Opportunities for Social Psychologists

There is a bit of a social psychologist in most of us. At one point or another, we have all observed others (or even a particular individual’s) behavior in an effort to determine why they interact, or react, with others or with us personally in a certain manner. If you have ever found yourself fascinated with anothers behavior, you may consider a career as a social psychologist.

What Do Social Psychologists Do?

Social psychologists engage themselves in the study of individual or group interactions with their environment and with others. They study how people become who they are by looking at influences, social situations, cause and effect, and personality types. Social psychologists assess thought patterns, behaviors, and emotions as related to environment, individuals, groups, and situations.

Social psychologists may also try to determine possible aggression, crime, attitudes and prejudices, romantic attraction, alliances and allegiances, social conformity, and group behavior based on previous research results as well as observation.

What Type of Career Opportunities Do Social Psychologists Have?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for psychologists in all specialized fields will continue to grow at a faster than average rate throughout 2016. Career opportunities are projected to be best for those who hold doctoral degrees along with superior research capabilities and experience.

A doctoral degree in social psychology is the normal requirement for those interested in this specialized field. Graduates are prepared through their education to become independent research professionals. The best way to ensure entrance into a doctoral program, which are known to be quite competitive, is through completion of an internship, in order to gain the required research experience.

For graduates who intend to practice independently or to work in the capacity of patient care, a license or certification is required. State requirements for licensure vary by state, although most state’s licensing boards have a standardized exam along with continuing education requirements for annual renewal.

Where Can I Find Employment Opportunities as a Social or Personality Psychologist?

Because social psychologists study human behavior in a variety of settings, job opportunities will be available to you in most employment settings. Some of the employment opportunities for social psychologists include:

• Educational Institutions – Although the educational setting has the fewest job openings, the opportunities are still available for professors. Relocation may be necessary.
• Non-profit Organizations, Government Sectors, and Corporations – Evaluating policies, programs, education and training, and conflict resolution
• Hospitals
• Private Sector – Consultants, Marketing Directors, Researchers, Managers, Political Strategists, and Designers

The bottom line is this: If you are interested and passionate about the field of psychology and the study of human behavior, you will have years of a rewarding career ahead of you. Take your time and study the specialized fields that are available to you.