non clinical question

[Backpack]

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So I'm heading into my first year of college in september so I might be getting ahead of myself but I've been looking through numerous graduate program websites and I know I'd be interested in taking the non clinical path but I noticed one saying that they expect all students to gain experience teaching. Is the main goal of getting a PhD in a type of research psychology to get a teaching position? I'm a little confused. Do postdoctorals work in labs solely or do most also do teaching?

 

[WisNeuro]

Are you heading into your first year of undergrad or grad school?

 

[MorganLilith]

He/she said college so probably undergrad.

Are you heading into your first year of undergrad or grad school?

 

[Backpack]

Yes undergrad

 

[Thrak]

It seems to be the most common career goal. For everyone else, it's either working in a research institute (where it's still common to teach a course or two every once in a while, to keep a university affiliation), or into the government/private sector. The government/private sector jobs depend on the specific area you're interested in.

For example, Social Psych people may find themselves in marketing research.

 

[WisNeuro]

Well, for Ph.D programs, as far as I know, you'll most likely be getting some teaching in. Their goal is to make you fairly well-rounded and prepare you for a career in either Academia or the Clinical realm. Teaching is probably more important in an Academic setting, but it is also relevant in some clinical settings (i.e., hospitals), so it the experience wouldn't hurt either way.