Career Compass: Psychology

As a psychology student in the Faculty of Arts or Science, you will learn about the scientific study of behaviour and mental processes. The department of psychology has many opportunities for you to explore, with two main areas of study:

1. Social sciences: the study of human behaviour, society and social relationships, personality differences, knowledge of how to predict, explain and alter human behaviour and child development.
2. Natural Sciences: the study of psychological biological processes, neuroscience and cognitive science, which explores areas such as sensation and perception, learning and memory, emotion and motivation and thinking and language.

Skills you will gain by studying PSYCHOLOGY

• An understanding of human behaviours and mental processes and how they are affected by an individual's physical, mental or external environment
• The ability to describe, understand, predict and modify behaviours using research and statistical methods
• The ability to think critically and develop innovative solutions to many complex human problems
• The ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements: PSYC 1200 or PSYC 1211 and PSYC 1221

To do this year:

1. Arts or Science - what's right for you? An academic advisor in the Faculty of Arts or Science can help you decide.
2. If you need academic support, visit the Academic Learning Centre for workshops or to meet with a learning skills instructor.

CAREER TIPS

Start planning your career:

1. Meet with a career consultant to generate career ideas based on your interests, values, personality and skills.
2. Research occupations that match your skills and interests.
3. Set up a UM Connect account to view job postings and register for workshops and events.
4. Set up your Experience Record, an official record of university-approved activities.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE

Link experiences to your career interests. Options include:

1. Student groups including Undergraduate Psychology Students' Association or Active Minds.
2. Volunteer with Healthy U or join the Student Leadership Development Program.
3. Student work opportunities including Work-Study, STEP Services or Federal Student Work Experience Program.
4. Experiential education opportunities such as Community Engaged Learning programs.

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES

Considering international opportunities? Visit the International Centre to learn about international opportunities for UM students.

Explore communities and cultures you want to work with: Visit Migizii Agamik, the International Centre for Students or learn about local agencies via 211 Manitoba.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements: PSYC 2250 and PSYC 2260, plus 6 credit hours PSYC at the 2000/3000 level 

Check the Academic Calendar for the categories requirement. 

To do this year:

1. Should you follow a 3-or-4 year plan? Meet with an academic advisor and career consultant to map out your options.
2. Declare PSYC major to register for PSYC 2250 and PSYC 2260.
3. When choosing a minor, take courses that will open opportunities.

CAREER TIPS

Make professional connections:

1. Join the Career Mentor Program to learn from professionals.
2. Attend career fairs to connect with employers.
3. Become a Student Affiliate with the Canadian or American Psychological Association.
4. Develop professional connections with professors by applying for an Undergraduate Research Award.

Market your skills: Develop your resumé and cover letter and refine your interview skills.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE

Explore student research opportunities: Apply for a research assistant position, Undergraduate Research Award or NSERC grant.

Gain practical experience by volunteering: Check out Big Brothers Big Sisters, Klinic Community Health Centre or Let's Talk Science.

Obtain certificates employers may require, including: Nonviolent Crisis Intervention, Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training, CPR/First Aid, ALLY, WHMIS and Mental Health First Aid.

Earn while you learn: Consider applying to the Arts Co-operative Education program once you have completed 48 credit hours, or the the Science Co-operative Education program once you have completed 60 credit hours.

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES

Develop global career skills and expand intercultural learning: Consider an international student exchange or Travel Study program, an international service-learning program, My World Abroad or SWAP for a "working holiday."

Staying local? Consider learning a new language and culture through the Language Partner Volunteer Program or check out Community Engaged Learning. 

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements:
Honours: PSYC 3200, PSYC 3340 and PSYC 3630,  plus all required courses for your BA Honours program

B.A. (3-or 4-year): 12 credit hours PSYC at the 2000/3000 level

B.Sc. (Major): 12 credit hours PSYC at the 2000/3000 level

To do this year:

1. Meet with a psychology advisor for honours and B.Sc. major program approval.
2. Confirm eligibility to graduate with an academic advisor and declare intent to graduate in Aurora (3-year option).

CAREER TIPS

Investigate your career options:

1. Look at sample job postings to ensure you have the qualifications upon graduation.
2. Develop employability and essential skills sought by employers.
3. Explore supports available to entrepreneurs for business planning including the Stu Clarke Centre for Entrepreneurship, World Trade Centre Winnipeg, and the Manitoba Government.
4. Create a LinkedIn profile to network with professionals.

Consider continuing your studies: Check out the Faculty of Graduate Studies, Extended Education or other academic institutions.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE

Continue or start research: Participate in the Undergraduate Research Poster Competition and apply for a Psychology Undergraduate Research Experience Award.

Check out student job opportunities with: Career Trek, St. Amant or WISE Kid-Netic Energy.

Search for job opportunities online: Check out Job Bank, Find My Job, Indeed or other search engines.

Use your networks and connections: Inquire about unadvertised job openings (the "hidden job market").

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES

Did you travel abroad? Become an exchange mentor for the International Student Mentorship Program, join the exchange student community at the University of Manitoba or write an article about your experience.

Participate in the multicultural opportunities on campus: Participate in the Intercultural Development and Leadership Program, volunteer for the Land and Water: Land-based Education or take part in Graduation Pow Wow.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements:
Honours: PSYC 4520 (Thesis), plus all required courses for your BA Honours program

B.A. (4-year) or B.Sc. (Major): 18 credit hours PSYC at the 2000/3000 level

To do this year:

1. Meet with a psychology advisor for honours and B.Sc. major program approval.
2. Confirm eligibility to graduate with an academic advisor and declare intent to graduate in Aurora.

CAREER TIPS

Start job search 9 months in advance: Contact Career Services to refine your job search and self-marketing strategies. You can visit the office up to 6 months after graduation.

If you are continuing on to graduate school: Finalize your application materials and required tests. Use the awards database to search for funding and awards to help finance your continuing education. Contact your department to find out how their awards deadlines are advertised.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE

Ensure you have references in place: Ask your professor for a reference or a letter of recommendation if you're applying for graduate school.

Find opportunities to market yourself: Present your research at the Canadian Psychological Association Annual Convention.

Assess your resumé: Identify any gaps in experience and fill them through volunteering, work placements or internships such as the Post-Secondary Recruitment Program.

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES

Prepare to work in a multicultural environment: Visit Canada's National Research Centre for Truth and Reconciliation on campus or explore Manitoba Start, which offers events and free workshops for newcomers to assist their job search.

Sample jobs with an undergraduate degree and related experience

• Academic Advisor
• Addictions Worker 
• Advertising Account Executive
• Autism Tutor
• Border Services Officer
• Career/Employment Counsellor
• Community Support Worker
• Corrections Officer
• Crisis Worker
• Developmental Service Worker
• Fundraiser
• Immigration Settlement Worker
• Life Skills Coach 
• Market Research Analyst 
• Mental Health Worker
• Policy Analyst
• Probation/Parole Officer
• Rehabilitation Consultant
• Research Assistant
• Sales Manager
• Social Program Coordinator
• Special Events Coordinator
• Volunteer Coordinator
• Youth Worker

Options requiring other education

• Art Therapist
• Autism Consultant
• Child Life Therapist
• Ethologist
• Guidance Counsellor
• Human Resource Specialist
• Marriage & Family Therapist
• Mental Health Nurse (RN)
• Neuropsychologist
• Occupational Therapist
• Psychiatric Nurse
• Psychiatrist
• Psychologist
• Speech-Language Pathologist
• Spiritual Care Provider
• Substance Abuse Counsellor
• Teacher

Industries such as business, communications, education, government, health and justice would value a psychology major in combination with the employability skills that are highly sought after by employers. These include:*

• Oral and written communication
• Numeracy and data use
• Critical thinking
• Problem solving
• Teamwork
• Digital technology
• Industry specific knowledge
• Continuous learning

Attain skills through your classroom education by taking advantage of experiential education opportunities.

*Information has been adapted from Employability Skills 2000⁺ and Workplace Education Manitoba – Essential Skills.