and let the person know what types of jobs you are interested in. Look on bulletin boards at your university, as you can often find jobs posted there that are not publicly advertised.

References

• American Psychological Association: PsycCareers