Career Opportunities Report
Question
Career Opportunities Research and Report
Total Possible Point 100
In completing this assignment, learners will research psychological specialties available in the workforce to understand the careers in psychology. Research the psychology specialties listed below using the Occupational Outlook Handbook at the American Psychological Association website. You can also use other credible sources to inform information not found on the Occupational Outlook or American Psychological Associations' websites.
Child Psychologist
Counseling Psychologist
Clinical Psychologist
Developmental Psychologist
Experimental Psychologist
Forensic Psychologist
Industrial-Organizational Psychologist
Health Psychologist
Neuropsychologist
School Psychologist
Social Psychologist
Sports Psychologist
After researching each career specialties, write a pair (2) of concise and thorough paragraphs summarizing the job responsibilities, work locations, salaries, education, licensing requirements, and career outlooks for each career represented as a percentage of growth expected.
Following each of the 12 paragraph pairs, note whether the specialty in psychology would be of interest to you as a career option in the future, explaining your reasons.
Once the 12 sets of paragraphs and interest or non-interest explanations are complete, compile them into a single APA formatted paper using the career titles as separate, APA formatted headings within the paper body.
Wrap up the paper with two paragraphs comparing how information about the 12 careers is communicated in the Occupational Outlook Handbook versus how it is displayed on the APA website (i.e., which format was the easiest to navigate and understand, had the most helpful information, etc.).
Provide specific one or two examples to exemplify the general comparisons provided.
Include a minimum of 8 to 10 pages, not including the required APA formatted title and reference pages; submit APA style in-text citations throughout the work.
The essential parts of a paper should also be included; these are the opening, introduction section, with a precise thesis statement, the body of the paper with clear, discernable headings formatted to APA style levels of heading where appropriate, and a conclusion that restates the thesis and summarizes the major points of the entire paper.


Solution
Career Opportunities Report
Psychology is a branch
of science that studies behavior and mental processes. Psychologists seek to
understand why people behave in the way they do. Psychologists study people's
or groups' behaviors and help them achieve the appropriate desired changes (Salomon
et al., 2022). According to American Psychological Association, psychology had
178,900 licensed psychologists in 2020. The field is expected to grow by 8
percent between 2020 and 2030. Each year, the field opens an average of 13400
jobs. Psychologists earn a medium pay, approximately $ 82180 per year and an
average of 39.51 dollars per hour (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2018). However,
the amount differs with every specialty and state. Psychologists’ activities
include counseling, guidance, teaching in colleges and universities, training,
administering psychological services in health facilities, and providing expert
knowledge on psychological theories and methods. Psychologists get information
about people’s behaviors through different ways such as interviews,
observation, tests and rating scales and study personal history. When dealing
with groups, psychologists might use surveys and questionnaires, either written
or oral. However, psychologists must specialize since no one can know
everything about behaviors (Flreerackers 2019). Psychology has specialties such
as counseling, health, experimental, healthy, neuropsychologist, social and
school psychologist. Every specialty has a particular career outlook, specific
job responsibilities, salaries, education, licensing requirements, work
locations.
Child
Psychologist
Child psychology
attempts to understand children's behavior and development. It tries to
understand how children interact with people and process the world around them.
A child psychologist is responsible for assessing complex symptoms patients
might have and choosing the best diagnosis (Cherry 2020). Some of the problems
they deal with include Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD),
phobias, OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder), ASD (autism spectrum disorder)
and adjustment disorder (Cherry 2020). To become a child psychologist, one must
get a degree in psychology or child psychology or related subjects like
education. For masters, child psychologists must hold a high GPA or GREs. For a
child psychologist to get a license, they must complete a related degree
program, get a post-graduate certification, either master's or doctorate,
complete practicum and pass board exams for certification. Some of the places
child psychologists work at include schools, hospitals, government settings and
private practice. According to BLS, child psychologists earn a yearly average
of $80,370. According to Flreerackers (2019), people have developed keen
attention in child upbringing unlike before. BLS reports that the career will
have increased demand of 14% by 2028. I view children as amazing beings who
should not suffer from life challenges. However, that is not the case. Like
adults, children also suffer from stress and life pressures (Salomon, et al.
2022). Others face school challenges, especially if they are suffering from any
disorders. I would love to work with children, especially below the adolescent
stages. Therefore, I can love to become a child psychologist.
Counseling
Psychologist
Counseling
psychologists help people achieve satisfaction in life aspects such as
occupation, social, and educational aspects. They help people suffering from
physical, emotional, and mental health problems by assessing, diagnosing, and
treating (Cherry 2020). They assist in career adjustment concerns, work-related
decisions, relationship difficulties, learning skills and deficits, stress
management, identity development, and mental disorders. These psychologists
work in Private practice, organizations, schools, health centers, community
mental health areas, child centers, and rehabilitation. To become a practicing
counseling psychologist, one must acquire a state license. The individual must
undertake a counseling psychology degree and a master's to get the license.
Some states require the counseling psychologists to have a doctorate, either
Ph.D. or Psy.D. many states also require a state exam on the legal aspects of
practicing psychology (jurisprudence exam) and ASPPB’s examination for
professional psychology practice (Salomon, et al. 2022). Counselling
psychologists 10% of the lowest-paid earns $46, 270 annually, 80% $82,180
average and 10% highest paid $137, 590 (Bureau of Labor Standards). The field
has a potential growth of 8% by 2030. I am a good listener. Whenever approached
by a friend or family in any distress or challenge, I always try to give
credible and helpful information regarding the topic. Offering such assistance
gives a form of satisfaction. This has developed my interest in becoming a counseling
psychologist.
Sports
Psychologist
Sports psychologists
apply psychological principles and theories for athletes' best performance and
well-being. Sports psychology can improve the performance of people inside and
outside sports, such as military members, students and corporate employees. The
sports psychologist assists athletes and coaches to handle pressure, gain
confidence and manage mental stressors from injuries. Sports psychologists work
in private entities, schools, military camps, national sports bodies,
professional teams, occupational domains and gyms. The training for the job
starts with a degree, to master, then a doctorate. For licensing, sports
psychologists must; have a PhD, pass the board exam, and practice for two
years. According to BLS, Sports psychologists are paid an hourly average of $30,
and yearly median of 70 501 dollars. Like other psychology specialties, sports
psychologist’s demands will be 14% higher through 2030. I am not a fan of
sports. I hardly watch sports; thus, do not even understand basic concepts for
different games. To get a successful career, an individual must be passionate (Cherry
2020). Hence, this field is not in my interest.
Clinical
Psychologist
Clinical psychologists take
the big portion in the field of psychology. By 2018, the field had
approximately 168 000 jobs. The number has currently risen to over 100 866
today (Salomon, et al. 2022). Clinical psychologists acquire their knowledge
through professional training in graduate school. According to APA, a clinical
psychologists are required to possess Ph.D. or Psy.D to be eligible for a
license or practice independently. Other licensure requirements include
completing required internships and clinical psychology board exams for
certification. Clinical psychologists treat maladjusted and mentally disturbed
people. Their responsibilities include identifying and diagnosing clients'
psychological, emotional and behavioral issues and developing and implementing
treatment plans (Flreerackers 2019). Clinical psychologists use interviews,
diagnostic tests, and patient history background study to understand their
patients. According to the U.S. Bureau of labor statistics BLS, 6% of clinical
psychologists work in hospitals, 14 % in mental facilities, 24 % in schools and
universities, 9% in government facilities and 31% in independent fields (Cherry
2020). Work experience, setting and location determine the salary of a clinical
psychologist. The U.S. Department of labor, psychologists reported that the average
annual salary was $ 82 182. The career will experience an 8% through 2030 (BLS).
I do not love a hospital setup. Even though clinical psychologists can work in
other areas, a hospital or mental facility seems ideal, yet my area of dislike.
Thus, I do not prefer the specialty.
Developmental
Psychologist
Developmental psychology
deals with human development changes, including physical, cognitive, social,
and emotional growth. Development psychologists try to understand how people
grow and adapt to life stages. They work in schools, elderly homes, healthcare
facilities, mental health facilities among other areas. To become a
developmental psychologist, an individual must undertake a degree and a postgraduate
in developmental psychology at an accredited university. Master in
developmental psychology requires advanced classes and fieldwork. Developmental
psychology licensing demands for doctorate, board exam, and two years practicum.
Developmental Psychologists earn $69,527, with the highest making up to
385,332. BLS reports that developmental psychologists with Ph.D. OR PsyD. will
have the best jobs by 2025 (2018). The field is expected to grow by 8% through
2030. While watching kids grow, I have always desired to understand them. I
also desire to understand different stages of life. Thus, I can not mind
becoming a developmental psychologist.
Experimental
Psychologist
Through the application
of scientific method, experimental psychologists are able to collect data and carry
out study. An experimental psychologist's research depends on their areas of
expertise, interests, and employment. According to the American Psychologists
Association’s data, experimental psychologists mostly work in schools, private
sectors, research centers, and government businesses. Experimental
psychologists do not necessarily need to earn a degree in experimental
psychology to work in the field. Doctorate programs train psychologists to
perform rigorous research. For licensing, experimental psychologists must complete
3 000 hours of practice under supervision from a licensed psychologist on top
of the master's degree in the field. According to American Psychological
Association, the average pay for doctorate holders was $92 000. BLS record
average wages at $95 610. The job will grow by 14% through 2028 (Bureau of
labor statists). Experimental psychology does not fall under my favorites. It
requires a lot of recordings, writing and research, which are not my favorite
activities.
Forensic
Psychologist
Forensic psychologists
apply clinical assessment, treatment, and evaluation skills into the legal
arena. Forensic psychologists evaluate criminals' competency, assist trauma
survivors, examine witnesses’ credibility, and other responsibilities. Their
duties include consulting with law enforcement in different crime matters,
diagnosing and treating mentally unstable offenders, and giving expert
testimony in courts. To be credited as a forensic psychologist, they must have
a Ph.D. or Psy.D from APA OR CPA accredited doctoral program (Cherry 2020). The
psychologist must also sit and pass a board exam. Forensic psychologists work
in legal fields, therapeutic environments, among other sectors. Forensic
psychologists earn an average of $52 000 to $93 000. Psychology is a growing
field with openings in courtrooms, police departments and military bases. BLS
reports an estimate of an 8% job increase by 2030 (2018). I have always desired
to work in the legal sector. I desire to understand why people commit crimes
while others get jailed and released as a norm. Forensic psychology becomes my
course of interest to understand criminal psychology.
Industrial-Organizational
Psychologist (I.O. Psychologist)
Industrial-Organizational
Psychology uses psychological knowledge in organizations to understand human
behavior. They focus on the physical well-being of workers. They can also
assess the characteristics of employees and match them with their most
appropriate jobs for maximum productivity. Industrial Psychologists also train
employees on the best ways to meet the job standards. Industrial-organizational
psychologists mostly work in organizations, industries, education institutions,
research centers, and state governments. To become an
industrial-organizational, a masters degree in organizational psychology is
compulsory (Cherry 2020). The I.O. psychologists must have Psy.D or Ph.D. from
accredited universities for licensing. They must work under supervision from a
licensed psychologist for a required period. The psychologists must also sit
and pass an examination for a professional psychology practice and state board.
According to BLS I-O psychologists, the average annual wage is $109 030.
However, the wage differs in different states, with different education levels
and experiences. For instance, I.O. psychologists working in Virginia earn an
average of $126 220 while those in Massachusetts earn a standard pay of $75 660
yearly. Currently, organizations are finding it worthwhile to work with I.O.
psychologists. According to APA, the field will expand by 8% through 2030. I.O.
psychologist should be interested in business corporal world passion. I do not
intend to work in such areas, dealing with employees. Thus, I.O. Psychology is
not of interest.
Health
Psychologist
Health psychologists are
responsible for promoting healthy behaviors for better wellbeing. Health
psychologists try to understand health and illness's psychological and
emotional aspects. Their responsibilities include; promoting healthier
lifestyles such as healthy diets, finding ways to help people improve their
health, improving the healthcare system and investigating and improving the
communication nature between workers and employees. They mostly work in the
health care field, private sectors, universities and gyms. An individual
qualifies to be a health psychologist after completing a degree in psychology
and specializing in health psychology in post graduate. For licensing, health
psychologists must pass the ASPPB examination, complete 1500-1600 practicum
hours and hold a Ph.D. or Psy.D in health psychology (Psy.D. Programs). Their
average yearly pay depends on factors such as the state. However, BLS reports
average wages between $21 500 and $137 000. Most make an average of $37 hourly
pay. The demand for health psychologists is on the rise. Health psychologists
are needed to work closely with doctors and social workers to promote healthy
living among the population. According to BLS, the job demand for this sector
is expected to rise by 14% through 2028. I have a special interest in
maintaining a healthy life. I would not mind helping others live healthily to
avoid some lifestyle diseases. Thus, I can study to become a health
psychologist.
Neuropsychologist
Neuropsychologists
attempt to also understand the disorders from the brain and nervous system and
how they can affect an individual’s behavior and cognitive function.
Neuropsychologists can work in private clinics, rehabilitation centers,
healthcare facilities and nursing homes. They mostly work in offices, meeting
with their clients privately. To become a Neuropsychologist, one must complete
a degree in psychology, a master's and a doctorate in neuropsychology. To get a
license, the psychologist must pass the EPPP exam, Jurisprudence licensing exam
if required, complete a credential review of the American board of clinical
neuropsychology, and work as an intern for a year under supervision (Psy.D.
Programs). The average pay for neuropsychologists is $ 76 732 per year, the highest
making $124,000 annually (Bureau of Labor Standards). More people are expected
to turn to psychologists for help, increasing the demand for their services.
According to American Psychological Association, neuropsychology will have a
14% increase in demand by 2030. I believe that a brain is complex and hard to
understand. The course requires more time to become accredited. The factors do
not sit well with me; therefore, I will not consider the course.
School
Psychologist
School psychology works
in school institutions, providing advice on learning and developing better.
They apply their expertise in mental health learning the behavior of learners
to help them succeed socially, emotionally, and behaviorally (Cherry 2020).
School psychologists collaborate with parents, teachers, school administration,
and other necessary professionals to get the best results. They mostly work in
all school setups, juvenile justice programs and school administration offices.
School psychologists pursue careers in the education of general psychology.
Also, they must complete specialized advanced training in education and
psychology through masters and /or doctoral programs. School psychologists must
pass the school psychology Praxis II exam, complete at least 60 graduate credits
and 1200-hour practicum to get licensed (American Psychological Association).
According to BLS, school psychologist makes a yearly average of $79 820. APA
predicts that the profession will increase by 14% through 2030. I love to
interact with children and teens. Thus, becoming a school psychologist would
allow me to interact with kindergarten, elementary or high school
learners.
Social
Psychologist
Social psychology is
the study of social factors that affect people. Social psychologists attempt to
understand social factors such as how individuals think about, interact and
influence one another and how such issues affect people’s social ways of
living, such as relationships, persuasion and friendship. Social psychologists
mostly work in school setup, consulting firms, and market research companies.
Social psychologists study a bachelor in general psychology, social psychology
or related fields. They advance to masters and others doctorates. To get
licensed, social psychologists must be masters or Ph.D. holders. However,
social psychologists do not necessarily need licenses to work. According to
American Psychological Association, social psychologists had an average yearly
pay of $85 830 in 2011. According to Occupational Outlook Handbook,
their pay was averagely $82 180 annually. According to BLS, social
psychologists earned an average of $105 780 in 2020. The BLS reports projected
job growth of 3% by 2029. The career has a below-average projected job growth.
Therefore, I would not go for the course since the job opportunities upon
completion might be limited.
The psychological
information was displayed differently in the two sources. The handbook is
updated on the pay depending on the statistics collected. It uses the
statistics from the labor bureau for factual data. On the other hand, the APA
website gives the average figures according to the association standards.
Therefore, I find the figures stated on the handbook actual compared to the
figures on APA.
The career details are
better expounded on the APA website than the handbook. APA explains the
requirements of a particular psychologist as set by the psychological
association. On the other hand, the handbook only provides factual information
on the pay, expected growth, and other limited facts. An example is where the
APA website explains the education requirement for becoming a counseling
psychologist or any other psychologist expert, whereas the handbook only
provides salary and other statistical data.
Psychology is a broad
field with many specialties. The different specialties differ in career
outlook, job responsibilities, salaries, education, licensing requirements, and
work locations. For instance, some require prolonged and rigorous training,
such as Industrial-Organizational psychology, whereas others, such as social
psychology, do not need much time and rigorous training. While choosing the
specialty to join, it is important to consider passion, payment, study period
and the other stated factors.
References
American Psychological Association. Careers in Psychology. https://www.apa.org/education-career/guide/careers.pdf
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department
of Labor. (2018). Occupational outlook handbook, psychologists.
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/field-of-degree/psychology/psychology-field-of-degree.htm
Cherry, K. (2020). An Overview of Psychology
Careers. Verywellmind. https://www.verywellmind.com/student-resources-4157176
Flreerackers, A. (2019). Careers
in Psychology. A comprehensive overview of the dominant career paths in the
field of psychology. Career Explorer. https://www.careerexplorer.com/careers-in-psychology/
Psy.D. Programs. https://psydprograms.org/
Salomon, I., Pals, A. M., Elsey, T.,
Golding, J. M., & Sheehan, E. A. (2022). Exploring How Undergraduate
Psychology Majors Seek Information and Experiences for Career
Preparation. Teaching of Psychology, 00986283211066308.



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