Is A Masters In Psychology Worth It
The Master of Science (MSc) or Magisterium program at King’s College London was launched in 2000 to provide an advanced training course grounded in clinical research methods, theory development and practical application. The program focuses on three key areas – health services and policy; mental health; and social and political sciences. There are currently over 100 students enrolled in the MSc program. This article will focus on how this program helps prepare graduates for their future careers as well as providing them with additional skill sets and qualifications that will make them more marketable to employers.
When I first applied to graduate school, my goal was to obtain a doctorate in Clinical Psychology from a prestigious university. However, after researching several programs online, choosing a doctoral program proved difficult. After completing my undergraduate degrees, I had worked as a licensed professional counselor for two years. I wanted to continue working with clients but felt like I needed some type of formal education before pursuing a career in counseling. This is when I discovered the Master of Sciences Program at King’s College London.
My interest in studying psychology stemmed from my own experience with anxiety disorder. Although I knew very little about what psychologists did prior to enrolling in the masters program, I quickly learned that there were many aspects of the field that interested me. My previous work focused on individual therapy so I chose to study human behavior under Dr. Christine Carter who specializes in personality assessment and psychotherapy, specifically in treating anxiety disorders. As part of my studies, I completed research projects for Dr. Carter while conducting group sessions. Through these experiences I found out that I enjoyed helping people improve their lives through psychological interventions.
As an aspiring psychologist, I am always looking for ways to enhance my job prospects. One way that I have done this is by taking courses outside of my major. For instance, I took an introduction to philosophy class during one of my internships because I thought it might be helpful if I ever decided to pursue a Ph.D. in Humanities. Another example is when I studied Spanish for six months. At the time, I already spoke English fluently, but I had never taken any classes in the language. I chose to take Spanish lessons because I wanted to learn more about Hispanic culture and help immigrants navigate the American system. I believe that doing something unrelated to your field will allow you to see things from another perspective.
Another benefit to earning a master’s degree in psychology is the ability to add “master” to your title. If you want to eventually become a professor, having a master’s degree could boost your chances of being hired. Also, some employers may view a master’s degree as a sign of maturity, especially for those in leadership roles. Having earned my bachelor’s degree last year, I now consider myself a young adult with full-time employment. I feel that earning my master’s has helped solidify this status and increased my self-confidence.
One of my favorite parts of earning my master’s degree was discovering new interests within my field. When I began my internship, I realized that I liked interviewing patients. So, when I became eligible to complete my thesis project, I decided to interview 30 women about their relationships with family members. I found that I really enjoyed asking questions and listening to women talk about their families. I then started to think about other topics I would be interested in exploring further such as divorce, aging and sexuality. By expanding my interests, I hope to diversify my potential line of research.
In addition to enhancing my resume, earning my master’s degree has given me the opportunity to develop my interpersonal communication skills. During my internship, I noticed that I lacked the confidence to stand up to supervisors and ask them questions. Now, I know that they won’t be offended if I don’t approach them immediately. Instead, I try to think of something related to the conversation that I can bring up later. Sometimes this involves complimenting someone else’s presentation or sharing an interesting story that happened to me personally. By developing these types of skills early on, I hope to avoid becoming known as someone who asks everyone about themselves.
A final reason why obtaining a master’s degree in psychology is worthwhile is that it gives you a better understanding of your chosen profession. While earning my associate’s degree, I often struggled with finding relevant examples of psychology in action. Once I obtained my bachelor’s degree, however, I was able to relate my experiences back to the concepts I learned in psychology class. My role models include professors, therapists and successful professionals. These individuals inspire me to do my best every day. They show me that regardless of who I am or where I come from, I can achieve success.
Although I still need to earn my license as a therapist, I plan to use my skills to help others find happiness and peace within themselves. Hopefully, someday soon I will be a licensed therapist helping others live happier and healthier lives.
If you enjoyed reading this article and would like to see similar ones.
Please check out this link!
