[loowisalibot]

I just had a conversation with some random guy on the internet and he said that Psychology graduates find it hard to get a job. He also told me that the most practical course to take is Engineering.
Do you agree with him? What are your thoughts about this?

[dxj5069]

Hello! I'm a fellow Psychology undergrad - senior year - and what he said to you is partially true. It is difficult to obtain an entry-level position with a social science degree, especially if you have no further plans to continue grad school. However, it doesn't mean you can't find a job. Nowadays, the field of psychology is shifting toward a more quantitative realm, so it will gain more respect and be seen as a "natural science," even though I firmly believe it already is one.

In most programs, they offer a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, which will emphasize Statistics, Research Methods, and additional math classes. If you plan to find a job with a Psychology degree, it would be wise to gain as much research experience you can. Volunteer in a lab or two, take as many research-based and statistics classes that will actually teach you skills. If you know how to use statistical software programs, like SPSS and R, then you will be VERY employable, especially if research is your niche. It's all about catering your program so you can make the most out of it.

My school only offers a BA in Psychology, but my classes in research method has already given me skills to use statistical programming, which actually got me a job in a lab. My lab supervisor also has lots of connections and I can easily find a lab managerial or research associate position before applying to grad school.

I'm unsure about engineering, but you need to be great at math. Also, getting a low GPA with an engineering degree doesn't look good, so you should decide to go into that route if you know you can handle the workload.

No I dont agree with him because Psychology is a growing field. There are plenty of opportunies coming out daily. A lot of people tend to be biased towards their profession and will often try to steer others in that direction. Its not a bad thing. I tell people all the time that medical is the way to go.

[tradika]

Generally, governments keep records as to how much growth is in a particular field. Psychology doesn't have the best growth, but it is not shrinking. The major draw back is the amount of educated required vs. the starting pay. You really can't do much of anything with a BA. It is like a degree just to get a degree.

[KissedbyFire]

There is some truth. You can't really work in the psychology field without at least a Master's, preferably a doctorate. If you plan on going to graduate school, it is fine. If not, I would go with something else.

As far as Engineering, while STEM majors are in higher demand than most, it is also extremely tough and not everyone is cut out for the intense courseload.

[Perna]

I don't know any university degrees that are particularly practical for their BA/BS recipients. University is too much book learning and not enough experience and you need both to really get a good job. If I could do it again I think I would study accounting but would start in a community college and look at the literally practical stuff one can study there, the tech jobs and do a work study program, etc.