People who are best suited for roles in psychology are curious about human behavior. They may wonder how environmental, societal, or hereditary factors affect a person's personality and decision-making process. They might also be driven by the goal of helping others overcome emotional barriers, including fears and trauma, so they can further grow, develop, and achieve a sense of well-being.
When you study psychology, you get to choose from a number of career paths, such as pursuing a master's degree and becoming a psychologist or mental health counselor. You can also aim for a social work degree and pursue a path that involves improving the well-being of children, families, and even communities. Another option is to become a psychiatrist. This career path can be lengthy, as it'll require you to go to medical school, complete a residency, and obtain a license. Psychiatry is a high-paying field, with an average base salary of more than $220,000 in the US as of 2021, according to Indeed.
People who study psychology are often hired to work directly with patients in an office setting in a private practice or as part of a larger organization. An office may be set up in spaces such as a school, rehab center, or hospital. People who study the subject may also be hired to work on experiments in universities or government-owned facilities.
Along with psychology, you might also consider studying the related field of neuroscience. While studying psychology may involve learning about the brain, the subject is often considered a social science and puts a heavy focus on feelings and thoughts. Neuroscience takes you a step closer to biology. It requires a more in-depth exploration of the central nervous system, including the physical structure and chemical processes of the brain.