What should I be when I grow up?

[chuck]

I'm a year away from getting my bachelor of science in psychology and I have not a clue what I am going to do for a career. Of all the subfields in psych, I find social psych most appealing, however, I don't really know what career field I'm going into or how I can utilize my focus on social psych. This question has been in the back of my mind for over a year and I decided to stick with psychology as a major because I figured it's applicable to a wide variety of careers. I've been thinking about going to graduate school because I love the academic environment but am questioning it since I don't know what I'm gonna do after college. I've been to a workshop on what I can do with a psych degree, but all I got from it was how I can apply it to many fields... too many fields.

What would be a good way to narrow down a career field?

[GoldenCrisp]

It's a very important question to answer, give it some thought, but this what I would recommend.

You need to narrow down what you are most interested in doing, and also what you enjoy doing. And if you're not sure about something try it out. Go and speak a professor about it. So in your case, you might go and consult a social psychology professor at your institution, for example. From what you've said, you also might want to consider teaching at University level since you enjoy the academic environment.

Another option is to try out a few things after graduate school, or even before graduate school. Make a list of potential fields, think outside the box too, it doesn't even have to be psychology related. Remember, you can use your degree outside this science too. Sport psychology, for example, exists too, and often appeals to those interested in sports.

Let us know how you get on...

[Coke]

I think I am in a similar situation but I have somewhat narrowed down what I want to do. However, I cannot make up my mind without having a trial of it first. Even if it means doing something without getting paid, like a work experience, it can be helpful to give you a better idea if you would want to carry on with that particular job for most of your life.

It is important that you go for something you enjoy, and look forward to. Imagine having to go to work everyday when the work itself isn't appealing to you - you'd want to get yourself out of there, and you probably will sooner or later, so why not choose the proper job now?