Writing
Writing takes skill and practice. Yes, AI such as Chatgpt can “write” you a good essay or assignment, but you having the skill to do it yourself is more effective and useful in the long run. Here are some useful guides:
– Dunn, D. (2024). A short guide to writing about psychology (4e). Waveland Press.
– Landrum, R. E. (2021). Undergraduate writing psychology: Learning to tell the scientific story. American Psychological Association.
How to Study
How should YOU study? The answer in my conversation with Cognitive Scientist Dr. John Dunlosky. For guides and tips: Study Like A Champ ; See also: The Learning Scientists.
Career Advice
Is a Psychology major enough to get a job? Is psych right for you? What should you do as an undergrad? A psychology major builds strong skills, but it also helps to add a major/minor that will increase your marketability. A Business or Communications minor will be a strong complement for many of you who may consider marketing, human resources, or working in a company.
What can you do with a Psychology major? Anything you want (click for great answers). Sell your skills well (quantitative and critical thinking, writing). Let potential employers know all you can do!!! I strongly recommend a Master’s degree to make you competitive for jobs.
CHECK OUT this great video with advice relating to career options for psych majors. Curious about careers: CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY? NEUROSCIENCE? SPORTS? Click on each link for special advice on each, or go HERE for a larger list of programs in psychology.
What are “Careers in Counseling” [with Dr. Kristin Vespia]: www.uwgb.edu/vespiak/Careers.htm
Graduate School
How do I become competitive for graduate school/jobs? Work hard, select courses that prepare you for your career path, build your GPA, and get to know faculty well (cultivate relationships so at least three faculty members can say a lot of good things about you). Study hard for the GRE and start early on your personal statements.
How do I find a graduate program? It depends what area of psychology you are interested in. Most areas have lists of the best graduate programs online. Check out this overview of the main areas in psychology. The American Psychological Assn has a searchable database of APA-accredited doctoral programs in clinical, counseling, and school psychology. (This source will NOT work for master’s programs of any kind). See Calarco, J. M. (2020). A field guide to grad school: Uncovering the hidden curriculum. Princeton University Press. Do you have the research experience necessary for a competitive graduate school application?
