What to do after degree?

[*Princess*]

I graduate this year, with a Psychology BSc, hopefully a 2.1

I have absolutely NO idea what to do. Thought about getting an Assistant Psychologists job for a year then doing a Counselling MSc but I know I'm not clever enough for that. I've also thought about Nursing or Teaching but I'm not sure.

Actually I'm SO scared of leaving Uni, which is stupid. So, any suggestions. Really starting to worry now.

[Buenchico]

Teaching requires a 100% commitment. (I speak from experience!). Unless you're really sure that you want to teach, don't do it! (I suspect that there are many nurses who would offer the same advice about their career).

For some possible career options with a Psychology degree, see here:
http://www.prospects.ac.uk/cms/ShowPage/Home_page/Option s_with_your_subject/Your_degree_in_psychology/Job_option s/p!eaLfdfj

For profiles of over 700 types of employment, see here:
http://www.learndirect-advice.co.uk/helpwithyourcareer/j obprofiles/

Hoping this helps,

Chris

[derriere]

What do you WANT to do with your qualification? Who would you like to work for? What sort of clients would you like to work with? Start by trying to answer these questions and then research the options.

It can be really hard when you leave Uni. I can only speak from personal experience but I felt a lot of pressure that I had to get a good job with good salary and prospects, etc, etc AND that I had to get it right first time! God forbid I chose the wrong job cos obvously I would then have to carry on with it for the rest of my working life! That is a lot of pressure!!

Trust your instincts about what you think you would like to do, research it and if it still looks/sounds/feels good then go for it. If it turns out not to be right, then you try something else, no big deal. And who says you aren't clever enought to do the MSc? If that's what you want to do it, go for it.

It is daft that we are expected to know in our early twenties (or even worse, in our teens) what we should do with our lives. For what it is worth it has taken me till my early thirties to figure out what I want to be!

[Top Turkey]

Hello Princess.

I was in your shoes (metaphorically) back in 1995, having left Warwick with a Psychology Degree. I also looked at becoming an Assistant Psychologist, but such posts were like hens teeth at the time and only people with high firsts got them.

In the end I temped for three months and 10 years later I am still in the same kind of job (but have moved around a lot).

If I were you, I'd go along to the Careers Service and talk to an advisor who should at least help you find out what possibilites are open to you. Jobs in marketing, advertising and market research always seem to be popular choices for Psychology graduates.

Good luck anyway.

[Ward-Minter]

If you are scared of leaving uni, how about going to work on a cruis ship just as a bar stewardess or something.

Before you laugh about it think.

Salary (tax-free) of about �2500 per month with absolutely nothing to spend it on. I am sure after a year your debts will be paid off. All food/accomodation/uniform and flights are free.

Loads of young studenty types on board for you to fraternise with all you want.

See the world for free

I wish I was in your position again. Lucky thing.

[BOURBON]

go travelling.

[*Princess*]

First of all thank you for all the replies!

I know I want to work with people, I couldn't stand this type of organisational psychology or management schemes. I want to help people, which is the main reason I chose psychology as a degree. I was thinking about an assistant psychologists job but they're so hard to get, especially as there is no way I'll get a first. I've really enjoyed doing my dissertation project, so it would be good to get into carrying out research but I haven't a clue how to get into that.

Cruise ship sounds like fun but I don't have any debts, I've worked all through my degree to pay for things, so I'm glad to say I'll be leaving completely debt free. I know Masters cost a lot to do, and also I know I'm not clever enough.

Arghhh to many decisions. Basically I wasnt to help people, pretty vague I know, but I don't know how I want to help them.

[Belle Fast]

Hi there,

I think you should go for what you really want to do. It you don't succeed, then weigh up your options and consider applying again. The fact that you say you are 'not clever enough' suggests to me that you are smart and self-effacing which is a good thing for your potiental patients in the future. I know alot of psychologists at all levels of training, and some 'academic' ones have failed to get training posts, while people who are really interested in people, but whose CVs have not seemed as impressive, have been sucessful and really surprised themselves.

Good luck and trust yourself.

[counsellor]

I would love to be in your position, i'm 29 and am just going back to education to start a counselling certificate. I wish i'd have done it years ago and not now when i have a huge mortgage and two kids.... when i finish i want to go into practice for myself as i know jobs are hard to find!
maybe you could find out about freelancing for a while! Good luck with whatever you do sweetheart. x