Learn the key aspects of a successful professional in psychology
Monday, February 26, 2024
Discover the essential characteristics that define the modern psychologist and how SNHU's Bachelor of Arts in Psychology can guide you to success in this exciting discipline.
Psychology, a science that explores the complexities of the human mind, needs professionals with a unique and multidimensional profile. Therefore, to be a good psychologist or professional working with others, you need to have a series of characteristics, skills and competencies that allow you to understand, analyze and intervene in the problems and needs of individuals, groups and communities.
What is the Secret Behind a Psychologist’s Success?
This article presents the essence of what it takes to succeed in a career in psychology. We’ll delve deeper into what makes a professional a psychology expert and how Southern New Hampshire University's Bachelor of Arts in Psychology can be a springboard to a career working in psychology or further studies in the field.
What is the Profile of a Psychologist?
The profile of a successful psychologist goes beyond academic degrees. It is an individual who combines theoretical knowledge and training with empathy and human connection. An effective psychologist is a skilled communicator, able to translate complex concepts into understandable language. Patience and resilience are essential virtues, as working with the human mind takes time and dedication.
A professional with a background in psychology may work in a variety of settings that require an understanding of the human mind. Thus, the profile of a person working in psychology is a unique set of knowledge, skills, attitudes and values with which they can perform their work with efficiency, quality and ethics.
Knowledge Essential to Work in Psychology
- Theoretical and methodological foundations of psychology, as well as the different schools of thought, approaches and applications.
- Basic psychological processes, such as perception, attention, memory, learning, thinking, language, intelligence, emotion and motivation.
- Biological, social and cultural factors that influence human behavior, both in its normal and pathological aspects.
- Techniques and instruments of assessment, diagnosis and psychological intervention, both individual and group, in various settings and contexts.
- Ethical principles that govern the profession, as well as the legal and administrative norms that regulate it.
Skills to Learn Before Working Within a Psychology Capacity
- Observation, analysis and synthesis, to collect, process and interpret relevant information on human behavior.
- Communication skills to express and transmit in a clear, precise and respectful manner the knowledge, opinions and results of their work, both orally and in writing.
- Establish and maintain an appropriate and empathetic interaction with the people, groups and organizations they serve, respecting their diversity and rights.
- Problem solving, to identify, raise and solve situations and dilemmas that arise in their professional practice, using the scientific method and critical thinking.
- Capacity for innovation and creativity, to generate and apply original and novel ideas that contribute to the advancement of knowledge and the improvement of the quality of life of individuals, groups and organizations.
Personal Values Essential for all Psychologists
- Responsibility and commitment to assume the obligations and consequences of their work, and to comply with the established objectives and goals.
- Respect and tolerance, to recognize and value the dignity, autonomy and diversity of individuals, groups and organizations, and to act with equity and justice. Honesty and integrity to act with consistency, transparency and truthfulness, and to avoid any type of fraud, plagiarism or manipulation of information.
- Curiosity and continuous learning, to keep abreast of advances and trends in psychology and related sciences, and to develop their professional and personal competencies.
- Collaboration and teamwork, to actively participate and contribute to joint projects and initiatives with other professionals, both in psychology and other disciplines.
How to Begin your Career path to a Psychologist
It is not just about outstanding grades in school, but also exceptional interpersonal skills. Varied life experiences, the ability to adapt to different perspectives and an open mind are elements that will enrich the academic and professional journey in psychology.
If you are interested in studying psychology, keep in mind that it is a career that requires rigorous academic training. SNHU’s Bachelor of Arts in Psychology is not a clinical psychology program, therefore you won’t be qualified to practice as a psychologist upon graduation. However, it is an excellent launchpad for a non-clinical career in the psychology field or for continuing on to a master’s or PhD program.
Applicants for psychology degree programs should have the following characteristics:
- A general understanding of the areas of biological sciences, historical-social subjects and solid foundations in mathematics.
- Capacity for observation, analysis and synthesis.
- Vocation for service.
- Creativity and initiative.
- A taste for reading.
- Social sensitivity and analytical, dynamic and critical mentality.
- Ability to obtain, prioritize and validate information.
- Interest in the importance of contextualizing the knowledge and problems studied.
- Willingness for multi- and interdisciplinary training.
Psychology Degree Graduate Profile
A graduate of SNHU's psychology program will be equipped with specific skills and knowledge to work in a variety of contexts outside of a clinical setting. These professionals are prepared to apply psychological principles in areas such as human resources, education, research, organizational counseling, and other fields that do not involve direct clinical treatment.
Thus, the psychology degree program is designed to reflect the competencies and skills that students will acquire upon completion of their training. Thus, the graduate profile in psychology includes:
- Psychological assessment.
- Intervention in organizational change processes.
- Design and implementation of wellness programs.
- Human resources management.
- Counseling in the educational field.
- Contribute effectively to the well-being and development of individuals and organizations in diverse contexts.
- Advanced skills in the application of psychological assessment, diagnosis and treatment techniques.
- Ability to design and conduct research, analyze data critically and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in psychology.
Interested in Studying Psychology at SNHU?
The profile of a successful psychologist is molded throughout academic training and professional practice, integrating interpersonal skills, strong ethics and a constant quest for knowledge. So whether you're considering entering this fascinating career or looking to advance your career, SNHU's Bachelor of Arts in Psychology offers a quality online educational experience backed by experts in the field.
The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology provides students with the tools necessary to understand the human mind and catalyze positive change in diverse social settings. This program is aligned with American Psychological Association (APA) guidelines and prepares dynamic professionals with emotional intelligence, exceptional communication skills, critical thinking and a strong commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.
Through in-depth exploration of areas such as developmental psychology, personality psychology, social psychology, research methods and statistics, students acquire a comprehensive set of skills applicable to diverse non-clinical fields or graduate programs.
Would you like to be contacted by one of our academic advisors to provide you with all the information related to this program? Text us on WhatsApp, send us an email or give us a call.
Or if you’re ready to get started go ahead and apply today!