Abstract – The paper presents self-assessment results obtained by using the O*NET Interest Profiler instrument related to forensic careers from the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. The paper also outlines the career opportunities for master’s, bachelor’s, and doctoral students. Based on self-assessment findings it has been made an educational program that takes into consideration specific interests in the workplace and recommends the career path of a counselor, clinical or forensic psychologist. The report also suggests the future direction of education planning and job-related research in the areas of counseling, clinical, as well as forensic psychology.
Career and Interest Self-Assessment Results
U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (2000a) has created a specific tool that can be used to identify “identify the strongest work-related interests” of an individual (p. 1.). The tool is based on the RIASEC spectrum, which categorizes work-related passions into six categories which include realistic, investigative creative, social, entrepreneurial, and conventional (U.S. Department of Labour, Employment and Training Administration 2000a).
Through this tool, I discovered that my top interests in work are in the field of investigation (10 scores) in addition to interpersonal (9 scores). Therefore, my most important focus is on investigation This means that I like activities that require more thought than physical effort and emphasize my desire to solve diverse problems, rather than engaging in regular interactions with others. It is evident but my second focus is on social. Indeed, I love being of service and believe that helping others is among the most crucial factors when considering the importance of the job. Based on the information above factors, I can think this combination of scientific knowledge and applications in the real world is an ideal choice for my future job.
U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (2000b) recommends that when it comes to exploring my potential career I should consider the “current job zone” and “future job zone” (p. 4.). My current job has been designated as Zone 2. Zone 2, for which the experience of employees’ professionals could be useful, but isn’t required. With my college-level knowledge of psychology, as well as social and investigative interests, I could perform the duties of the emergency medical technician as well as a lab technician for clinical and medical laboratories as well as a funeral assistant (U.S. Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration 2000c,2000d).
To determine my next job zone I will choose Job Zone 4 or 5, which requires extensive or substantial preparation and experience and the masters or doctoral level. I’m thinking of such careers as a clinical psychologist, forensic scientist, and counselor psychology (U.S. Department of Labour, Employment and Training Administration 2000c,2000d).
A self-assessment of my interests at work has confirmed that I have chosen the correct path to pursue my education since my interests align with my future job as a psychologist.
What can I do with a degree in Psychology?
Graduates who hold master’s, bachelor’s, or doctoral levels in the field of psychology are eligible to work in a range of fields of work. Doctoral and master’s degrees do not require the need to be employed in an academic environment. If the graduate is granted the state’s special license, they can be therapists and run private practices (Kuther Morgan and Kuther 2012). Other than the obvious professions in the areas of counseling and clinical psychotherapy, school psychology criminal and legal psychology as well as other fields. Students who have completed their studies in psychology might be employed as commercial, business, and management resources consultants (American Psychology Association n.d.a).
This number of options for employment could explain the reason for this because psychology is concerned with human behavior, motivations, and mental and interpersonal skills, that is all that can be used or altered to enhance the efficiency of work.
Do I Have to Go to Grad School and What Should My Undergraduate Degree Plan Be?
At the beginning of this essay in the first paragraph, as a future career, I’m considering the field of forensic psychology, clinical psychology, and counseling psychology.
Forensic Science Technician
Forensic exams are a very popular area of study for psychologists. Forensic examination is a popular field of activity for psychologists. Occupational Outlook Handbook (n.d.) states that technicians working in forensic science “typically need at least a bachelor’s degree” (para. 3.) and that the majority of people “spend their time writing reports” (para. 1). It is apparent that this profession is dull and uninteresting If one considers the fact that a lot of doctoral holders employ forensic experts to conduct sanity tests and sanity tests, it is clear that this job has potential to be exciting and rewarding (Kuther and Morgan 2012). I believe that the specialty is in line with my love of research and my desire to search for answers to complex questions.
Furthermore, I believe that this profession provides a tremendous benefit to individuals as it aids in uncovering the truth about controversial topics that have an impact on our lives. In this field, students in the undergraduate program can take classes such as psychological theories such as social psychology, psychological psychology, psychological terrorism as well as psychological warfare (American Public Universities System n.d.).
Clinical and Counselling Psychologist
Self-assessment has proven that my main interests in my job include research and social assistance. Psychological counseling and clinical are the areas of expertise that relate to these areas of interest. Kuther as well as Morgan (2012) declare that clinical psychology refers to “the integration of science, theory, and practice to explain and understand, predict, and alleviate psychological problems and distress, as well as promote healthy human development” (p. 20). Counseling psychology is similar to the clinical version but with the distinction that it is focused specifically on “helping people improve their well-being across the lifespan” (Kuther and Morgan, 2012, 211). 21).
It is the American Psychological Association (n.d.b) declares that the independent practice of psychological counseling and clinical psychology “requires a doctoral degree and a state license” (para. 9). Students can pursue doctoral degrees having only a bachelor’s degree but it is advised to pursue a master’s level degree before applying. In these areas, students can select courses such as psychopathology, biopsychology, and independent study of psychological research (American Public University System n.d.).
I Need to Know More
The most fascinating aspect of the research was the discovery of the field of forensic psychology. The most striking and intriguing aspect of this discipline is that there aren’t many courses where students can get all the required details. Experience in the field during postdoctoral or predoctoral training is essential for those wanting to become professionals. This is a wonderful illustration of the integration of the sciences and practices in one’s profession.
After establishing my professional interest in counseling, clinical, and the field of forensic psychology, I’d be interested in knowing more about the experience of those working in these fields. The textbook for the course provides much information on the theoretical aspects of these branches of psychology, however, it’s the practical knowledge that I am most interested in. So, I’d suggest starting by studying the works of counselors, and clinical and forensic psychologists like Henry Lee, David Wilson, Valerie Jenness, John Dombrink as well as Margaret Rombone.