Milestones
My road in life has been direct.
Did volunteer work and realized I love helping people.
Tried to do pre-medicine because being a doctor is a way to help people.
Failed biology and changed my major to psychology, also to help people.
Decided I wanted to be a counselor and applied for my master's degree.
Completed my master's degree but realized there was more I wanted to learn.
Applied for and entered my doctoral program.
Figured out I love pediatric psychology after doing clinical work and research in the area.
Graduated with my doctorate and gained employment in a pediatric medical setting.
Education
Career
Licensed Psychologist
I work in a children's hospital as a psychologist.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Medicine
Science
Helping People
Day to Day
Get to work, see patients for psychological testing / assessment. Have a lunch meeting. See more patients, perhaps have more meetings. Write case notes and assessment reports. Obtain consultation with my co-workers. Every day is different, and that is what I love about the field of psychology....it is impossible to get bored.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for college students
Really think about what you want your major to be, and try a few classes in psychology. Introduction to Psychology doesn't count, as this class is broad and doesn't represent what clinical work in psychology really is. I recommend engaging in research and volunteer work while in college, however I never did research until my doctoral program. If you don't think you can get into a doctoral program, get a master's degree in counseling or psychology and reapply. Seek guidance from mentors!
Recommended Education
My career is not related to what I studied. I'd recommend this path instead:
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Teachers:
"You should just stop school with your master's degree...you don't need a PhD to do what you want to do."
