Career goals in Psychology
Lynda Reyes
PSY 215 Careers in Psychology
I want to be a psychologist. I would love to learn all about the way people act, think and feel and at the same time try to help them. I have a very easygoing personality and I love to have fun and laugh. I ask a lot of questions, and I think I am very easy to get along with. Some career goals I have is to finish college, I would like to find a job I want to keep that I could make a career out of, and just take it one day at a time because I have desire to make the right decisions and live a pleasant life.
I first became interested in psychology a couple years ago. I feel like I need to try and help make a difference, and that's what I would like to spend the rest
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Are also matters that are handled from someone working in the forensics of psychology. Becoming a successful forensic psychologist requires at least the solid clinical psychology training and experience. Firm grounding in scientific theory and empirical research “understanding of scientific validity, research design, statistics, and testing” critical thinking skills thorough knowledge of social and cultural issues legal knowledge “including mental health law, case law, and courtroom procedures” excellent writing skills strong oral presentation skills and the ability to maintain one's composure under stress. Forensic Psychologists apply psychology to criminal justice. Although similar in some aspects, forensic psychology is different than forensic science.
Salary is approximately $45,000 at the lower end of the education and experience and as high as $77,000. Salaries vary widely depending on the type of workplace with nonprofit organizations paying the lower salaries and with state and local governments paying the highest annual amounts. Forensic psychology are experiencing rapid growth in a number of settings. Jobs are available with child welfare agencies, state forensic units, mental health facilities, and community mental health agencies. There is also a opportunity of operating as a private practice providing psychotherapy or as a consultant. Government agencies offer
In addition to education, is the importance of training in this field. It takes specialized qualifications to have the ability to do this job. In the column “Criminal Psychologist Career: Job Duties, Skills, and Education,” the author writes about some of the qualifications needed to do this job. “Criminal psychologists must be adept at communicating effectively with others, including listening actively, and empathically. As a result, they must be experts in psychology, law, and oftentimes forensics as well,” (“Criminal Psychologist Career: Job Duties, Skills, and Education” 3). The people who decide to work this job must have the ability to listen and communicate with the criminals set before them. When the need arises the
“Few fields of study offer more career opportunities than does psychology” (Sternburg 3). There are a wide selection of specialties a person could go into with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. In graduate school, which is a must to attend, there is the option to explore the different specialities or to go into the desired specialty without any research of the others. There are also many options within a specific specialty. There is the option to be a teacher, to work for various organizations, be a speaker, to have your own practice, and many others. In the psychology field these options can all be combined. In fact it is expected of psychologists to do more activities involving their specialty than solely sit in an office and listen to patients. There are two specialities that I am interested in however, over the years, these specialties have become very similar. Clinical and counseling psychology have evolved to become one in the same. Someone who specializes in clinical psychology are more
The clinician develops a professional relationship with the client in order to assess and treat their disorder. A Forensic psychologist work requirements are different from a clinician in the field of psychology because the services he/she provides are in areas where they have specialized knowledge, skills, experience and education. He/she administers assessments to determine competency to stand trial and can testify as an expert witness. The forensic psychologist does not have a professional relationship with the client as their main focus is assessing the individual in order to submit a report to the court (Hubaboom, 2002).
Once offenders are assessed forensic psychologists can then develop an appropriate treatment and rehabilitation plan for that specific offender or for a group of offenders who have committed similar crimes. Forensic psychologists also do a lot of research and analysis on crimes, offenders, and prison systems. Another task of a forensic psychologist is providing expert witness testimony in criminal court cases. A Forensic psychologist does a lot of the same work that a clinical psychologist does, the only difference is much of their patients, research, and work takes place within the legal system instead of in
In order to understand how this may be done, allow me to define Forensic Psychology. You see forensic psychology is the practice of psychology related to the legal system. This involves relationships with federal, local, and state law enforcement agencies; attorneys and the court; corrections and treatment facilities; and working with people whose behavior or situation leads them into involvement with the courts.
Diana is currently striving to be a Forensic Psychologist, she already has interned with SAPD and says that there is a high demand for Forensic Psychologists. She says the field is very interesting for her since she gets to participate in all the action and says it pays well with lots of bonuses. Diana elaborated since there is a lack of people within the field, especially in San Antonio that it is never hard to get your foot through the door.
Forensic psychology is a field in psychology that has become exceedingly crucial and famous currently, due to its applications both in the civil and criminal cases. Forensic psychologists have the chief task of testifying objectively in court in the assessment of victims and criminals (Goldstein, 2006). Forensic psychology describes the interaction amid law and psychology. An individual that has the knowledge of forensic psychology may work in civil court, family court and criminal court. Therefore, a forensic psychologist can have the following careers; working as an expert witness, in law enforcement, jury consultant, victim advocacy, and can work with juvenile offenders. This assignment will discuss careers in forensic psychology
Whatever the focus, many forensic psychologists will engage in such acts as serve as witnesses in order to provide expert opinion regarding an individual’s mental state and, assess criminal defendants to provide the court with psychological evaluations concerning threat risk or recommended treatment.
What degrees are required for Forensic Psychology? For general education, forensic psychology can have a focus on psychology, criminology, and forensics. There are different ways that one could earn their degree for this field. One could earn their bachelor's degree with the main focus of psychology and or criminal justice. One could also earn a bachelor's degree in criminal justice or criminal law/ justice and have a focus of psychology. Although, having a bachelors is nice to have under one's belt, most require a masters to be successful in this career. This field in forensic psychology, a masters degree in Psychology is recommended. Being in the field of psychology, it is important to stay informed on upcoming research. Those including cognitive, clinical , developmental, and behavioral. It is important to have an understanding of law and criminology: laws, statutes, and legal procedures of the
The American Psychology Association (APA) (2018) mentions forensic psychologists perform various roles within the judicial system, as well as in public safety. Forensic psychologists conduct evaluations in legal proceedings (e.g. competency to stand trial, disability evaluations, etc.). In addition, forensic psychologists assist with the selection of police and correctional officer, members of the special units (e.g. SWATs, undercover agents, crisis/hostage negations teams, veterans returning from deployment (APA, 2018; Bartol & Bartol, 2012). Re-Entry Programs
Forensic Psychology is a field that tends to get over looked and over shadowed by the false pretenses given to it through social media and television series such as CSI, Silence of the Lambs, Criminal Minds, and other crime shows. The field itself is very broad, giving those who pursue a degree in it a wide variety of options to choose from, rather than the stereotypical detective most people think about. With that being said, the field of forensic psychology as a whole is very competitive. It is a highly sought after job field, especially with the growing love of crime shows and movies, even if they don’t adequately depict the job in real life. Because of the competitiveness, an applicant must make themselves more marketable and give themselves
A forensic psychologist needs to complete a doctoral program. Before one can enter a program however, they must already have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. After that, they will enter a doctoral program that will take around four years of graduate coursework, during this time they also have to complete an internship before they can graduate. It doesn’t end there for some, since in some places you also need 2 years of experience and you’ll need to pass an Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) to get your license. After all of that, one will finally be able to work. Generally though, people get PHDs in clinical psychology before the doctoral program.
My career goal is to become a psychologist and carry out research on areas such as why we behave differently from each other and why some people want to belong in a society while others try to separate themselves. I also plan on having my research published and the Indiana University Journal of Undergraduate Research is a good place to
A Forensic Psychologist focuses on “why people do bad things, why they commit crimes, lie to police officers, and treat their children abusively” (AllPsychologyCareers). There is this fascination with criminals and the psychopathy behind their actions and thoughts. According to All Psychology Careers, this field of study focuses on all types of research in psychology including clinical, developmental, social, clinical, behavioral and neuropsychological to blend together ideas and studies to apply to criminal action. The major focus of forensic psychologist is criminology and law because there needs to be a broad understanding of how the judicial system works and what statutes apply in what states. This type of work can be applied in many different settings such as prisons, correctional facilities, court systems, government agencies, parole boards and research.
Forensic psychologists are helpful in many criminal investigations as well as civil investigations. These types of psychologists must have advanced knowledge in many areas such as clinical psychology, forensic science, and many legal matters. Their main job is to aid in police investigations and/or assist as an expert witness in both criminal and civil trials. Forensic psychology is a major part of psychology because it helps define who a criminal is and what their mental state is.