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HomestarRunner June 14th, 2006 04:25 AM

Help a lost grad student: Other career paths for mental health professionals?
 
Hello!
Glad to find this place!

I am completing my Masters degree in counseling and I am not sure what I am going to do with my degree. While I suppose it still may be a possibility for me to make use of my degree and working towards licensure in order to be a masters-level therapist, I am less than confident that this is what I want to do.

So, although it might not be accurate, for the sake of clarity in discussion, let us presuppose that I have decided that I will not continue along the path towards a career as a mental health professional.

I am curious to discover if there might be other areas where my background in counseling and psychology would be useful and marketable. In particular, I am interested in hearing about examples of colleagues/acquaintances you have had who were in the mental health field but abandoned ship in pursuit of another (and possibly more profitable) line of work.

Thank you very much.

AlanAllard July 2nd, 2006 09:10 PM

Re: Help a lost grad student: Other career paths for mental health professionals?
 
HomestarRunner,

You might find it more useful to ask yourself, "what career options really capture my interest and imagination, regardless of the degree program I have pursued?" There is no reason to limit yourself to certain careers that are connected to your academic training, as you will limit your options.

What deep interests and skill-sets do you bring to the table? Where would that be valued and rewarded?

You might find Paul and Sarah Edwards book Your Perfect Work helpful.

My best to you,

Alan Allard

John Simon July 4th, 2006 11:26 PM

Re: Help a lost grad student: Other career paths for mental health professionals?
 
I have friends with Psychology backgrounds who work in human resources, corporate coaching, work/life balance for corporate employees, outplacement specialists, sales, and recruiters.

John

alexandra_k July 9th, 2006 10:03 AM

Re: Help a lost grad student: Other career paths for mental health professionals?
 
if you want to make money...

could you switch into organisational psychology / psychometrics testing?

i think there is money over there...

but could be wrong.

repeat after me 'You CAN take control of your life'

;-)

i don't know... what would you LIKE to do?

Kim LS August 29th, 2006 03:25 PM

Re: Help a lost grad student: Other career paths for mental health professionals?
 
I'm a graduate student planning on completing my MSW by June, 2007. If it helps at all, I chose social work specifically because I can do a million different things when I'm done with my education. The money isn't great, but with a Master's degree it gets better. Counseling was my original intention, but I don't think I could sit still long enough for that :D . Good luck in your search!

Bonn1997 October 23rd, 2008 10:34 PM

Re: Help a lost grad student: Other career paths for mental health professionals?
 
I agree 100% with the first reply (allanallard). You have to ask yourself what you really want to do for the next 30 or so years. What do you feel most passionate about? What do you like to do in your free time and are there any careers related to it? Don't let how you've spent the last 2 (or however long you've been in grad school) determine the next 3 or more decades.

Henry Stein November 10th, 2008 10:58 AM

Re: Help a lost grad student: Other career paths for mental health professionals?
 
Consider the following resources:

1) Take the JVIS (Jackson Vocational Interest Survey) online at http://www.jvis.com/default.htm

2) Explore the OOH (Occupational Outlook Handbook) at http://www.bls.gov/OCO/.

3) Make an appointment with a counselor/therapist who also specializes in career assessment and guidance. Discuss your reasons for initially choosing counseling, then rejecting it.

catrina May 5th, 2009 07:56 AM

Re: Help a lost grad student: Other career paths for mental health professionals?
 
That's all drugs and alcohol do, they cut off your emotions in the end

catrina


Texas Drug Treatment Centers

Whiterabbit April 12th, 2010 08:14 AM

Re: Help a lost grad student: Other career paths for mental health professionals?
 
Do what you love. If you love what you do and are good at it the success and money will come. Having said this, do it smartly, don’t burn your bridges.

WR


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