Week 4 assignment – Career exploration just out of college

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School

American Public University *

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Course

400

Subject

Psychology

Date

Nov 24, 2024

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docx

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Uploaded by musunguarnold8

Week 4 assignment – Career exploration "just out of college" Part 1: Reflection on careers, salaries, values and interests 1. Please list the values and interests you included in this analysis. Where did you get them (MyPlan has an interest and a values assessment)? Briefly describe them. Please include at least two, but three or four is preferred. 1. Helping Others: This value reflects my strong desire to impact people's lives and contribute to their well-being positively. It's an essential aspect of my personality and career aspirations, emphasizing the importance of empathy and service. 2. Creativity and Self-Expression: This interest highlights my inclination toward creative outlets and self-expression. I find fulfillment in unstructured environments where I can produce unique and innovative outcomes through art, design, or language. These values and interests were identified through assessments, including MyPlan's interests and values assessments. They provide valuable insights into what motivates and fulfills me personally and professionally, guiding my career choices and ensuring alignment with my core values and passions. 2. Write a brief description (short paragraph) explaining how you will use this information to guide your exploration of careers. I will use this information to guide my exploration of careers by seeking opportunities that align with my core values and interests. For example, I will actively look for roles that allow me to help others and make a positive impact, whether through counseling, mentoring, or community service. Additionally, I will be open to careers that foster creativity and self-expression, such as art, design, or writing positions. This knowledge will serve as a compass, helping me identify and pursue career paths that provide financial stability and fulfill my intrinsic motivations and passions. It will guide my decision-making process and ensure I select career avenues that resonate with my values and interests, leading to a more rewarding and purpose-driven professional journey. Part 2: Career exploration Search Source 1: Candid Career Job Found: School Psychologist Method Used: I selected "College Majors" under "Explore Careers," clicked "P," and navigated to the Psychology section. Career Description: School psychologists work in educational settings, supporting students, teachers, and parents. They assess and address students' emotional, social, and academic issues, aiming to create a conducive learning environment. They conduct evaluations, develop intervention plans, and counsel students with challenges.

Rewarding Aspects: 1. Positive Impact: School psychologists have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in students' lives by helping them overcome obstacles and thrive academically and emotionally. 2. Variety of Roles: This career offers diverse responsibilities, from conducting assessments to collaborating with educators and parents, providing a dynamic work environment. 3. Job Stability: With a growing need for mental health support in schools, school psychologists often enjoy stable employment prospects. Negative Aspects: 1. Emotional Challenges: Dealing with students' emotional and behavioral issues can be emotionally taxing, requiring resilience and self-care. 2. Paperwork and Documentation: School psychologists often need to maintain detailed records and documentation, which can be time-consuming. 3. Limited Autonomy: They may need to adhere to strict regulations and collaborate with multiple stakeholders, potentially limiting their autonomy. Analysis: The benefits of a career as a school psychologist, such as the potential for a positive impact, diverse roles, and job stability, outweigh the challenges. While there are emotional and administrative demands, the opportunity to help students thrive academically and emotionally is enriching, making this career appealing. Search Source 2: Appleby Online Career Exploration Tool Job Found: Behavioral Health Specialist Method Used: I explored the Appleby online career exploration tool, explicitly looking for psychology- related careers. Career Description: Behavioral health specialists work in various healthcare settings to support individuals with mental health and substance abuse issues. They assess patients, develop treatment plans, and provide counseling and therapy to help them manage their conditions and improve their overall well-being. Rewarding Aspects: 1. Helping Individuals: Behavioral health specialists have the opportunity to make a positive impact on individuals' lives by assisting them in managing mental health challenges. 2. Personal Growth: This career often involves continuous learning and professional development, contributing to personal growth. 3. Variety of Settings: These specialists can work in hospitals, clinics, schools, or private practice, allowing flexibility in choosing work environments. Negative Aspects:

1. Emotional Strain: Dealing with individuals' mental health issues can be emotionally draining, requiring self-care and emotional resilience. 2. Administrative Tasks: A significant amount of paperwork and administrative tasks can be involved in documenting patient progress and treatment plans. 3. Workload: The workload can be demanding, especially in high-demand settings like hospitals, leading to potential burnout. Analysis: The benefits of working as a behavioral health specialist, such as helping individuals, personal growth opportunities, and various work settings, are significant. While emotional strain and administrative tasks are challenges, the potential for making a meaningful difference in people's lives makes this career appealing. Search Source 3: MyPlan Tools Job Found: Clinical Psychologist Method Used: I explored My Plan Tools, explicitly looking for careers related to psychology Career Description: Clinical psychologists are trained to diagnose and treat various mental health conditions. They work with individuals, couples, or groups to provide therapy and counseling, helping clients manage their emotional and psychological challenges. Rewarding Aspects: 1. Therapeutic Impact: Clinical psychologists have the opportunity to help individuals overcome mental health issues, leading to improved well-being and quality of life. 2. Autonomy: They often have the autonomy to design treatment plans tailored to each client's needs. 3. Career Versatility: Clinical psychologists can work in various settings, including private practice, hospitals, schools, or government agencies, offering versatility in their career paths. Negative Aspects: 1. Extensive Education: Becoming a clinical psychologist typically requires years of education and training, including a doctoral degree. 2. Emotional Strain: The nature of the work can be emotionally challenging, as psychologists often deal with clients facing severe emotional distress. 3. Licensing and Regulation: Clinical psychologists must adhere to strict licensing and ethical guidelines, which can involve ongoing administrative responsibilities. Analysis: Clinical psychology offers the potential for a significant therapeutic impact, career versatility, and professional autonomy. While the path to becoming a clinical psychologist is demanding, the rewards of helping individuals improve their mental health can outweigh the challenges.

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Part 3: Final analysis Actions to Take from Now until Graduation: 1. Gain Relevant Experience: Seek internships or volunteer opportunities in educational settings to gain practical experience working with students, educators, and parents. This will help you build a strong foundation for understanding the dynamics of schools and educational psychology. 2. Network and Build Relationships: Connect with professionals in school psychology, attend conferences, and join relevant associations or organizations. Networking can provide insights into the profession, job opportunities, and potential mentors who can guide your career path. 3. Enhance Knowledge and Skills: Continuously educate yourself about current trends and issues in education and psychology. Consider taking additional courses or workshops in child development, counseling, or special education to broaden your skill set. Actions to Take After Graduation: 1. Obtain State Licensure: Research the specific licensure requirements for school psychologists in the state where you intend to work. Fulfill all necessary licensure requirements, including completing supervised practice hours and passing state exams. 2. Apply for Entry-Level Positions: Start applying for entry-level school psychologist positions in educational institutions or districts. Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills acquired during internships or volunteer work. 3. Pursue Professional Development: Engage in ongoing professional development to stay current. Attend workshops, conferences, and training sessions related to school psychology and education. Additionally, consider pursuing advanced certifications or degrees, such as a Ph.D. in School Psychology, to advance your career. KSCs to Build Upon:  Counseling Skills: Develop and refine your counseling skills to effectively support students with emotional and behavioral challenges.  Assessment and Evaluation: Stay updated on the latest assessment tools and techniques in educational settings.  Data Analysis: Build proficiency in analyzing student performance and behavior data to inform interventions and decision-making. Pitfalls to Avoid: 1. Lack of Licensure: Failing to obtain the required state licensure for school psychologists can be a significant barrier to employment in this field. 2. Limited Experience: Insufficient practical experience in educational settings may make securing a school psychologist position challenging. 3. Stagnation: Neglecting professional development and failing to stay informed about current best practices and research in school psychology can hinder career growth.

Final Thoughts I am genuinely excited about the prospect of becoming a school psychologist. The role aligns with my passion for helping students overcome challenges and thrive academically and emotionally. From gaining experience to obtaining licensure, the steps I have identified feel like a logical and rewarding path to follow. If I decide to pursue graduate school for psychology (as explored next week), I believe that becoming a school psychologist could be an excellent "backup" plan, allowing me to apply my skills and make a meaningful impact while continuing to develop as a psychologist.

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