Psychologist

Job Profile

Psychologists gather information for diagnosis and remedial work through tests of personality; performance; aptitude and intelligence; observation, interviews and questionnaires; clinical studies; or surveys or controlled laboratory experiments. Psychologists specialize in many different areas like:

• Educational Psychologists design, develop and evaluate educational programs. They deal with learning, behaviour and emotional problems as well as with handicapped children
• Developmental Psychologists study the patterns and causes of behavioural change from infancy to adulthood
• Counselling Psychologists help people on how to deal with problems of everyday living – personal, social, educational, or vocational
• Experimental Psychologists conduct experimental research on various aspects of human behaviour Psychometrists study methods and techniques used to acquire and evaluate psychological data
• Cognitive Psychologists study the brain’s role in memory, thinking and perceptions and involve them-selves with research related to artificial intelligence
• Neuro Psychologists study the relation between human physical systems and behaviour. These psychologists work in stroke and head injury programs, oncology programs, and medical practices specializing in neurology
• Research Psychologists investigate the physical, cognitive, emotional or social aspects of human behaviour
• Applied Psychologists are involved in counselling, training programs; market research; mental health services in hospitals, clinics, or private settings
• Clinical Psychologists concern themselves with mental health programs ranging from normal psychological crisis to extreme conditions. They work in psychiatric hospitals and clinics, with patients in the community and even in old people’s homes, children’s homes and remand centres
• Occupational Psychologists advise companies on improving training, job satisfaction and productivity. They specialize in industrial relations, vocational guidance and counselling, selection and recruitment, organizational structure, worker productivity, job satisfaction, consumer behaviour, personnel training and development and the interaction between humans and machines
• Consumer Psychologists are concerned with consumer reactions to products or services. Market research requires their evaluation to assess consumer preferences
• Criminology and Legal Psychologists work in prisons, juvenile centres and special hospitals. They provide a range of rehabilitative programs through individual as well as group therapy

Salary/Package

The average salary ranges between Rs. 1.2-9.96 Lakhs p.a. The salaries may vary based on area of specialisation, experience, skills, roles, location, etc.

Skills required

• Basic curiosity about human behaviour
• Ethical standards of dealing with problems
• Systematic & methodical
• Good communication skills
• Creative approach
• Computer skills
• Fascination with working of human mind
• Ability to deal with all kinds of people
• Emotionally strong
• Logical thinking
• Tolerant

Pros and Cons of being a Psychologist

Pros

• It offers great job satisfaction
• It provides multiple employment opportunities
• It can be well paid
• You can have flexible work hours

Cons

• It can be emotionally demanding
• It takes time and hard work
• Setting up your own practice is challenging
• Your work schedule can be erratic

How do I be one

Path

Std XII (Stream: Any with Psychology (Preferred)) >> Graduation (B.A/BSc with Psychology) >> Post graduation (MA Psychology) >> PhD (PhD/Specialist courses) >> Goal (Psychologist)

Specializations in the subject can be pursued at the post graduate level/professional courses after post-graduation.