Is it easy to get a job with a psychology degree?

[Daramola Deborah]

Not exactly — and here’s why.

Psychology is a very popular field of study worldwide, which means there’s a high number of graduates competing for a limited number of jobs. This oversupply makes entry-level positions highly competitive, especially for roles that directly involve clinical work or counselling.

In many countries, you can’t legally diagnose or treat patients with just a bachelor’s degree. To practice as a licensed psychologist, you usually need to complete a master’s degree or, more often, a doctorate (PhD or PsyD), plus professional licensing exams and supervised training hours.

With only an undergraduate degree, your job options are typically in supportive or non-clinical roles — such as research assistant, human resources, social services support, market research, or administrative roles in mental health organisations. These jobs can be valuable stepping stones, but they often don’t pay as much or offer the same level of responsibility as licensed psychologist positions.

So, while it’s possible to find work with a psychology degree, it’s not as simple as graduating and walking into a clinical job. If your goal is to work directly with patients or have a high level of influence in the field, be prepared to invest in further study, internships, and professional development.

Bottom line: Psychology can be a rewarding career, but for most, it requires a long-term commitment beyond the bachelor’s level to unlock the full range of opportunities.

[Author]

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