Alright, let’s talk about what you can actually do with a BA in Psychology. I remember when I finished my degree, I was like, “Now what?” It felt like I had this broad understanding of how people tick, but no clear path forward. So, I started digging around, trying to figure out where I could take this thing.
First thing I did was hit up the university’s career services. It was a bit of a mixed bag, to be honest. They had some decent advice, but it felt pretty generic. Still, it got me thinking about different industries. I started looking into counseling and mental health roles first.
- I shadowed a friend of a friend who was a therapist for a week, just to see what a day in the life looked like. It was eye-opening, but I realized it wasn’t quite my speed.
- Then, I volunteered at a local community center, working with at-risk youth. That was tough but rewarding, and it made me realize I enjoyed the more practical, hands-on side of helping people.
This whole process involved a lot of trial and error. I applied for a bunch of different jobs, some in areas I hadn’t even considered.
- I did a short stint in HR at a tech company, which was interesting because it let me use my understanding of people in a business context.
- I even tried out market research for a bit, which was all about figuring out consumer behavior.
It was a bit of a winding road, but eventually, I landed in a role doing social work. I realized that combining my psychology background with a desire to make a tangible difference in people’s lives was where I thrived. I went back to school part-time to get my master’s in social work, and honestly, that was the best decision I ever made.
My experience of combining a BA in Psychology with social work
It allowed me to work directly with individuals and families, helping them navigate challenges and improve their lives. My psych background gave me a solid foundation in understanding behavior and mental health, and the social work training gave me the practical skills to actually intervene and support people effectively.
So, if you’re sitting there with your psych degree and wondering what’s next, don’t sweat it. It’s a versatile degree that can open a lot of doors. You just gotta be willing to explore, try different things, and figure out what clicks for you. And hey, don’t be afraid to change course along the way. That’s all part of the journey.
