Those who want to work as psychologists will, in almost every state, have to hold a doctorate degree. To achieve this, however, they must first complete a four year bachelor’s degree followed by a two year master’s degree. For many, it is unaffordable to complete all of this education within working at the same time. Luckily, there are some fantastic careers out there for those who hold an undergraduate psychology degree. With a bachelor’s degree in psychology, you could consider any of the 15 jobs below. You can then choose to make this your permanent career, or to use it as a stepping stone while you study further.
1. Health Educators
Health educators help communities to adopt practices that focus on healthy living. They do this in outreach and community centers, schools and more. As a health educator, you will work hand in hand with civic groups and health specialists. Your role will be in the preparation, creation, delivery and evaluation of health education programs. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), health educators enjoyed an average annual salary of $41,830 per year as of 2012 and can expect a 21% job growth 2012 to 2022.
2. Advertising Sales Agent
In this role, you will learn about how product advertisements affect the human mind and how you can ensure greater sales result from advertisements. You will also spend a lot of time analyzing data and using this to improve results. According to the BLS, average annual salaries stood at $46,290 per year as of 2012. Growth, however, is expected to be stagnant from 2012 to 2022.
3. Market and Survey Research Analyst
This is a great job to get into as a psychology undergraduate, as it allows you to learn more about gathering data, analyzing it and applying it where important. Additionally, you will get to work with various other professionals, such as statisticians and sociologists. According to the BLS, these specialists earned $60,300 per year on average as of 2012, and expected growth is 32% from 2012 to 2022.
4. Human Services Assistants
This is a particularly interesting field for those with an interest in clinical psychology. Some of the jobs you could become involved in include community outreach worker, mental health aide and case management aide. Essentially, you will be working directly with people who require some form of assistance. According to the BLS, average annual earnings as of 2012 were $28,850 and projected growth is 22% for 2012 to 2022.
5. Correctional Treatment Specialist
In this job, you will work within correctional facilities, which is a very interesting field for prospective psychologists. You can offer counseling and anger management treatment, work on drug or sexual abuse and assist with post-release services, to name but a few. The BLS reports 2012 average annual earnings of $48,190, but stagnant to negative growth.
6. Paraeducator or Teacher Aide
In this role, you will work alongside teachers in a variety of educational establishments. Although your job could be largely clerical in nature, you will also have direct contact with pupils. This is a great job for those who want to become school psychologists, which generally only requires a master’s degree. According to the BLS, the 2012 average annual salary was $23,640, and an expected 9% growth from 2012 to 2022.
7. Religious Activities Directors
Here, you will work with religious institutions to work on fellowship in church membership and religious education. You will determine and increase participation and curriculum development. Additionally, you can provide religious counseling. According to ONet, 2012 annual earnings were at $38,480 and growth projected to be between 8% and 14% from 2012 to 2022.
8. Human Resources Assistant
In this role, you will work within organizations and businesses to help with recruitment and retention, taxes, promotions, benefits, sick pay and more. You may also do clerical work. The BLS reports average annual earnings of $38,980 as of May 2014 but a near to stagnant growth.
9. Psychological Research Assistant
This is for those who wish to further their career in psychology and who plan to complete a Ph.D. in particular. You will be working alongside existing psychologists to research new psychological conditions and devices assessment and treatment methods. According to Simply Hired, average annual salary is $51,000 as of April 2015.
10. Psychiatric Aide
Psychiatric aides often work in psychiatric hospitals, alongside psychiatrists. This is an interesting career for people considering clinical psychology in particular. The BLS reports 2012 annual average earnings of $27,440 and 5% growth from 2012 to 2022.
11. Probation or Parole Office
In this position, you will work directly with offenders, helping them reintegrate into society. The BLS reports average annual earnings of $47,200 as of May 2010 and stagnant growth.
12. University Positions
If you intend to complete a Ph.D. and become a university lecturer, working within a university is a great career move. It may also allow you to receive discounted rates on further education.
13. Flight Attendant
As a flight attendant, you will get to travel the world. It is also a new and emerging field of psychology, with aviation psychologists being in high demand since 9/11 and the recent suicide crash in the French Alps.
14. Meeting and Convention Planner
In this role, you will help to plan conventions and large scale meetings. This can be particularly interesting if these are seminars that relate to the field of psychology, for instance, those organized by the American Psychological Association.
15. Recreation Worker
Recreational activities are incredibly important to the field of psychology. They help to increase overall happiness, health and well being. There is a huge variety of work available within this field, from community outreach to summer camps and from charity work to team days out. The BLS reports average annual earnings of $22,240 as of 2012 and a 14% growth from 2012 to 2022.
Each of these jobs have strong links to psychology. This makes them fantastic career opportunities for those who have an undergraduate degree in the field and want to start work. They are equally interesting for those who intend to pursue a doctorate degree.
