Why did I choose Psychology:
Because I found the human behavior very interesting to study, and also because I have a passion for counselling/listening to people's problems and helping them out with it.
About my college education:
Difficult, because every program is difficult one way or another (I thought I could escape Math if I took this up, but I was TERRIBLY WRONG). Interesting because each time we have a new lesson, I get to learn something really interesting, not only about individual human behaviors, but also social behaviors we have in general. Fun partly because I really loved studying Psychology and learning how to psych up people who are ignorant of Psychological techniques, and because our professors were mostly fun themselves. Tedious because we had minor subjects which were really difficult to the point that you'd ask yourself why is it even related to your program, and also major subjects which really demanded "study time." Lastly, enlightening because I got to understand why humans behave in a certain way, heck, why I behave in certain situations in certain ways! It's awesome!
Here are the list of Skills that I think are needed to survive this program:
* Resourcefulness - you have to know your own style of studying the courses offered in this program (from being a library nerd to a YouTube-watcher, or even having group studies with your upper classmen!)
* Patience & Perseverance - it will be tough, I assure you that...but hang in there, statistics and anatomy will pave your way with much discouragement, but always keep on remembering why you loved Psychology in the first place. ;)
* Friendliness - You'll need all the help you can get (especially in understanding your subjects), so find time to invest in bonding/getting close to both classmates and professors alike.
* Faithfulness - As I said before, it will be hard, but with the right faith and trust in God, you will surpass all hardships and emerge victorious!
Here are the attitudes that I think will successfully help you get through this program:
* Being Open-minded:
There will definitely be theories and practices that might be in contrast to your own beliefs more often than not, and you'll be finding yourself being in a very difficult position if you weren't open-minded. This attitude helps you learn all the diverse theories and be at peace with them too. Plus, it will definitely help you through your time in assessing future clients/patients when you'll start working. :)
* Being Optimistic:
There will be rough roads and not-so-happy moments in college (in general), and being optimistic about everything that happens to you might just keep you sane and efficient at studying as well. Try to look at things in a positive perspective and you'll not only enjoy your time in college, but also learn a great deal for life!
My current job:
Currently, I am an online English tutor at a Japanese company. It was a job I had since my senior year, and one which I kept until now since I did not accept any psychology-related jobs (as of the moment) since I am focusing on my review for the Psychometrician's Board Exam this coming October.
Am I using what I learned in college:
Yes, I think it is really practical. I have used what I learned in my current job as an English Tutor in a discreet sense (by means of how I relate to them, my students, in relation to theoretical approaches I learned in Psychology). For example, I have used counselling techniques such as proper stance (for optimum rapport building), proper feedback approach, and proper listening techniques that made me a more efficient tutor as a whole. :)
How long did it take to find a job:
Honestly, I've had job offers at my doorstep even before graduation, and I've had more than seven job offers (in totality before and after graduation) that I politely turned down, since I have plans to take up my board exam first, and also returning to my province and work there instead.
Do I recommend studying Psychology:
Yes, I would recommend studying Psychology in terms of employment opportunities as we do have a wide range of choices from the medical, legal, social, developmental, educational, and industrial job settings. I would say that this profession does offer a substantial amount especially in terms of medical, legal and industrial settings. :D
Advice to people who are thinking of studying this course:
I would definitely say, study for LIFE and not for school. You might have thought that memorizing stuff in elementary and high school helped you survive those years, but in college, it's all about practicality and how it (theories) applies to real life outside the academe. Take time to really realize what your subject (any subject for that matter...yes, even MATH), is all about and how would it help you in your life or your profession (just keep an open mind), and studying will become a fun activity, and something you'll look forward to. Remember, what you learn here will be directly (or indirectly) used in our profession, so better internalize it! :)
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