Careers and opportunities

Psychology concerns the study of human behaviour, as well as the factors that may influence human behaviour. Professional psychologists use scientifically established processes to help investigate a range of personal and social issues. Despite popular misconceptions, not all psychologists are directly concerned with personal problems. Many work in positions where they create social change to improve or prevent human problems; provide assistance in evaluating and correcting learning difficulties; study accident prevention; design educational material; promote healthy behaviours; research how people function in different environments and situations; assist clients to live happier, healthier lives; and design and implement recruitment and selection strategies.

While many psychology students go on to become professional psychologists, others use it as a stepping stone to different occupations, or to broaden their knowledge and understanding of human behaviour. Some examples of the specialisation opportunities and career paths available within the psychology field include: clinical neuro-psychology, clinical psychology, community psychology, counselling, educational and developmental psychology, forensic psychology, guidance officer, health psychologist, organisational psychology and sports psychology.

To apply for positions advertised for psychologists, you must be eligible for registration with the appropriate State psychologists' registration board. Full registration requirements are that you must have completed four years of approved university study, followed by two years of supervised practice or a Masters degree.

Career opportunities

Psychologists work in a wide range of workplaces, such as:

• Private practice
• Corporations - consulting firms, market research companies, recruitment firms, test development corporations
• Education - universities, schools, career services
• Government departments
• Health and welfare services – hospitals, rehabilitation agencies, substance abuse services, youth services
• Community agencies
• Police force, law courts and prisons
• Counselling services
• Defence forces
• Non-profit organisations and professional associations
• Research institutions
• Training and development services.

Most, but not all, students who study psychology plan a future career in this area. It is worthwhile making a few points about careers and future prospects. Universities throughout Australia produce more graduates in psychology than there are job vacancies with the title Psychologist, so entry to the profession is quite competitive. On the other hand, most graduates are able to find work in an area that makes use of the skills they have learned during their course, because there are many diverse jobs that can be undertaken by psychology graduates.

A study of the Australian workforce by the Department of Education, Employment and Training identified psychology as the fastest growth profession. According to Australian Bureau of Statistics data, the number of psychologists employed in Australia in 1993–1994 was 7 100. This is due to grow to 13 400 by 2005. Many psychologists (probably a majority) work in the jobs which do not have the title Psychologist. This might include jobs such as Counsellor, Personnel Officer, Research Officer, Child Care Officer, Mental Health Worker, Community Corrections Officer, Research Officer, Health Promotion Officer, Training Officer. Many psychology-related jobs do not require completion of four years of training – that is, they are available to graduates at the end of the initial three year BSc. The main exception to this are jobs with the title Psychologist.

The Australian Psychological Society web site is a good place to start looking for info about careers. Click on the link "Study and careers" and then "Careers in Psychology". You will see that this page contains info about three topics: What do psychologists do? What are the employment prospects for psychologists? Where can I find more information about careers in psychology? If you browse to one of the links on that page (‘Australian Careers' website), you will be able to see the employment prospects for psychologists in general. If you want to look at actual jobs that are currently being advertised, try the PsychXchange job site. By searching for All Job types in All Locations, you will find all positions currently available. Also remember that not all jobs held by psychologists have the word "Psychologist" in the job title.