“You must be really good at listening”

Assuming that because I’m studying psychology, I must be going into counseling. But the truth is that I’m actually not a very good listener and often get distracted mid-conversations causing me to forget...what was I say?

But there is most in psychology then people believe. From the very well known clinical psychology and counseling psychology to legal psychology and forensic psychology. There is also education psychology, industrial organizational psychology, evolutionary psychology, and many more. Personally, I find myself enjoying social psychology more, as it focuses on the big question of why do people do what they do.

“You will have to go to graduate school”

Depending on what you want to do with your psychology degree and where you want to work, you might not have to. Truth is, psychology is very applicable to many jobs because we have a tendency to have very good interpersonal and critical thinking skills. A graduate degree would only be necessary if you want to work in specific research studies or have patients, otherwise isn’t necessary. From Human Resources to Parole Officer, the opportunities are there.

“Can you read people’s mind?”

Different type of psych, though depending on how well you are at observing people you might be good at guessing.

“Psychology isn’t a real science”

We use the scientific method in order to do research in order to understand how the human mind works. People should have more respect for psychologist as the human mind isn’t easy to study. Not everyone’s mind works the same, why do you think lobotomies never worked. Also, because psychology is very brain function heavy, saying that psychology isn’t science is like saying brain surgeons aren’t necessary.

“Psychology is an easy major.”

“Because you got an A in Intro to Psychology your freshmen year,” is usually the response I have. Though that may be true, not all the classes are like Intro to Psychology. Most will require heavy reading and a combination of science because let's not forget that psychology is the study of the mind, which we know is ultimately the brain. Depending on what your interest in psychology might be, classes such as Neurobiology or Physiopsychology can be a requirement in order to pursue a career in health or clinical psychology. Even Abnormal Psychology could be difficult as you learn the different type of disorders, the similarities between them, have you skimmed through the DSM-5? “No.” It’s a love and hate relationship, so interesting but oh so confusing because I might just have diagnosed myself with Schizophrenia NOS.