The human mind has always fascinated me, the complexities that make each individual unique. This natural inclination drew me towards the field of psychology. My life experiences have shown me that within the field of psychology, the career of a Clinical Psychologist, although a challenging and rigorous field is what I am determined to entrench myself in. Currently, I am a senior at Pfeiffer University studying Psychology. I expect to graduate this upcoming spring semester in May 2016, with a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology and with academic honors. During my undergraduate career, I have gained knowledge and experience in the classroom, during undergraduate psychology research, and from outside internships. I wish to continue and expand upon my education at the University of North Carolina Greensboro. …show more content…
All of which built my passion for pursing a higher degree in psychology. I worked extensively on the perception of androgyny and the sex and success of a political candidate. I am currently embarking on another research experiment that looks at the genre of music preferred by individuals with varying levels of Machiavellianism. These research projects have given a fully working knowledge of how to complete each step within a research project of a psychological nature. Not only that, but I also gained experience with research at a collegiate level. Also, at the undergraduate level I was employed within the schools tutoring program. I was the sole tutor for the psychology field and effectively tutored over eight different subjects being taught at the university. This allowed me to comprehend what goes into relaying information to students of a psychological material. All of these experiences, step-by-step pushed me into wanting to pursue the degree I am applying
There are many professional pathways within psychology that an individual may apply themselves to for their career. These include: clinical, forensic, health, and educational psychology. The professional career pathway within applied psychology which will be discussed in this essay is the field of clinical psychology. Clinical psychology aims to reduce the amount of psychological distress an individual experiences and enhance the promotion of psychological well-being. Clinical psychologists attend to both mental and physical health problems including addiction, anxiety, depression, learning difficulties and relationship issues in order to help individuals resolve their problems. Clinical psychologists predominantly work within hospitals, mental health groups and the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (Clinical | Careers, 2016).
“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
“It takes a village to raise a child.” I never quite understood that saying when I was growing up, but my experiences teaching and working in school settings have showed me how true it really is. Obtaining a degree in school psychology will allow me to give the support that students, families and educators need to ensure that every student will thrive.
The basic definition of psychology is the study of human minds and there function, with respect to the affects the human mind has on behavior. The field of psychology is one of the most diverse fields that continue to expand and branch out into a plethora of distinguishing subfields; some subfields include retail marketing, legal work, social work and education (Sternberg, 2007). When deciding what career path to select one has to consider the level of education and scholarship they are willing to pursue. Pursuing and completing an undergraduate degree will earn an individual the title of a reflective scholar. A reflective scholar is a graduate that has completed a Bachelors or Bachelorette degree. Next, is the practitioner-scholar, which, is an individual that has graduated with a Masters degree. Following the practitioner-scholar is the scholar-practitioner, who is a graduate that has complete a program at a Doctoral level (McClintock, 2003). Each level of scholarship entails a pristine level of knowledge about the practices, strategies and techniques needed to establish quality and efficient
Personal Statement For as far back as I can remember I have always had a positive outlook on life. As a child, I was not fully aware of the troubles and hardships people faced. I always assumed that the people around me were, for the most part, content with their lives. It was not until my freshman year of high school when one of my closest friends disclosed to me that she did not want to live anymore, that this image I had of the world was challenged.
Lawrence fiddled with a toy while listening to the radio. After the broadcast was over, he softly mumbled something, though he generally kept to himself. I listened closely since his autism typically prevented Lawrence from stringing even two words together. He had recited the entire radio program, virtually word for word, even mimicking the tone of the broadcaster's voice. My jaw dropped. At that moment I knew that I wanted to learn more about Lawrence’s autism condition so that I could help him grow, but I also hoped to dedicate myself to studying the brain both from a physiological and psychological standpoint.
According to the American Psychological Association (APA) website “Psychologists who provide clinical or counseling services assess and treat mental, emotional and behavioral disorders. They integrate the science of psychology and the treatment of complex human problems with the intention of promoting change.” ("Pursuing A Career In Clinical Or Counseling Psychology", 2014).) In the simplest terms, “the study of individuals, by observation or experimentation, with the intention of promoting change.” (Compas, Bruce, & Gotlib, 2002) Clinical psychologist careers vary in industries such as research, integrated health care, teaching, public policy and professional practice. Some clinical psychologists work exclusively on specific mental, emotional, and behavioral issues. Relationship conflict and conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder and addiction are a few examples of areas of specialization for a clinical psychologist. According to the APA website (2014), in order to become a clinical psychologist the journey begins with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Next the student must obtain a graduate degree. Each graduate program determines its own entrance requirements. Some doctoral programs require their applicants to have a master’s degree in psychology. Other people enter doctoral programs with only a bachelor’s degree. Most doctoral degrees take five to seven years to complete. You must also
Graduating the University of Texas with a Master’s in Counseling Psychology would be a dream come true. I strongly believe this program will give me the tools I need to become an excellent counselor and to launch me to the next level of my career and life. Counseling humans in trouble and curing my thirst for knowledge are my goals which I am sure this program will help me achieve. I can’t wait for my future to take off as I gain more knowledge and pave the way to becoming an excellent counselor for anyone that needs my help as I was helped when I was a young
It's fascinating that humankind has had an easier time entering outer space than trying to develop a complete understanding of the human brain; and this paucity of information is what drove me to pursue the field of psychology, the fact that resting in my head is one of the world's most ironic enigmas. How can we know so little about the thing that makes us who we are? On the first day of my AP psychology course, my teacher informed us that “In this class you may be left with more questions than answers, and if you can't handle that, this may not be the class for you.” And when he said that, it was clear to that I was in the right place. You see, a riddle is no fun if the solution is obvious.
It is my strong desire to attend Fielding Graduate University APA (American Psychological Association) accredited doctoral program in clinical psychology. I have always been intrigued by the human mind for as long as I can remember, specifically the psychopathology of it. I truly enjoy conducting psychological research, learning about psychopathology and how to treat it. While conducting research and learning, it is important to remember that the purpose of psychology isn’t to predict a person’s thoughts, actions, and behaviors, but to understand them. There are dozens of events that occurred in my twenty-five years of life that led me to this meaningful choice of pursuing a doctorate. The two most significant events were when I was in the
Wanting to see in real life all the knowledge I gained from my courses at the University of West of Engand after I graduated with a Bsc in Psychology , I decided to work voluntarily at a rehabilitation center (ELEPAP) for children with disabilities. I built strong and positive relationships with all of my colleagues
I enjoyed taking “Careers in Psychology” and have learned more about the possibilities available with a degree in Psychology. Furthermore, while taking this course I have made some progress towards my goals. I have numerous goals, however, some short-term goals I plan to accomplish within the next two years are the following: secure a research assistant opportunity this summer, take the GRE and GRE Psychology Subject Test by September of this year, graduate with a B.S. degree in Psychology from Fort Hays through the Virtual College at end of Fall 2017, and apply to Clinical Psychology Ph.D. programs by December of this year.
With determination and hard work, I plan on obtaining my undergraduate degree in psychology. My interest remains centered on the Biopsychology aspect of psychology, which includes the brain and its behavior. I often find myself drawn to the actions of people, from which my passion for psychology grows stronger from the analyses of their behaviors. For example, I always wonder why those affected by mental disorders act dramatically different in certain situations, while others act calmly and subtly. Since being immersed in the field of psychology, I have picked out events in reality and have begun to see these events through a different lens.
Earning my Bachelors Degree in psychology is one of my greatest achievements thus far. Out on my own at the age of sixteen, moving from a small town to the city, I experienced many hardships, but more importantly, many accomplishments. Determined to graduate high school, I began taking classes at the community college of Rhode Island my senior year. After successfully earning my high school diploma, I continued taking classes toward my Associates Degree. Although it took me many years to complete, I earned my Assicotrs Degree from the Community College of Rhode Island while working at an independent pharmacy in my hometown. During my 8 years at the pharmacy, I met a wonderful man, we were married, have two beautiful children, and have purchased
Already getting started next year, I enrolled into a psychology class to get a jumpstart for when I go into college. I chose to enroll into the psychology class because the human mind is something that is very complex and diverse. By me taking this class, I am partially more ahead and more taught than that of a student who doesn’t take the class. And that way, when I get into the psychology major, I have a small intake of what it is all about.