Job Search Help: Psychology

As you are studying and gathering experience for your future jobs, it is good practice to occasionally review job postings currently open to see what is commonly listed for requirements or preferred qualities for education and experience. This keeps you update to date with current trends in those career fields while getting your degree. Listed below are some specific requirements you may notice during your job search for each type of psychology degree offered at Embry-Riddle.

Forensic Psychology

• Advanced Degree: Typically, a doctorate in clinical or counseling psychology with a specialization in forensic psychology is required. Be sure to review the requirements section of any job posting to see what education level is required to apply for entry-level positions.
• Licensure: Licensure as a psychologist is necessary to practice independently, particularly in clinical settings.
• Internship Experience: Practical experience in forensic settings, such as correctional facilities, courts, or law enforcement agencies, is highly valued. At Embry-Riddle, students have the opportunity to work in our Forensic Science Laboratory, which offers space to learn forensic science techniques and carry out investigations related to criminal or civil cases.
• Specialized Training: Additional training in forensic assessment, risk assessment, and legal issues is often required.
• Strong Research Skills: The ability to conduct research, analyze data, and write reports is essential for many forensic psychology positions.

Industrial/Organizational Psychology

• Advanced Degree: A master's or doctoral degree in industrial/organizational psychology is preferred, but a bachelor's degree with relevant experience may be sufficient for some entry-level positions. Be sure to review the requirements section of any job posting to see what education level is required to apply for entry-level positions.
• Strong Research Skills: The ability to design and conduct research studies, analyze data, and interpret findings is crucial.
• Statistical Knowledge: Proficiency in statistical analysis techniques is essential for data-driven decision-making.
• Interpersonal Skills: Strong communication and interpersonal skills are necessary for working with diverse groups of people, including employees, managers, and executives.
• Business Acumen: A basic understanding of business principles and practices is helpful for applying psychological knowledge to organizational challenges.

Human Factors Psychology

• Advanced Degree: A master's or doctoral degree in human factors psychology, engineering psychology, or a related field is typically required. Be sure to review the requirements section of any job posting to see what education level is required to apply for entry-level positions.
• Strong Research Skills: The ability to conduct user research, usability testing, and other research methods is essential.
• Design Skills: Knowledge of design principles and the ability to create user-centered designs is valuable.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in software tools for data analysis, user interface design, and simulation is often necessary.
• Interdisciplinary Knowledge: A broad understanding of engineering, computer science, and other related fields is helpful for collaborating with diverse teams.

When applying for psychology jobs, particularly in specialized fields like forensic, industrial-organizational, and human factors psychology, you can expect a competitive process. Here's a general overview of what to anticipate:

Timeline:

• Initial Application: After submitting your application, you might hear back within a few weeks, but it can sometimes take longer, especially for academic or government positions.
• Phone or Video Interview: If your application is promising, you may be invited for a phone or video interview. This typically occurs within a week or two of submitting your application.
• In-Person Interview: If you advance past the initial screening, you might be invited for an in-person interview. This could happen a few weeks after the initial interview.
• Offer and Negotiation: If you're offered a position, you may have a few weeks to negotiate salary, benefits, and other terms of employment.

The number of interviews can vary widely depending on the specific position, organization, and industry. However, it's common to expect multiple rounds of interviews for specialized positions.

Here's a breakdown of what you might expect:

1. Initial Screening Interview: This is typically a phone or video interview to assess your basic qualifications and fit for the position.
2. First-Round Interview: This might be a longer phone or video interview, or an in-person interview. It often involves behavioral and technical questions.
3. Second-Round Interview: This could involve multiple interviews with different team members or managers. These interviews might be more in-depth, focusing on specific skills, experiences, and cultural fit.
4. On-site Visit or Presentation: For some positions, especially in academia or research roles, you might be asked to visit the organization's site and give a presentation or participate in a research simulation.

While it's possible to get an offer after just one or two interviews, it's not uncommon to go through multiple rounds, especially for competitive positions. Stay positive, be persistent, and keep honing your skills.