Pursuing a psychology degree opens doors to many rewarding careers. However, a bachelor’s degree alone may not be enough to land your dream job right after graduation. Gaining relevant experience while you’re still a student can make you a more competitive candidate once you enter the job market. Here are 10 part time jobs to consider if you’re an undergraduate psychology student looking to boost your resume.I will be walking you through the mostrewarding part-timejob for an undergraduate in the USA and other parts of the world.
1. Behavioral Technician
Behavioral technicians work directly with children on the autism spectrum or with other developmental disabilities. Your responsibilities may include implementing behavioral plans, tracking progress, and recording data on behaviors. This hands-on role allows you to apply the principles you’re learning in your psychology classes in a real-world setting. The ability to work one-on-one with children provides valuable experience if you’re interested in a career in applied behavior analysis, special education, or other therapy-related fields.
You may find some behavioral Technician jobs in this article that I prepared just for you.
2. Residential Counselor
Residential counselors provide supervision and resources to individuals living in group home settings. These homes serve troubled teenagers, individuals overcoming addiction, and other populations. As a residential counselor, you’ll help residents work through interpersonal conflicts, assist with day-to-day activities, and connect them with needed services. Psychology students gain exposure to practical counseling methods and psychology-based interventions through this role. View our top 8 picks for ResidentialCouselor in the USA in this post.
3. Psychiatric Technician
Psychiatric technicians work closely with psychiatric patients in hospitals, residential treatment facilities, and other mental health settings. Your day-to-day tasks may involve assisting with admissions, transporting patients, observing behaviors, leading group activities, and supporting patients during meals and recreational time. This hands-on role allows you to apply your understanding of psychological disorders and learn skills directly applicable to careers in psychiatric nursing, clinical psychology, and counseling.
4. Youth Mentor
As a youth mentor, you’ll be matched with an at-risk child or teen who needs extra support and guidance. Mentors provide a listening ear, set a positive example, and help their mentee work through challenges. Psychology students gain experience with establishing rapport, implementing behavioral plans, and serving as a stable role model. This part time job offers valuable skills if you’re considering a career in school counseling, child psychology, or social work.
5. Domestic Violence Shelter Volunteer
Local domestic violence shelters rely on volunteers to staff 24-hour hotlines, lead support groups, care for children, and more. As a volunteer, you’ll provide critical services to families impacted by domestic abuse. This allows psychology students to learn more about family dynamics, trauma, crisis intervention, and empowering others. The interpersonal skills you’ll gain are applicable to careers in family counseling, victim advocacy programs, and other related services.
6. Applied Behavior Analysis Tutor
Parents of children with autism often hire tutors to provide applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy in the home. As an ABA tutor, you’ll work one-on-one implementing interventions based on the principles of learning and behavior. Psychology students interested in specializing in ABA can gain hands-on experience while making a difference in a child’s life. This part time job can open doors to a career as a certified ABA therapist, special education teacher, school psychologist, or behavior specialist.
7. Life Skills Coach
Individuals transitioning out of homelessness, incarceration, foster care, or recovery programs often benefit from dedicated life skills coaching. As a life skills coach, you’ll assist with setting goals, finding community resources, developing healthy routines, and navigating relationships. Psychology students gain valuable experience with counseling techniques, goal setting, and empowering others. This role provides transferrable skills for therapists, social workers, probation officers, and other related careers.
8. Research Assistant
Working part time as a research assistant allows psychology students to gain firsthand experience with experimental design, data collection, literature reviews, and analyzing results. Under the supervision of professors and graduate students, undergraduate research assistants play a crucial support role in ongoing studies and projects. Hands-on research experience can better prepare you for graduate programs in experimental psychology and related scientific fields.
9. Crisis Hotline Counselor
Local and national crisis hotlines rely on compassionate volunteers to answer calls and texts from individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts, trauma symptoms, substance abuse issues, and other crises. As a hotline counselor, you’ll listen empathetically, assess risk, provide referrals, and save lives. Psychology students will gain invaluable real-world experience with crisis intervention, active listening, and counseling ethics. Developing these skills can benefit future mental health practitioners, social workers, and counselors.
10. Peer Counselor
Many college counseling centers hire undergraduate peer counselors to provide free sessions to fellow students. As a peer counselor, you’ll meet with students one-on-one to validate struggles, offer support, and normalize their experiences. Studying psychology introduces theories and concepts related to human behavior, relationships, and mental health. Applying that knowledge as a peer counselor can benefit students interested in counseling, clinical psychology, psychiatry, and related fields.
Pursuing a part time job related to psychology as an undergraduate student has many benefits beyond earning extra cash. Gaining hands-on experience and making professional connections can help you identify your ideal career path within the mental health and human services field. You’ll also develop interpersonal skills and get real-world experience that can set you apart in the job market after graduation. Consider taking on one of these psychology-related roles to make yourself a strong candidate for graduate school programs or full time jobs once you complete your bachelor’s degree.
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