Psychology : Your skills

Psychology graduates develop a range of skills transferable to graduate careers. These include:

• communication;
• information technology;
• handling of data/statistics;
• problem-solving;
• the ability to work in teams.

Studying a psychology degree fosters a valuable aptitude for work in both the science and arts fields, and forms a flexible basis for a wide number of careers. The scientific aspects of the course, including the application of a reasoned approach, problem-solving and manipulation of data, provide useful tools for careers in healthcare, law enforcement, finance, IT and research. While the understanding about human behaviour and motivation, ability to critically analyse a problem, formulate a considered response, create an argument and generate new ideas, lend themselves well to careers in the creative industries, the legal sector, government administration and education.

Only a small percentage of psychology graduates go on to become professional psychologists although many go on to work in related fields. Work experience is vital for those who wish to do so. Placements in all areas of psychology can be difficult to access, but any relevant paid or voluntary work can be beneficial (e.g. working with children or adults with learning difficulties; mentoring; befriending; working in care homes or with those who are mentally distressed).

Consider the skills, developed on your course as well as through other activities, such as paid work, volunteering, family responsibilities, sport, membership of societies, leadership roles, etc. These can be used as evidence of your skills and personal attributes. Reflect on the parts of your course that you most enjoyed and excelled at and try to use this information to see which jobs would suit you best.

Consider the skills developed on your course as well as through your other activities, such as paid work, volunteering, family responsibilities, sport, membership of societies, leadership roles, etc. Think about how these can be used as evidence of your skills and personal attributes. Then you can start to market and sell who you really are, identify what you may be lacking and consider how to improve your profile. Take a look at job application advice for some useful tips.