Career Architecture &

Psychology


How will you use Career Architecture as a Psychology major at SU? Here are some suggestions:

SELF DISCOVERY

  • Meet with your teachers to discuss your strengths and weaknesses
  • Assess what type of work setting appeals to you
  • Analyze the kinds of activities that you enjoy doing, with an eye toward career possibilities
  • Find a mentor on campus with whom you can discuss your progress and interests

CAREER DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATIONS

  • Participate in Learning Beyond opportunities offered by the Department
  • Visit with the Career HQ staff and search for information on the internet to learn what you can about jobs in the field and graduate programs
  • Attend lectures, research presentations, and career events at the University and off-campus
    Spend time talking with students who are in the field
  • Take a wide variety of courses so that you are exposed to the diversity that is psychology
  • Use your electives wisely to help develop interests in specific fields
  • Try to find part-time and summer jobs that are related to your primary field of interest, even if it means volunteering your time
  • Look for a mentor in the field who would be willing to help you explore job possibilities and graduate

CAREER EXPLORATION

  • Search for a field experience to help you obtain marketable skills
  • Attend professional meetings and conferences whenever possible
    Join professional organizations in your field (APA, APS, EPA, MPA) to meet others and learn about career possibilities
  • Investigate possible career paths through exploration on the web and in professional circles
    Make it a point to talk with your Psychology professors about their own careers outside of teaching
  • Attend Career Fairs where there will be information disseminated about new careers
    Chat with staff (e.g., Wellness Center, Human Resources) at the University about their careers
  • Read professional journals
  • Investigate websites such as www.apa.org that post information about career advancement
    Attend career events and speaker presentations

CAREER PREPARATION

  • Develop a plan for the courses you intend on taking,  field placements, volunteer activities, work, and/or extra-curricular activities for each semester
  • Get field experience at placements such as Sheppard Pratt and Villa Maria during your junior and senior years
  • Participate in projects involving fieldwork, interviews, and observation
  • View videotapes of famous therapists doing therapy to help you decide which types of therapy are of interest

   

 

 

What is Career ArchitectureSM?

Career ArchitectureSM is a unique process that enables each Stevenson student to create a successful and rewarding career path. Starting in the freshman year, students begin working with faculty and staff to design a strategic career plan based on their personal interests, values, strengths, and abilities. Career Architecture includes four elements: Self-Discovery, Career Development Foundations, Career Exploration, and Career Preparation. Not only does the knowledge gathered during the Career Architecture process help SU students land their first jobs; it serves for the lifetime of their careers.