While you might usually think of a psychologist as a mental health professional working in a therapy-focused practice to improve a person's well-being, there are a myriad of careers available to psychologists that use the knowledge and skills acquired while earning a psychology degree and licensure in unusual ways.
Psychologists can work in various alternative and unexpected roles beyond traditional therapy and counseling positions, such as:
- Industrial-Organizational psychologist: applies psychological principles to the workplace.
- Forensic psychologist: applies psychological principles to legal issues.
- Sports psychologist: uses psychological techniques to enhance athletic performance.
- Marketing psychologist: applies psychological principles to market research and advertising.
- Health psychologist: focuses on promoting healthy behaviors and preventing disease.
- Educational psychologist: works to improve educational systems and support student learning.
- Political psychologist: studies the psychological aspects of political behavior.
These are just a few examples of the many diverse career paths available to psychologists. The trends in psychology change frequently and with each update in laws, methods, and practice, a new way to apply your skills as a psychologist will emerge.
