Appendix Introduction

B-1

careers in psychology

Some students start college knowing what their majors are, but a great majority are uncertain about this decision. If you are considering psychology, or even if you have already chosen psychology as your major, it is important to determine if this is the right career choice for you. There is more to psychology than “being a good listener,” or providing a “shoulder to cry on.” You may feel drawn to the discipline because friends are always coming to you for advice, but there are many things to consider as you plan your career. Psychology is a vast field, and it may take time to figure out which subfield matches your interests, skills, and abilities. There is also the issue of finances. Will the career you choose allow you to reach your financial goals? Psychologists’ salaries are highly variable and depend on many factors, including education level, specialty, and type of employer.