A couple of years ago, my sweet Sister-in-law told me that she wants to return to college and study psychology. While it's just not my thing, I am thrilled for her that she is interested in continuing to learn! However, she later told me that, "Psychology is one of those majors that people snicker at. And even with a PhD, you can't get a job." How sad that she had been given no encouragement by the educators at ASU (near where she lives) and psychologists she had been in contact with!
So, I took it into my own hands to help in some small way. I went to the psychology department at BYU and spoke with one of the counselors. I told him my Sister-in-law's story, and asked for some advice I could pass on to her. He was very helpful, and gave me a wonderful online resource: the web site for the American Psychology Association
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www.apa.org) - click on Divisions / Browse by Topic (there are 54 choices & areas of psychology listed there), and start clicking around to find job descriptions, job postings, etc.
And besides, as the Psych Counselor mentioned ... "if there is no future in psychology, then why does ASU have a Psychology Department?!" Good question!!
So, I took it into my own hands to help in some small way. I went to the psychology department at BYU and spoke with one of the counselors. I told him my Sister-in-law's story, and asked for some advice I could pass on to her. He was very helpful, and gave me a wonderful online resource: the web site for the American Psychology Association 
You know, sometimes it seems like we're not allowed to study that which interests us. I know few people who are naturally fascinated by chemical equations, but I know lots who are intrigued by the bystander effect, moral development, and the nuances in personality.
ReplyDeleteMaybe I'm biased because I am interested in the bystander effect, moral development, and personality :)
In any case, I see a lot of the same negative attitude towards English majors like myself--but remember, as my friend always points out, that the most interesting speakers at conference were English majors (that includes President Hinckley, Elder Holland)