Prior To Beginning Work On This Discussion, Read The 513935
Prior To Beginning Work On This Discussion Read The Schantz 2014 A
Prior to beginning work on this discussion, read the Schantz (2014) “A Young Scholar's Guide to Building a Professional Network” article, review the divisions listed on the APA website, paying special attention to the divisions that may interest you, and review the ONet Online website. In your initial post, identify one division related to your career interest that you would consider joining and one specific job related to that division. Conduct a search on your chosen job using ONet Online. Briefly elaborate on the information provided on the job you searched, including educational requirements, duties, future outlook, and salaries related to the position. Use the Internet to search for and compile information about the leading employer prospects for this position in your geographical area. Compare and contrast the compiled information with that from O*Net, including expected duties, number of job offerings found, educational requirements, job experience, and salary levels where applicable. Analyze psychology as a profession and assess the role the APA could play in aiding you in developing a professional network. Briefly detail an initial plan for building your professional network as well as obtaining your selected job. If your job of interest requires licensure, detail the licensure requirements from your State Board of Professional Psychology or respective professional field since a Master of Arts in Psychology is not a licensure program and does not prepare an individual to become a licensed psychology professional.
Paper For Above instruction
Building a professional network is crucial for career advancement, especially within psychology, where credentials, connections, and specialized knowledge significantly influence opportunities. The American Psychological Association (APA) hosts numerous divisions tailored to various fields and interests within psychology. After reviewing these divisions, I identified Division 42: Psychologists in Public Service, as a relevant group aligning with my career interest in community and clinical psychology. An associated job within this division is that of a Clinical Psychologist.
According to ONet Online, the role of a Clinical Psychologist entails assessing, diagnosing, and treating mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. The educational requirement primarily includes a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) in psychology, along with supervised internship and licensure to practice independently. The typical duties involve conducting psychological assessments, developing treatment plans, and providing psychotherapy. The future outlook for psychologists remains positive, with an expected growth rate of approximately 8% over the next decade, driven by increased awareness of mental health issues (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023). Salaries vary based on work setting and experience, but on average, clinical psychologists earn around $80,000 to $100,000 annually (ONet, 2023).
Researching employment prospects within my geographical area—specifically in California—I found several clinics, hospitals, and mental health organizations offering positions for clinical psychologists. Major employers include Kaiser Permanente, UCLA Health, and private practice groups. These organizations frequently seek licensed psychologists with doctoral degrees, emphasizing experience in clinical assessment and therapy. The number of job offerings varies seasonally but generally ranges from 10 to 20 openings per organization annually. Salaries in this region tend to be higher, often averaging between $90,000 and $120,000, with some positions offering signing bonuses and additional benefits.
Comparing the regional data with O*Net’s national overview reveals consistency in job duties and educational requirements. However, local salaries tend to be higher due to regional cost of living. The demand for clinical psychologists remains robust, especially in urban centers with substantial mental health service needs. Opportunities are often contingent upon licensure; in California, licensure requires an APA-accredited doctoral program, completion of supervised practice hours, and passing the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP).
Within the broader psychology profession, the APA plays a vital role in setting ethical standards, providing continuing education, and advocating for professional development. Membership in the APA and its divisions, such as Division 42, can facilitate networking, mentorship, and access to resources necessary for career growth. Building a professional network begins with attending conferences, engaging with local APA chapters, and participating in online forums. Establishing relationships with faculty, internship supervisors, and colleagues can open doors to employment opportunities and mentorship.
My initial plan involves joining APA Division 42, attending annual conferences, and enrolling in local psychology meetups. I aim to secure internships to gain practical experience and establish professional relationships with mentors. To obtain the position of licensed clinical psychologist, I plan to complete a doctoral program, accumulate supervised practice hours, and pass the licensure exam. Since a Master of Arts in Psychology alone does not qualify for licensure, further education and training are necessary.
In conclusion, a strategic approach combining education, networking, and understanding licensing requirements is essential to building a successful career in psychology. Engagement with professional organizations like the APA can significantly enhance career development by providing resources, mentorship, and opportunities to connect with industry leaders. Preparing systematically for licensure and gaining relevant experience will facilitate transitioning from academic training to a licensed practicing psychologist.
References
Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023). Psychologists. U.S. Department of Labor. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/psychologists.htm
O*Net Online. (2023). Psychologists. Retrieved from https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/19-3031.00
Schantz, M. (2014). A Young Scholar's Guide to Building a Professional Network. APA Division 42. https://www.apa.org
American Psychological Association. (2023). APA Divisions. https://www.apa.org/about/division
California Board of Psychology. (2023). Licensing Requirements. https://www.psychology.ca.gov/licensees/