[SlimeFlu]

Hello, and thanks for reading. Here is just a little background on my situation

I recently graduated with a BS in psychology from a good university. This was in August 2014, ever since then ive been trying to get a job and have had very little luck even getting an interview. Ive been getting a bunch of offers to sell insurance which I dont really want to do. During my bachelors I worked as a research assistant for a professor in my school studying cognitive effects on memory, I also volunteered during my breaks at a clinical office. In my opinion my resume looks decent for an entry level position somewhere because I have over a year of experience conducting research under IRB protocol etc.

Now ive been applying to RA positions at hospitals, universities, private institutions, and have had no luck. My only guess is that employers would like their perspective employees to have a lot more experience than I currently have. So my main question is what can I do to garner more interest from employers? Are there any types of supplementary degrees that can bolster my resume? I'd like to eventually go for my masters or PsyD but Im not sure if I would be able to get in with my GPA of 2.8-2.9 from undergrad. Im just really at a crossroads right now and have no clue what to do with my life and its making me really depressed, id really appreciate some advice on the matter.

Thanks.

[sideblinded]

Hello and welcome to PC. I have a little knowledge about this. BS degrees in Psychology are pretty generic unless you have a masters level degree and some research companies are looking for PHD's. I used to work for the gov't in a research lab but back then they were ok with BS degrees. Now the trend is going to PHD levels. So many college students get 4 year degrees in psychology so there is a saturation of these degrees in the market so to speak. I am wondering if you could get a job more related to social work or mental health and go to school to get your masters? Are you mainly only interested in research?

[kaliope]

hi slimeflu
gosh, i am uncertain as i have always questioned what people do with a bachelors in psychology myself. it is one reason i did not go into the field. can you talk to a career counselor at the school you went to to see what they have to suggest? I too would think that your experience as a reseach assistant would help you. I wish i had some suggestions to offer you. i notices this was your first post and wanted to welcome you. welcome to psych central. you will find we have several forums where you can post about your concerns and receive feedback from other members. you will get a lot of support here. again, welcome

[kim_johnson]

Ask the professor you worked for. Also, ask for feedback when you don't get a job, otherwise you are just surmising. It could be a case of simply persisting until you strike it lucky, or it might be that you are really not likely to get something you would like without further training.

[CosmicRose]

I've heard from a lot of people with bachelor's in psychology who have a hard time finding jobs, psychology is one of the majors that are considered one of those fields where they usually want a master's degree or a phd for anything substantial right out of school. That's why so many people in that field go onto graduate school.

Do you want to counsel people or do you want to research as a long term career goal? Because if you want to either research or counsel, those are two different forks in the road that branch off from that field. Depending on which one you choose, you will have to choose jobs that relate to either one of those...for example if you want to counsel you could try applying at therapists offices as a therapy assistant or a psychologist assistant, and if you want to research then you might want to look into non-profits or hospitals that have a big study focus on research programs or even getting a job at a university again, go where the research is taking place and it's usually at schools.

Good luck and keep trying. You have to remember there's a lot of BS in psychology graduates out there and you should try to get a little more experience to fluff up your resume to make yourself stand out somehow. Maybe even taking a job that is slightly related to that field just to tide you over. Some companies might hire you for things like marketing based on psychology or other avenues like that. Not really sure, just look in places that are related to the mental field and then maybe later on you can get into a job that is more research based...

Come to think of it, don't people hire PhD's for research in psychology? Hmm I have no idea! Try to become a doctor's assistant somewhere. Maybe look into the clinical side of things as well meaning administration at first. The job you apply for right now will just be a stepping stone for your future career in psychology or anything else.

[SlimeFlu]

Thank you for the advice. All of the jobs ive been applying to ask for either a BA or BS in psychology, I dont usually even apply to the jobs that require a masters so Im just going to keep applying until something gives. I will also attempt to apply to grad school in the near future.

[striking]

Try for a case manager position. Milieu counselor. Check non profit websites.

[Gansta678]

Go into the military as an officer.

[healingme4me]

Can you utilize a headhunter and have someone review your resume, professionally?

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[PennyD]

Originally Posted by SlimeFlu

Thank you for the advice. All of the jobs ive been applying to ask for either a BA or BS in psychology, I dont usually even apply to the jobs that require a masters so Im just going to keep applying until something gives. I will also attempt to apply to grad school in the near future.

You are definitely on the right track, SlimeFlu.
Soon enough, you'll get into a good position.
Keep strong and keep applying!!
Best of luck, Slime

[Puglife]

My husband got a BA in psych many years ago and could never do anything in the field. He tried retail, banking and mortgages until the market tanked. He finally went back to school (National University) at age 40 to get his Masters. He graduated 2 years ago and is a therapist working towards his 3,000.

If you want to stay in the field, unfortunately you do need to pursue higher education. In the meantime, you may want to look into being an Admin Asst. It's not in your field, but it is a job and gives you work experience.

Good luck.

[CosmicRose]

Good advice Puglife.
If you do pursue higher education, try to minimize student loan debt as much as possible.