PhD/PsyD Jobs in I/O Psychology and Bachelors Level Psych

[PsychMajorUndergrad18]

Hello Everyone,

Wow I haven't posted on here in awhile. Recently I had a reality check from my Uncle who told me flat out that going for a doctorate immediately out of school and not having a job that is stable in regards to job security and pay until a while after graduating is not really practical in our economy right now. So I decided to stay as a psych major and do a minor in business administration. I am interested in working in the business world with either just my bachelors or to also get a masters in I/O psychology. And I am in no way bashing the hard work and devotion that people put in pursing a Phd/PsyD in clinical or any other specialty in Psych but I just don't know if I can spend 5 to 8 years of earning a PhD right out of undegrad and then do 2 to 3 years of post-doctoral training. So I have a few questions about I/O Psych and working with a bachelors in Psych:

1) What are some possible job opportunities like in the business world with a bachelors in psychology with a minor in Business Admin? Is this a good choice for a career in HR or consulting?
2) What are possible job opportunities with a MA/MS in I/O Psychology?
3) Would I still be able to get a Doctorate in I/O Psychology or any other subfield of Psychchology after I get a MA/MS in I/O Psychology?

Thanks for responding everyone!!

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[Goobernut]

I'm not sure you are gonna get much response to this question here, not because people disagree with your decision, but mostly because this is a "room" full of people who have experience with the PhD route, or like myself, are still clinical. Have you tried looking over at grad cafe?

 

[AcronymAllergy]

From my limited understanding:

1) Basically, the same job opportunities available to anyone with limited (I'm guessing) work experience and a college degree that isn't in a more specific business-related field (e.g., accounting, finance, etc.). I'd imagine you'd be qualified for most entry-level HR jobs if that interests you. Consulting, not sure; that's more an issue of what expertise you have and, perhaps more importantly, how well you can sell that expertise to others. If you have limited real-world work experience, though, I'd imagine consulting opportunities might be limited. But hey, it's business, so anything goes.

2) My understanding is that most folks working in applied (i.e., non-academic) I/O positions have a masters rather than a doctorate, although folks with a doctorate still do applied work. A masters or doctorate in I/O could put you in a great position to function as a consultant, although again, much of that will depend on business acumen, salesmanship, and networking/connections.

3) Yes, although the amount of time the masters would save you is likely to be very limited.

 

[smalltownpsych]

Hello Everyone,

Wow I haven't posted on here in awhile. Recently I had a reality check from my Uncle who told me flat out that going for a doctorate immediately out of school and not having a job that is stable in regards to job security and pay until a while after graduating is not really practical in our economy right now. So I decided to stay as a psych major and do a minor in business administration. I am interested in working in the business world with either just my bachelors or to also get a masters in I/O psychology. And I am in no way bashing the hard work and devotion that people put in pursing a Phd/PsyD in clinical or any other specialty in Psych but I just don't know if I can spend 5 to 8 years of earning a PhD right out of undegrad and then do 2 to 3 years of post-doctoral training. So I have a few questions about I/O Psych and working with a bachelors in Psych:

1) What are some possible job opportunities like in the business world with a bachelors in psychology with a minor in Business Admin? Is this a good choice for a career in HR or consulting?
2) What are possible job opportunities with a MA/MS in I/O Psychology?
3) Would I still be able to get a Doctorate in I/O Psychology or any other subfield of Psychchology after I get a MA/MS in I/O Psychology?

Thanks for responding everyone!!

You would really need to talk to people in the business world. I can tell you that it is highly competitive out there and you have to work extremely hard to succeed. I couldn't do it just because business alone wasn't motivating enough for me. I do enjoy the business aspects of mental health, though, and am glad that I have that experience under my belt.