[OT] Gradschool, and studying Abroad.

[tleilaxu]

when the time comes to apply, don't tell them that

 

[Xarlen]

when the time comes to apply, don't tell them that

Apply for what? Grad school? It's a good reason.

"I feel that I have a better chance of supporting myself despite my limitations by achieve a good job through having a Masters or PhD. The best way I can do this is to go to Grad school."

 

[Chun-tzu]

Being in the field of Clinical Psychology (I'll be starting internship in the fall), I've met a number of psychologists who caution students that a psych degree is no guarantee of a comfortable living. There is a fair degree of competition in the field, and finding a good job in psychology isn't easy. But there are plenty of good ones out there, and there are many parts of the country that are experiencing a serious shortage of mental health professionals. Forensic psychology is a bit better paid than most other parts of clinical psychology, but that also means the competition is stiffer.

Psych grad programs probably won't be bothered by someone seeking a comfortable salary as one of their motivations. They'll be looking for other things that show the signs of a good psychologist, including critical thinking skills, maturity, competence, social skills, and so forth. Some programs are fairly lax in their entry requirements, looking for people to drop out sooner or later if they aren't suited to the field (and people do).

If it's an area of interest for you, Xarlen, disability is one area of specialization within clinical psychology. It's not necessarily the best way to go if you want to be one of the higher paid psychologists, though.

If you're interested in being a clinical psychologist, you don't need a research background (although it would still be very useful). PsyD (doctorate of psychology) programs are more clinical in their orientation than PhD (doctorate of philosophy) programs, which are more academic and research-oriented. I did some volunteer work at a crisis hotline before deciding to enter this field. I enjoyed the work, despite the odd hours, the occasional weirdo, and the lack of pay. That was a good indication for me that I'd enjoy clinical work, because without that, it's just a job.

If your program has a career center, it would be a good idea to make an appointment with a career counselor. They can help you find answers to many of your questions. But I also agree with tleilaxu that you want to keep an open mind about your future, because you may find a different path that works just as well or better for you.

 

[Xarlen]

Well, Job opportunities are interesting. I've allready talked to a Psychology adviser in the department, and a carreer counciler. Here's what I was told:

Undergrad Psych majors are entering new job fields such as:

1) Business. Advertizements and Training facilities are looking for psychologists who know what is in a person's head. How to appeal to them, or how to teach them.

2) Supervisers. Manufactoring companies are finding that Psychology majors make good Supervisors because they have the People Skills that many supervisors Do Not have. They can easily train a Supervisor how to do the job, but the people skills are hard to teach.

3) Pharmacutical companies hire Psyche majors for their people skills to go into Hospitols and Pharmacies to sell drugs.

4) Research. Psychology is fundimentally situated in the Research Method. It's a Big part of Psychology (The head of the department and my professor assures this). Thus, many research facilities are hiring Psychology majors who study in research methods.

And then there's Grad school.

I don't know What I want. But I know I want something, and I want to do it. Working a Help line is interesting, Chun-Tzu; I've considered a lot of things from Counciling to other stuff, and maybe volunteering for that could be good.

I tried to email you after you said you were a Psych major on the Grad school thread, but your email is not reachable, it seems.

 

[Chun-tzu]

You can email me at chuntzu@rcnchicago.com

 

[Xarlen]

Well, my personal preference is Manchester. That may be biased as I spent the longest time there, but it really is a great city and wonderful for a student ... so long as you don't mind the weather, and it doesn't sound as if you would. It also sounds - in general - like it fits your other specifications. Still, if you like, I can PM you with my email address and you can hang on it; then send me an email at some point when you've made some further enquiries about things and I might have some info/opinions/details that could be of use. How does that sound?

I can't PM you.

 

[Mistwell]

LA is a car-centric city, so you will be somewhat limited with what you can do without a car. However the area immediately around UCLA (Westwood and Santa Monica) is comparatively pedestrian friendly, and the Santa Monica public transport seemed to be reasonably good (at least 10 years ago it was).

Living here, I just felt the need to mention that we now have a subway system in Los Angeles. It is not as extensive as BART in the San Fransico bay area or the MAX in Portland, but it isn't bad (and getting better every year).

 

[Zander]

Dang. It sounds like either are a tad too expensive for me. And, only 8 weeks? It's 14 here.

I should stress that there are 3 terms of 8 weeks each for a total of 24 weeks, not 2 semesters as is usually (though not always) the case in the US. Also, only Oxford and Cambridge have such short terms. Other universities have longer terms, around 12 weeks.

So in total the academic year is longer in the UK than the US. Most British universities start in September and end in June or July, not May as is often the case in the US. Mind you, a BA or BSc (= BS in the US) is a 3 year course in England, though it can be longer depending on the university and the subject. First degrees at Scottish universities are usually 4 years long, but you're awarded an MA at the end.

As for the cost, there are lots of scholarships for US students wanting to study in the UK.

 

[Xarlen]

Nono. I'm not worried about paying for Tuition. I'm pretty sure the Govt will pay tuition. It's living expenses I worry about.

Ah. The term thing may cause a little hubub, because I'd be working off set terms here, too; don't want them to overlap.

 

[The Blue Wizard]

I am a PhD student in Edinburgh Scotland. Being an American here is difficult, but worth the effort to experience British culture. The negs are there (bad food, cost of living is way too expensive, living conditions are not as nice, etc.) but the positives do outweigh them. There is not an anti-intellectual culture here as in the States -- people don't mind thinking through ideas. Life is seen as complex rather than simple black and white as in the USA sometimes... and this makes for a uniqe educational experience. If you can swing it, go overseas after you finish undergrad. Its worth the effort as your education will be enhanced by the change of culture.

John in Edinburgh