On Thursday, March 28, 2024, the Career Connections Center hosted a virtual workshop on career exploration for those interested in psychology. The workshop provide insight about various resources to utilize within the career exploration phase of your professional journey.
CLICK HERE to access the event recording.
Quick recap
Career coach Sarah discussed various career paths for someone with a degree in psychology and experience in business analytics, emphasizing the importance of understanding that a major does not necessarily determine one’s career path. She encouraged the use of AI tools and other resources for job searching and career exploration, and highlighted the importance of aligning one’s professional interests with their skill sets and career aspirations. She also stressed the significance of networking in career development, the need to evaluate career trends, and the importance of considering various factors when choosing a job. Lastly, she demonstrated how to use LinkedIn for career exploration and encouraged students to maintain an active and engaging LinkedIn presence.
Summary
Exploring Psychology Career Paths With AI
Sarah, the career coach for human services, consulting, and education, discussed various career paths for someone with a degree in psychology and experience in business analytics. She demonstrated how to use a career resource tool, which provided options such as sports psychology consultant, child psychologist, and family and child social workers. She emphasized the importance of understanding that major does not necessarily determine one’s career path, and she encouraged the use of AI tools to aid job searches. She also shared insights from an alumni panel event and promised to send the slides for attendees to use for their own career exploration.
Exploring Career Paths and Utilizing Resources
Sarah discussed the importance of career exploration and matching one’s interests and values with potential career paths. She emphasized that a major does not necessarily determine one’s career and suggested that students research various fields and internship opportunities to gain experience and skills. She also encouraged students to consider relevant job market data and to build a network of connections. Lastly, she suggested that students use the resources available to them, including LinkedIn learning courses, employment simulations, and career counseling services, to supplement their learning and prepare for their future careers.
Aligning Interests With Career Aspirations
Sarah discussed the importance of aligning one’s professional interests with their skill sets and career aspirations. She emphasized the value of internships and networking, especially in psychology, where a significant portion of jobs are filled through networking. She suggested the use of career hub and other resources for job searching, and encouraged students to explore various career paths through internships and job boards. The conversation ended with Sarah encouraging students to attend the majors and minors fair for further exploration of available programs.
Networking for Career Development
Sarah discussed the importance and benefits of networking in career development, emphasizing its role in discovering new opportunities and landing jobs. She encouraged students to use networking tools to connect with people in their fields of interest, and stressed the importance of considering values, skills, and personality when doing so. Sarah also highlighted the need to evaluate career trends and employment statistics to make informed decisions about career paths. She advised attending college events and professional development mixers to expand one’s network and stay updated on industry trends.
Choosing a Job With Considerations
Sarah discussed the importance of considering various factors when choosing a job, particularly for those nearing graduation. She emphasized the value of researching employment prospects, focusing on job titles, company values, and location. She also suggested exploring alumni networks and attending professional development events. Sarah highlighted the need to assess annual earnings and to ask open-ended questions to gain insight into potential careers. She also stressed the importance of possessing necessary technical skills and competencies for the chosen profession, and maintaining a mutually beneficial relationship with employers.
LinkedIn Alumni Tool and Career Exploration
Sarah discussed the importance of understanding the capabilities needed for success, particularly in relation to LinkedIn. She demonstrated how to use the UF LinkedIn alumni tool and encouraged the use of sample messages for connecting with potential contacts. Sarah also highlighted the benefits of expanding connections beyond the University of Florida bubble and suggested using LinkedIn Learning courses to supplement studies. Lastly, she discussed the employment trends in psychology and how to explore different career paths using the ‘What Can I Do With This Major?‘ resource.
Exploring Psychology Career Options Strategies
Sarah discussed various resources and strategies for exploring career options, particularly in the field of psychology. She suggested using LinkedIn to connect with potential mentors, join psychology groups, and take online courses to enhance skills. She also recommended reaching out to alumni for advice and using the Gator Career Link for one-on-one career coaching sessions. Sarah emphasized the importance of maintaining an active and engaging LinkedIn presence and encouraged students to tailor their virtual presence based on their career goals.
Addressing Remaining Questions
Sarah opened the floor for questions and encouraged those who hadn’t signed in to do so. She indicated that the session was nearing its end, and if there were no further questions, attendees were free to leave. She also offered to stay on the call to answer any remaining questions. The conversation ended with Sarah confirming the attendance of several individuals and expressing her gratitude towards everyone.
