Introduction
The number of professional therapists has exploded over the last decade and the US government predicts the growth will continue for the next 5 years. Therefore, students need to apply various measures, which will give them a competitive advantage over their peers in the job market, improving their employment chances. Some strategies I have applied include getting the skills, work experience, and academic qualifications to prepare for a career in psychology.
Personal Preparation
One of the strategies I have applied to prepare myself for a professional career in psychology is equipping myself with all the skills and abilities required to excel in the industry. For instance, according to the American Psychological Association, the following requirements are sought after by employers: good communication and analytical and teamwork skills (“Preparing to Use,” n.d.). These abilities are important because they enable psychologists to meet the needs and demands of their clientele, boosting their success chances. For instance, excellent communications skills allow the therapist to listen to the patient, providing them with the opportunity to express their emotions and offer clarifications where needed. Other abilities, such as analytical capabilities, enable the psychiatrist to synthesize the concerns and emotions of the ill person and make important conclusions about the correct diagnosis and the applicable treatment procedures available. Improving these skills will enhance my chances of getting employment, which will enable me to get the experience needed to start my practice.
Another important action plan that I have used to gain the prerequisites for a lucrative career in psychology is getting the experience that most employers are looking for in a potential employee. One of the easiest ways of gaining such experience is by interning in organizations that use psychiatrists. During the holiday season, I successfully applied for an internship at Mobile Co DHR foster care, where I gained the authentic life experience of working as a psychiatrist. I collaborated with other clinicians to counsel foster children by equipping them with crucial coping skills, including communicating their emotions, socializing with other foster care children, and reading empowerment literature. The experience I gained from the internship not only gave me the much-needed employment history but also provided me with the opportunity to address my inhibiting behaviors. For instance, I develop emotional attachments to my patients, which impairs my professional judgment. Volunteering at the foster care has helped me to view my patients as clients instead of friends, which has reduced my emotional attachment to them, preparing me for a career as a clinician.
Academic Preparation
Pursuing an education in psychology and other relevant certifications is yet another action plan that I have and will continue to apply, to enhance my career in psychiatry. It is important for students to pursue a bachelor’s degree in psychology, coupled with other advanced programs, such as masters and doctorate courses, to improve their academic knowledge in psychology (“Preparing to Use,” n.d.). Such knowledge is significant in improving the student’s competitive advantage in a populated job market, enhancing their employment chances. I have used the following methodologies to boost my chances of getting accepted in such programs: improved my GPA, gained club leadership experience in school, and cultivated relationships with my professors. Improving my GPA will increase my chances of getting accepted into graduate school because most institutions give priority to students with excellent academic performances. Building relationships with my instructors give me an edge over my peers by providing me with an opportunity to leave a lasting impression on the members of the selection committee. Getting accepted to these programs can be the difference between a successful and a failed career in psychology.
I also intend to pursue other academic qualifications, preferably short professional courses, to boost my knowledge in psychiatry. These courses are available online, which makes it easier for professionals to work and further their studies in their relevant fields concurrently. I intend to study cognitive behavioral studies, counseling, and childhood psychology, to enable me to understand foster care children better. Comprehending the factors that make them act in certain ways would help me address the root causes of these behaviors, enabling me to treat them completely. I have found extra employment to earn and save up enough money to pay for these courses in the future. I have also registered on crowdfunding websites, to provide well-wishers with an opportunity to contribute towards my education fund. Finally, I have downloaded all the free reading materials relevant to these courses, to equip myself with the information required to excel in such professional programs. Applying these initiatives will provide me with the extra knowledge required to experience a fruitful career in psychology.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I have taken important steps towards increasing my chances of leading a lucrative career in therapy. For instance, I have equipped myself with skills, such as analytical, listening, communication skills, which will help me relate with my patients effectively. I have also successfully applied and completed my internship with Mobile Co DHR, which has given me the work experience that most employers want in a potential employee. Finally, I am planning to pursue both degree and professional courses in psychology, which will advance my knowledge in psychiatry, making me a better therapist than others.
Reference
Preparing to use your bachelor’s degree in psychology. (n.d.). American Psychological Association. Web.