Lifelong Careers
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Social Sciences & Human Services

Psychologist

Family · Social Sciences & Human ServicesEntry level · Degree (postgraduate preferred)
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Performs core professional/technical/service tasks characteristic of psychologist, within the relevant organizational and regulatory context.

06 · Qualifications & training you need

Graduate- level and postgraduate qualifications are essential; psychologists must be registered to be able to practise.

Where people train for this

03 · Education pathway

Social science, psychology, counselling, social work or related education; regulated practice requires jurisdictional credentials.

04 · Lifestyle

Depending on their specialism, psychologists usually work normal office hours. If employed in a hospital, they might work shifts.

04 · Location

Most psychologists see clients in person, but some are adopting a hybrid working space between home, offices, clinics, and institutions.

21 · The realities

The job can be emotionally stressful. In some branches of the profession, a psychologist can be on call for long periods of time.

12 · How the pathway typically runs

A minimum of a degree is needed to enter this profession. With relevant work experience, you can then study for a postgraduate qualification that will enable you to specialize in a certain area, from clinical to occupational psychology. ASSISTANT You can gain valuable experience before your degree studies by working as a psychology assistant or for a mental health charity.

07 · Graduate route

To qualify as a psychologist, you need a degree, as well as an accreditation by a professional body. If you have a degree in another discipline, you can take a conversion course.

05 · Interests that fit this career

PsychologyBiologyMathematics (especially statistics)Helping and caring for people

09 · Core skills

assessmentinterviewingresearchcounselling/supportethics

09 · Core competencies

problem solvingcommunicationprofessional judgementcollaborationdigital literacyethical practice
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