Gotta find a job when I graduate

[KrillBee]

Well, in 2 months from now, as long as I write a few more good papers, I'll have graduated college with a B.A. in Psychology.

I havent thought about what I'll do for a job because my mind has been tied up in other things. I dont feel the need to advance my career too quickly. There are plenty of things outside of work that I'm more interested in focusing on, like building a social network of friends, meeting women, find new interests etc. Many of those things got put on delay while I was in college. I'll have no debt to worry about paying off when i graduate, I will basically be flat broke.

With a psych B.A., you cant do much counselling, you need at least a Masters for that. There arent really any specific jobs you sign up for if you have just a B.A. in psych, which kinda makes things scarier, and the job hunt harder.

I was thinking I would just get some job that pays more that $10 an hour, and just do that for a year or 2, while I focus on my other goals in life, and look hard for a real good high paying job after that. I can live with my parents for the next couple years, so rent and food wont be an issue

This summer I could really easily work again at my college doing furniture moving for the dorms. I did that last summer. I would only get paid $9.25 an hour, but at least I'd make some money this summer, and the job wouldnt be that bad.
And that would postpone the though search for another job. Think its worth it?

 

[Reckoner]

Originally posted by: KrillBee
Well, in 2 months from now, as long as I write a few more good papers, I'll have graduated college with a B.A. in Psychology.

I havent thought about what I'll do for a job because my mind has been tied up in other things. I dont feel the need to advance my career too quickly. There are plenty of things outside of work that I'm more interested in focusing on, like building a social network of friends, meeting women, find new interests etc. Many of those things got put on delay while I was in college.

With a psych B.A., you cant do much counselling, you need at least a Masters for that. There arent really any specific jobs you sign up for if you have just a B.A. in psych, which kinda makes things scarier, and the job hunt harder.

I was thinking I would just get some job that pays more that $10 an hour, and just do that for a year or 2, while I focus on my other goals in life, and look hard for a real good high paying job after that. I can live with my parents for the next couple years, so rent and food wont be an issue

This summer I could really easily work again at my college doing furniture moving for the dorms. I did that last summer. I would only get paid $9.25 an hour, but at least I'd make some money this summer, and the job wouldnt be that bad.
And that would postpone the though search for another job. Think its worth it?

Whatever floats your boat. You sound like you would be content with the plan you laid out. If your parents don't mind you living with them for the next year or two, then go for it. It's a good way to stockpile some money too.

 

[2Xtreme21]

Where do you live?

 

[Brackis]

AmeriCorps?

There are lots of counseling/mentoring programs. Currently I am with AmeriCorps doing construction with Habitat for Humanity.

 

[KrillBee]

Originally posted by: 2Xtreme21
Where do you live?

St. Paul, Minnesota

Originally posted by: Brackis
AmeriCorps?

There are lots of counseling/mentoring programs. Currently I am with AmeriCorps doing construction with Habitat for Humanity.

What is AmeriCorps. Do they just do construction stuff?

 

[Brackis]

Originally posted by: KrillBee

Originally posted by: 2Xtreme21
Where do you live?

St. Paul, Minnesota

Originally posted by: Brackis
AmeriCorps?

There are lots of counseling/mentoring programs. Currently I am with AmeriCorps doing construction with Habitat for Humanity.

What is AmeriCorps. Do they just do construction stuff?

Nope, all sorts of non-profit work. Not great money, but if you do it in your area and live at home it is decent. And it's helping people.
http://AmeriCorps.org

 

[zanieladie]

You might want to check with local agencies that work with those who are DD (developmentally disabled) and/or those who have CMI (chronic mental illness). You may be able to start at an entry-level position and gain experience while completing your degree. That will make you more marketable when you do have a degree.

I have a Master's in Clinical Psychology (and my Bachelor's is in Psyc). That's what I did...and it helped me work my way up the ladder. My first position involved taking individuals who had been released from the state hospitals (this was as a result of the deinstitutionalization movement that culminated in the 1980s) to the grocery store and laundromat. Sounds boring...but it helped me in the stepping stones of my career.

Best wishes to you!

 

[KrillBee]

Originally posted by: zanieladie
You might want to check with local agencies that work with those who are DD (developmentally disabled) and/or those who have CMI (chronic mental illness). You may be able to start at an entry-level position and gain experience while completing your degree. That will make you more marketable when you do have a degree.

I have a Master's in Clinical Psychology (and my Bachelor's is in Psyc). That's what I did...and it helped me work my way up the ladder. My first position involved taking individuals who had been released from the state hospitals (this was as a result of the deinstitutionalization movement that culminated in the 1980s) to the grocery store and laundromat. Sounds boring...but it helped me in the stepping stones of my career.

Best wishes to you!

Thanks. I dont think I will be going back to school for awhile, because i absolutely hate it and dont even know how i got this far without failing due to my severe procrastination!

Working with those who are mentally ill or disabled isnt really something that I plan on doing, I think I would be more interested in doing something business oriented.

But I'm not sure if the first job I find is going to be one that relates to my major.

 

[zanieladie]

Maybe you are more suited towards the administration aspect of mental health (as compared to hands-on). Nothing wrong with that! Thus, seeking employment in the business sector which could lead to administrative work (Director, President, etc.) might even help in the future. I know some individuals who were more interested in the adminstrative part of the psych field so they eventually got a Master's in Buisness Admin (rather than Psych). An MBA would open up even more doors for you!

Taking a break from school isn't so bad either. There was a 12 year gag between my degrees. (B.A. in 1988 and M.S. in 2000)

 

[zanieladie]

One more thing...don't sweat it. Have fun!

 

[KrillBee]

Originally posted by: zanieladie
Maybe you are more suited towards the administration aspect of mental health (as compared to hands-on). Nothing wrong with that! Thus, seeking employment in the business sector which could lead to administrative work (Director, President, etc.) might even help in the future. I know some individuals who were more interested in the adminstrative part of the psych field so they eventually got a Master's in Buisness Admin (rather than Psych). An MBA would open up even more doors for you!

Taking a break from school isn't so bad either. There was a 12 year gag between my degrees. (B.A. in 1988 and M.S. in 2000)

That sounds like it could be something more down my alley. Still unsure about what I'm going to do this summer though!

 

[Albis]

if you're okay with being broke for a yr or two, i would take things slow and enjoy life before rushing out there

 

[gooseman]

You might as well take it easy cause if you think finding a job that pays "more than $10.00 an hour" with that degree will be easy you were seriously misled.

 

[KrillBee]

Originally posted by: gooseman
You might as well take it easy cause if you think finding a job that pays "more than $10.00 an hour" with that degree will be easy you were seriously misled.

really?
why do you say this? What jobs are you picturing that I wouldnt and wouldnt be able to work?

 

[fitzov]

Originally posted by: KrillBee

Originally posted by: gooseman
You might as well take it easy cause if you think finding a job that pays "more than $10.00 an hour" with that degree will be easy you were seriously misled.

really?
why do you say this? What jobs are you picturing that I wouldnt and wouldnt be able to work?

Methinks he's being a prick, but seriously, look into human resources--entry level--if you want to go to work. Just a thought.

 

[Unheard]

Why get a degree in something if it's not going to get you a job? I've never understood this.... Before I started college, I knew what I wanted to do when I was done, so I started working on a degree that would put me in that position. It just so happens that I landed a decent paying job in my field before graduating, and now have to find motivation to go back to school. Maybe I'm naive, but I just can't find a use for a major thats not going to give you a return on your investment.

 

[fitzov]

Originally posted by: Unheard
Why get a degree in something if it's not going to get you a job? I've never understood this.... Before I started college, I knew what I wanted to do when I was done, so I started working on a degree that would put me in that position. It just so happens that I landed a decent paying job in my field before graduating, and now have to find motivation to go back to school. Maybe I'm naive, but I just can't find a use for a major thats not going to give you a return on your investment.

Not everyone goes to school so that they can make money. It just might be that someone thinks there is more to life than making money and that getting an education is something good in itself. Otherwise, schools would only be technical schools.

 

[Unheard]

Originally posted by: fitzov

Originally posted by: Unheard
Why get a degree in something if it's not going to get you a job? I've never understood this.... Before I started college, I knew what I wanted to do when I was done, so I started working on a degree that would put me in that position. It just so happens that I landed a decent paying job in my field before graduating, and now have to find motivation to go back to school. Maybe I'm naive, but I just can't find a use for a major thats not going to give you a return on your investment.

Not everyone goes to school so that they can make money. It just might be that someone thinks there is more to life than making money and that getting an education is something good in itself. Otherwise, schools would only be technical schools.

Ok, well let's drop the money factor. What good is an education if you can't use it and or apply it to what you do every day?

 

[KrillBee]

Originally posted by: Unheard

Ok, well let's drop the money factor. What good is an education if you can't use it and or apply it to what you do every day?

psychology is something that you can use every day, in behaving with people, judging how they are thinking, etc. But you learn more about that doing it in real life than from a classroom i guess, lol.

I dont know why I went to college. probably because of the social pressure. I was a smart kid, and my parents and everyone else sort of expected me to go there. i thought college would be easy, and i'd meet all kinds of new cool people there. i was wrong on both accounts.
But by the time i realized all this i was already half way done, so i figured i just finish my degree, to make my $ investment count for something. Now I can at least say I have a degree.

 

[fitzov]

practical-schmactical--you can just study something because you enjoy it, or you're good at it, whatever.

 

[eakers]

a lot of ppl i know with psych degrees ended up working in group homes with troubled kids. many went on to get post-degree diplomas (not masters degrees, just courses you can take when you have a degree) in sociology, councelling, etc. I know one girl who si working towards being a parole officer.


Now you tell me what to do with my math degree.

 

[RaistlinZ]

Have you considered being a Resident Director for a college dorm? They like people who have a background in Education and/or Psychology. Plus, the university may also pay a good amount of your tuition fees if you were to take courses for your Master's degree while working there.

Not to mention the free room/board and decent salary. I know you're probably sick of being around a campus right now but it's definately something to think about.

 

[KrillBee]

Originally posted by: RaistlinZ
Have you considered being a Resident Director for a college dorm? They like people who have a background in Education and/or Psychology. Plus, the university may also pay a good amount of your tuition fees if you were to take courses for your Master's degree while working there.

Not to mention the free room/board and decent salary. I know you're probably sick of being around a campus right now but it's definately something to think about.

I've thought about it. Except I've never had experience as an Residential Advisor before, so i dont know if they'd hire me!
Also, I heard from a good source that there are 120 people applying for 3 different RD positions at my school. Thats about 40 ppl applying per position. Thats pretty frickin scary if you ask me! I wonder if demand for that job is as high at other schools.

 

[Kipper]

Originally posted by: Unheard

Originally posted by: fitzov

Originally posted by: Unheard
Why get a degree in something if it's not going to get you a job? I've never understood this.... Before I started college, I knew what I wanted to do when I was done, so I started working on a degree that would put me in that position. It just so happens that I landed a decent paying job in my field before graduating, and now have to find motivation to go back to school. Maybe I'm naive, but I just can't find a use for a major thats not going to give you a return on your investment.

Not everyone goes to school so that they can make money. It just might be that someone thinks there is more to life than making money and that getting an education is something good in itself. Otherwise, schools would only be technical schools.

Ok, well let's drop the money factor. What good is an education if you can't use it and or apply it to what you do every day?

You seem to be of the mindset that a college education is an "investment" - a means to a particular end.

Some people just don't see it that way, viewing the education as an end in itself. This is why some people major in what you may percieve to be "useless" subjects.

Both are perfectly legitimate ways to view and experience the tertiary level of education.