Careers in Psychology

There are multiple subjects and disciplines of study with their own distinct features. Each one of these subjects has some association with human beings. But there is one subject which is completely about human beings. Yes, we are talking of Psychology. Psychology is considered to be a subject under humanities. it delves into human minds to ﬁnd out how people think and behave and how they grow emotionally and socially.

There are different kinds of living beings on this earth. Of these, human beings are considered to be the most intelligent species. This is reﬂected in the progress this species has made which is there for all of us to see. Not all human beings are alike physically. In the same way, people differ in their thinking processes and how they adapt to thinking of others.

Psychology tries to explain what makes people think differently, how perceptions are formed and in what way we can be a better thinker and doer. So, in simple terms, the purpose of psychology is betterment of human lives by working on mental models. This betterment is also expected to bring positive changes in society which is always required.

Human life is getting complicated day by day. There is more stress, people have more challenges to face and competition is spreading in all walks of life. In such a situation the role of psychologists assumes "more significance. Psychologists help people to cope with stress, assist people suffering from trauma, mental difficulties and disorders. They may be required to work with individual clients and also group of people to understand real causes of these issues and offer possible solutions. If this description interests you and you want to become such a solution provider, consider choosing psychology as your career.

Study of Psychology: Psychology can be chosen as a subject of study at 10+2 level to learn the basics of the subject. To make an in-depth study you need to study the subject at undergraduate level. So you may opt ‘for B.A. (Honours), B. A. or B.Sc. in Psychology depending on the institution offering the course. However, in order to make a solid career, post-graduation (M.A./M.Sc.) becomes a desirable qualification. Specialization opportunities are available at this level.

Psychology has many branches and you may choose to specialize in the one of your liking. Some of these are described below:-

Cognitive Psychology: Cognitive Psychology is concerned with perception and ' problem solving capabilities of human brain. Under this branch effort is made to understand thinking process, development of thoughts and memory habits. This branch has bearing on all other branches like educational, social and industrial psychology etc.

Developmental Psychology: As we grow there is change in our thought processes and our way of looking at things. Developmental Psychology examines such changes occurring’ from childhood to adolescence and then to old age. It also looks into possible implications of such changes. Both micro ‘and macro issues related to psychology of people are studied under this.

Educational Psychology: This includes scientiﬁc study of how human beings think and behave in an educational setting and how they differ in terms of motivation, intelligence and self-concept when it comes to acquiring education. Under this branch you may be required to study theory and practical aspects of child and adult learning. Issues like learning disorders are also examined under this. The branch covers assessment methods, classroom management and ways to improve the learning outcome.

Organizational/Industrial Psychology: In organizations and industries, people work together for defined goals. How people perform depends on their skills and motives. Performance is also inﬂuenced by prevailing work environment. This branch of psychology explores ways to create an enabling environment, enhancing motivational levels of the workforce and promote job satisfaction. Many interview panels include expert of this branch of psychology.

Clinical -Psychology: One of the most important branches of psychology, clinical psychology blends theory, research and clinical expertise to better understand, prevent and relieve people of psychological issues causing distress or discomfort. Psychotherapy plays a crucial role in Clinical Psychology.

Social Psychology: Social Psychology studies factors that make us to behave in a given way in presence of others and social settings. It looks at the conditions under which certain thoughts, feelings and behaviours occur. Some of the topics covered are social inﬂuences, group/inter-personal processes and the aspects related to traits- like aggression, prejudice etc.

Sport Psychology: This branch of psychology has evolved in the last few decades. It is an interdisciplinary ﬁeld bringing together physiology, biomechanics and psychological factors. We all know “that I only physical strength is not enough to win in sports. One also needs the right mindset to put her best foot forward and persist. Building mental resiliency is the main concern of sports psychology. In many cases sport teams are accompanied by a sports psychologist.

How Psychology and psychiatry are different?

In many cases the terms psychology'and psychiatry are used interchangeably which is not correct. Psychology is a social science whereas psychiatry belongs to medical science. If you're studying medicine, psychiatry can be one of your specializations. A psychiatrist can prescribe medicines. Psychologists may solely provide psychotherapy involving cognitive and behavioural interventions. Psychiatrists are physicians that have speciﬁc training in the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental illnesses. In case of need a psychologist may refer the client to a psychiatrist. Also in certain cases psychologists and psychiatrists may be required to work together to offer treatment to a mental patient. To become a psychiatrist one has to, study for a longer ‘period as is evident from duration of medical courses. While the two professions are distinct. psychologists and psychiatrists both play important roles in mental health treatment.

Places of Study

Calcutta University was ﬁrst in India to establish a Department of Psychology. This happened in the year 1915. Since then we have come a long way and now almost every University in the country offers Postgraduate and Doctoral courses in ‘Psychology. Some of these well-known universities are-
• Banaras Hindu University
• University of Delhi
• University of Pune
• Devi Ahilya Vrshwavidyalaya, Indore
• Maharaj Sayajirao University, Vadodara
• Mohanlal Sukhadia University, Udaipur
• Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar
• Osmania University, Hyderabad
• University of Madras, Chennai
• University of Hyderabad
• Barakatullah University, Bhopal
• University of Bangalore
• Aligarh Muslim University
• Allahabad University
• Pondicherry University
• Vishwa Bharati, Shantiniketan