As we ease into the start of a new year, many of us find ourselves reflecting on our future paths. As a third-year psychology student, I’ve become very familiar with that recurring question from friends and family: “What do you want to do after undergrad?” My answer to this seems to change each time I am asked it. The truth is, I’m still figuring it out. Some days, I feel excited by the seemingly endless possibilities a psychology degree offers. On other days, I feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of choices. If this sounds familiar to you, rest assured, you’re not alone.
The field of psychology is incredibly diverse, offering a range of different career paths, which can sometimes feel overwhelming. How do you decide which direction to take? What if you choose the wrong path? There are normal questions, and many of us grapple with them.
That’s exactly why I’m launching Career Spotlight, a monthly blog series that aims to illuminate the diverse opportunities available to psychology graduates. Each month, I’ll be sitting down with psychology professionals in various fields, many of whom are making an impact right here in London. Through these conversations, my goal is to bring you firsthand insights into the day-to-day realities of their careers, inspiring you and helping you feel more confident in navigating your path.
Psychology is a rapidly growing field and is becoming a very popular discipline for undergraduate students to pursue. At Western alone, there were 1,444 students enrolled in psychology programs as of 2024 and this excludes all the first-year students interested in pursuing psychology in their second year. This popularity is for good reason, as psychology is one of the most versatile undergraduate degrees out there. It’s about more than just understanding human behaviour (though that is certainly valuable!) But it also helps students develop:
Advanced research skills
Critical thinking skills
Strong communication abilities
Data analysis expertise, with many courses focused on statistics and research methods
Emotional intelligence, which comes from a better understanding of human behaviour
These skills are applicable across countless professions. Yet, with so many options, it’s easy to feel paralyzed by choice. The truth is that career paths are rarely linear. Many professionals explore several roles before landing in a field that feels like the right fit. This is part of the process. The key is to give yourself permission to embrace uncertainty and remain open to discovery.
While some of your peers might seem to have their entire careers already mapped out, remember that the most interesting career journeys often involve unexpected turns. Career development isn’t about finding the “perfect” path right away, it’s about:
Exploring different areas that spark your interest
Learning from each experience, especially the ones that show you what you don’t want
Building a diverse skill set that makes you adaptable
Making connections with professionals in various fields
Staying open to opportunities you might not have considered (or even known existed!)
If you’re feeling uncertain about your career direction, there are many ways to gain clarity and confidence:
Career Exploration
Schedule a one-on-one appointment with a career counselor through Western’s Career Education.
Attend information sessions and events brought to you by the Department of Psychology and our club, WPA, which will be hosting a career night later this semester!
Gain Hands-on Experience
Volunteer for organizations you are interested in, such as mental health organizations like CMHA and ANOVA, hospitals or community resource centers.
Apply for research assistant positions.
Seek internships in fields that interest you.
Try out an independent study or enroll in a community-engaged learning course like Psychology 4873E.
I also invite you to get involved! Comment under this post and let me know which fields interest you the most, and I’ll do my best to find professionals in those areas for future spotlights. Your input is greatly appreciated!
I hope that Career Spotlight will serve as a valuable resource as we navigate our journeys in psychology together. Whether you’re considering a career in clinical practice, intrigued by the corporate world of organizational psychology, passionate about research or using your degree in other fields like education, human resources or law, I hope you can gain something useful from this series.
Cheers,
Sadie
Resources
Western Career Education: https://career.uwo.ca/take_action/career_appointments.html