Expert: Torski Dobson-Arnold - 3/31/2009

Question
I am graduating with my Bachelors degree in psychology this week. I got accepted into a masters in psychology program at a second tier school. I plan on getting my PhD, however I don't think that I want to be a clinical psychologist. I am more interested in neuroscience and neuropsychology. I think I would enjoy being a professor and a researcher but I am not sure. How can I learn if that is a good fit for me and what the outlook for that kind of a job is? Also where can I find a resource that really shows me what options I have? I want to go somewhere that shows me the range of possibilities.
Thanks,
Andrew

Answer
Andrew,

It appears as though you need the assistance of some type of career assessment planning.  I use the DISC assessment plan for my clients to determine their behaviors and likes in match with potential career paths.

There is also another software I am very fond of.  It is called the Kuder system.  I like this career planning tool because not only does it match your likes and interests with your natural abilities to come up with top career clusters, it goes a step further to identify the availability of jobs in these career clusters going forward.

It would be a shame to take all of these courses towards a degree just to finish and realize that there is not a whole lot of job growth in that area.

Check out www.kuder.com and take the assessment (for a small fee, of course) and that should give you the starting point in gathering good information to help you make a decision that is right for you.

Claiming nothing but success in all of your career endeavors,

Torski