[chimpsociety]

Good morning everyone

It took me quite a while to find a forum with an active community... But it seems that I found one after all.

Anywho - as the title reads, I am currently looking into doing a second degree in Psychology. However, before I dive into the details, let me share a quick summary of my situation with you:

I am 25.7 years old and I currently live in Germany. I did my Bachelors in Business Admin in 2012 and worked as an Analyst in Switzerland thereafter.
Now, 4 years later, 1 year into severely questioning my career choice, I am all but certain to finally follow my passion: Psychology.

However, since I want to move away from the corporate world entirely, getting a related Masters degree in Business Psych will not suffice.
Although I am aware that I am not the youngest anymore, I believe that I can still effort to do a BSc, MSc and perhaps even a subsequent PhD in Psych.
Ideally, I would want to go into research in one of the following fields:
Behavioral -, Developmental -, or Cognitive Psychology.

After having talked to a few students and practitioners, feedback was quite mixed. The most worrisome comment I received stated that it is super hard to get a permanent research job in Psych, and that it usually only bridges the gap between the Masters Degree and the PhD. After that, one would only have the option to become a professor, which is a highly sought after position.

How do you feel about this? Is there some truth to the above concern? Should I consider other fields of work before I start my studies? Or is getting a permanent research position not as unrealistic as it is made out to be?
Lastly, perhaps you could also comment on job alternatives outside of the corporate world, that I could look into?

Thanks so much for your help!

Have a great weekend

Kind regards
Chimp

[Skeezyks]

Hello Chimp: I'm sorry I am unable to comment with regard to your career questions. Most of us, here on PC, are consumers of mental health services & not professionals. Our primary purpose is to provide one another with support & to share experiences.

I see this was your first post here on PC. So... welcome to PsychCentral… from the Skeezyks! I hope you find whatever amount of time you spend here to be of benefit.

[Yoda]

Aren't most research scientists also academic professors?

[seesaw]

Chimp,

Yes, psychology can be a kind of useless degree unless you are going to get a PhD. I believe you can actually see patients with a PhD as a psychologist. So you wouldn't just be stuck as a researcher. Yes, there are a lot of people out there getting doctorates in psychology and so it's a competitive field.

WIth a degree in psychology you could potentially go into social services though or the nonprofit world and be a case worker or work at a shelter or rehab. Not great pay but very rewarding.

On another note: I"m glad you're trying to consider what the job options are, but if this is truly your passion, then go for it.

Good luck,
seesaw

[cluelessgal]

Welcome to PC chimpsociety!

You are wondering if you're too old? I'm 32 and planning to start a degree in psychology next year.

You're never too old to do the thing you want to do!

I can't answer much about career, but do weigh in all options before you take the plunge.