Job Description
Skills
High School and Post-Secondary School Plans
Future Prospects
Potential Barriers and Precautions
100
$35 000 - $120 000 per year, depending on their previous work experience and qualifications (Psychologist..., 2015, n.p).
What is the salary for this job?
100
Some of these include being good with people, having active listening skills, having insight into others, and being sensitive and respectful (Psychologist..., 2015, para. 4).
What are some transferable people skills required to be a psychologist?
100
Some examples are English, Mathematics, Probability & Statistics, Biology, Chemistry, Psychology, and Law (Psychologist..., 2015, para.11).
What are the grade eleven courses that need to be taken to have the prerequisites for furthering my education in this career?
100
Often, those with Master's or Bachelor's Degrees have a difficult time finding a job in the exact field they wish; the competition is high. On the other hand, those with Doctoral Degrees can often find the job they want, because this degree edges them out from their competition (Psychologists, 2015, para. 59).
How do those with Master's Degrees, Bachelor's Degrees, and Doctoral Degrees compare in regards to finding a job in the industry?
100
Emotional trauma or stress from the pressures of their job, and the emotionally charged situations they face. In order to not be overcome by this, many psychologists have to be emotionally stable and strong (Psychologist..., 2015, para. 5).
What is an example of a hazardous situation psychologists can face?
200
Regular office hours. In addition, it is quite common for psychologists to be on call for evenings and weekends in order to accommodate the needs of their clients (Psychologist..., 2015, para. 5).
What are the working hours for this job?
200
Some of these include being organized, being efficient at note-taking, and having problem solving skills (Psychologist..., 2015, para. 4).
What are some transferable task skills required to be a psychologist?
200
Some examples include English, Calculus, Biology, Chemistry, World Issues, and Human Services (Psychologist..., 2015, para.11).
What are the grade twelve courses that need to be taken to have the prerequisites for furthering my education in this career?
200
In recent years, the need for psychologists has risen at a rapid rate, with this expecting to continue into the foreseeable future. More psychologists are needed, as 26% of current Canadian psychologists are 55 or over and are expected to retire within the coming years. This creates a bright outlook for those entering this career (Psychologists, 2014, para. 5).
What does the future look like for this job?
200
Because of the nature of their job, psychologists may be in contact with violent/dangerous people, depending on their place of work. For example, a psychologist that works at a rehabilitation clinic my face this type of person on a regular basis. They can take precautions by knowing when the behaviour of their patient is getting out of hand and acting accordingly by leaving, or reporting the behaviour to the police (Psychologist..., 2015, para. 5).
What is an example of a hazardous situation psychologists face?
300
Counselling people in need. This includes helping them understand and deal with problems they may be facing in their life. In doing so, they will need to problem solve, take notes, and communicate effectively with their patients (Psychologists, 2015, para. 3).
What is the main responsibility of psychologists?
300
Some of these include goal-setting, dependability, and professionalism (Psychologist..., 2015, para. 4).
What are some transferable personal skills required to be a psychologist?
300
University of Waterloo: 80% or greater average in university based courses, that are preferably science based. University of British Columbia: 70% of greater average in university based courses, with at least one science course (Admission Requirements, 2015, para. 3) (Ontario, 2015, n.p).
What are the entry requirements for psychology programs in universities I would consider?
300
Some examples include the recent growth in the public's sensitivity to social needs, such as the aging population, stress, and the importance of mental health; the retiring population of psychologists, and the inclusion of psychologists in institutions like schools and hospitals (Psychologists, 2014, para. 5).
What factors are influencing the increasing demand of psychologists?
300
Many psychology programs at universities have different requirements. For example, some require biology and chemistry, whereas other prefer to have one of any of the science courses. As a result, by accommodating for the needs of one university, I eliminate my ability to apply for another. This obstacle can be overcome by ensuring my courses comply with the requirements of the universities I would most like to attend.
What is an example of a potential barrier I might face while pursuing this career?
400
Some examples include performing psychological assessments, diagnosing patients, and conducting research and experimentation (McKay, 2015, para. 14).
What are some responsibilities and daily duties of psychologists?
400
Some of these include people skills, organizational skills, and note-taking skills. These are being developed through school, by working with peers, doing independent work and keeping organized.
What are some skills I am already developing to assist in my becoming a psychologist?
400
A Master's Degree, or Doctoral Degree in psychology, obtained by a minimum 60% average and one year of internship work. Out of these, a PhD is preferable to get an advanced, high-paying job (Psychologists, 2015, para. 32).
What are the educational requirements to become a psychologist?
400
75% of psychologists work in the health care and social assistance sector. This is comprised of working in offices (43%), schools (18%), hospitals (14%), and community service centres (8%) (Psychologists, 2014, para. 14).
What are the most prevalent industries that psychologists work in?
400
Psychologists have to face many difficult situations because of the emotional difficulties their patients are going through. By having strong emotional stability and preparing everyday for the task at hand I can avoid the repercussions associated with an emotionally difficult job.
What is an example of an obstacle that would affect my personal life which I might face while in this career?
500
Psychologists work inside, often in office type rooms where they can one-on-one conversations with their patients.These offices are present in schools, hospitals, community centres, and otherwise (Psychologists, 2015, para. 24).
What are the working conditions of psychologists like?
500
Taking courses such as law and psychology in school can help develop the knowledge required for this career. Taking part in activities like volunteering can help with becoming better at working around people, as this career would require.
What can help with my further developing the skills needed for success in this career?
500
Depending on the program, a degree can take as little as 2 years, for a Master's Degree, up to 8+ years for a PhD (Psychologist..., 2015, para. 2).
How long does getting a degree in psychology take?
500
By being aware of the competition in this job, I can better prepare for success as a psychologist. For example, I can use this knowledge by selecting a programme that has a focus on internship in addition to the in school learning in order to have more practical experience than others looking for this job.
How can these trends help me?
500
Although the trends about this job suggest economical growth and a heightened need for its services, by the time I obtain this degree, the trends may begin to go downward. The trend only goes only as far as a decade into the future, which is not enough time to obtain a degree and establish myself in the industry. This could make finding a job more difficult, however, if I have the necessary requirements and apply at many institutions, this will be possible to overcome.
What is an example of a potential barrier I might face while pursuing this career?
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