Careers in Psychology
As psychology is the scientific study of human behaviour and experience, career opportunities for psychology graduates are wide-ranging. These can include health-care settings such as hospitals and community agencies, private practice, rehabilitation centres, patients' homes, schools, long-term care facilities, sports venues, aged care centres, occupational health practices, dental clinics, fitness centres and educational institutions, organisations, human resources, counselling, and behavioural research.
In order to be eligible for registration as a probationary psychologist in the State of Victoria (which is the first step to becoming a psychologist) it is necessary to complete four years of approved study in psychology. This normally comprises a bachelor's degree with a three-year accredited major in psychology, followed by an accredited fourth year course in psychology.
The Department of Psychology organizes various activities including the following to help students explore and gain insights into the different careers available to psychology graduates:
- Insight Lectures
- Psychology Colloquium Program
- Public Lectures
Areas of Career Specialisations:
Given the wide range of psychological work in both the public and private sectors, Psychologists may specialise in a variety of areas:
Clinical Psychologists are concerned with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of a wide range of psychological and general health problems affecting adults, children and families. Most Clinical Psychologists are employed by state health authorities working in psychiatric clinics and hospitals, general rehabilitation hospitals, community health centres, specialist agencies (for example, caring for people with physical or mental disabilities, people with drug and alcohol addictions) and research centres. Many practitioners also offer private clinical psychological services.
Clinical Neuropsychologists specialise in the assessment and diagnosis of brain impairment and how this affects thinking skills, emotions, behaviour and personality. They are also involved in the rehabilitation and management of the effects of brain impairment and often work with other allied health professionals. Most Clinical Neuropsychologists are employed in major hospitals, rehabilitation centres, psychiatric services and private practice.
Community Psychologists are mainly concerned with community issues and with creating social change to prevent or improve human problems. Many Community Psychologists work in community-based agencies developing strong, competent and resilient local neighbourhoods. Some work in areas of social need such as with the homeless and people who are socially, mentally or physically disadvantaged.
Counselling Psychologists provide assessment, counselling and therapy to individuals, couples, families, groups and organisations. They often work in educational or vocational settings, or other health and welfare services and private practice. Their clients are, in general, people trying to cope with everyday stresses and the resulting emotional and social problems.
Educational and Developmental Psychologists provide assessment, intervention and counselling services relevant to the management of developmental and educational issues across the lifespan. Specialisations include early intervention, disability, problems of learning and adjustment in schools, career and family development, lifespan transitions and ageing.
Forensic Psychologists apply psychological knowledge to assessment, intervention and research in the legal and criminal justice system. They provide expert opinion to the courts in such matters as criminal behaviour, child abuse and custody disputes. They work in forensic settings such as prisons and detention centres.
Organisational Psychologists are concerned with people functioning effectively in relation to their working environments. Their areas of expertise include recruitment and selection, training, appraisal and review, vocational guidance and career development, industrial relations, occupational health and safety, planning technological and organisational behaviour, ergonomics, job redesign and marketing.
Sport Psychologists provide psychological assistance to people involved in sport and exercise at all levels who are seeking to function more effectively through enhanced achievement, enjoyment and social interaction. Sport Psychology services focus on performance enhancement, personal development, well being and adjustment skills. Sport Psychologists work with individual athletes, coaches and teams, and often function as part of a multi-disciplinary sport science and medicine team. Employment opportunities exist in sports institutes, tertiary institutions and private practice.
Academic Psychologists work in tertiary institutions, are concerned with research and provide the academic training of Psychologists. A good record of research and a PhD qualification are necessary to gain employment in this area.
Research Psychologists use skills in statistics, research design, computing and data analysis. They may work in government departments, management institutes, market research, media and public opinion research.