During his short life psychology has penetrated to the ordinary world. A close friend may be "an introvert" with "repressed complexes" in need of "completion of the gestalt." Many people believe that they can undergo an understanding of psychology, looking at the reality show on TV and bought the latest issues of tutorials, in which every human emotion is compared to a vegetable garden. To discard this old-fashioned belief, it is necessary to know the real facts about how normal people become psychologists.

Step 1. Getting the skills and experience in school

Psychology Today - one of the most popular subjects in higher education. On the tough competition no clue, so many potential students are eliminated in the first stage with excellent grades in English literature, research, advertising media, and arts and crafts. For the future psychologist compulsory subject is biology, and not be superfluous to examine at least one exact science, chemistry or physics - what dare. Of course, you can claim that knowledge of the ideal gas law of Boyle is less useful in psychology than the depth of understanding of the human soul in the works of Shakespeare.

But this is not discussed. It is important to show that psychology - the science.

Step 2. Diploma

Diploma - a necessary condition for the right to engage in medical psychological activity, but probably the least time-consuming process if you have already accepted to the school. While most courses are based on different branches of science, only the most prominent educational institutions like Oxford, Cambridge and Bristol (yes!), insist that their diplomas mentioned study course in experimental psychology. Many courses cover various areas, including social, developmental psychology and some rarities, such as psychoanalysis.

The first year at university, students usually spend, portraying the guinea pigs for experiments in older students and all that studying psychology, that could be learned in school, if teachers have not considered this subject unnecessary and did not rule him out of the curriculum. Last year, usually devoted to writing a research project. Some fall into a state of shock after learning that he can help advance science. From this discovery is usually not a trace left after three weeks of the seller after graduation.

Step 3. The choice of specialization

After three years of alcohol abuse and downhill for the opposite sex, many former students of the Psychology Department in horror realizing that it is time to seriously address the job search. And here are two possible ways - practitioner or scientist, or a combination thereof. The way a scientist starts with a PhD (which, to the disappointment of a psychologist, which stands for doctor of philosophy). Life scientist and a psychologist can be characterized as follows: half the time he spends in the student lounge, desperate to convince future psychologists to help him with his research, the other half of the computer, frantically urging statistical programs to help with the study results.

In real life practical psychologist is much more diverse. The way practice can be easily traced by the job title "elder brother": Law (Forensic Psychology), medicine (clinical psychology), business (the psychology of employment) and pedagogy (educational psychology). Where the similarities end areas, formed small community of psychologists belonging to each of the professions. Usually they are paid much less. The most ideal situation - where the psychologist moves the most powerful of motives - awareness of self-worth for others. Can demonstrate their knowledge in the profession, as if by chance referring to a pair of rare areas. For beginners: There is sport psychology, psychology, environmental and economic psychology. One area in which you want to - motivational and gastronomic telepsihologiya (scientific analysis of the supposedly humorous culinary TV show).

Step 4. Preparation for the profession

The process of preparing a professional psychologist - not for the faint of heart. Stiff competition, a difficult situation - but no one stirs. However, the signs of rivalry are hidden under the semblance of what psychologists are seen as "socially acceptable human behavior." Ability to improve during training seems to patter: the study of theory, its application in practice, research, and, among other things, maintaining a "balance" in life. Faced with a clinical psychologist, note the commitment of the university course. Acquainted with educational psychology, congratulate him on the successful passage of retraining (they have to improve their qualifications as teachers). And if you find a forensic psychologist, do not waste time, call the World Wildlife Fund and record the find as belonging to an endangered species.