Why study Psychology? 10 points that you should value

Studying Psychology is, for many people, one of the most attractive options when it is time to consider what university studies to pursue. It is something that can be easily verified when seeing that, year after year, the career of Psychology is one of the most demanded by students.

Many people like to read about it, but they may not feel comfortable thinking about practicing as a psychologist. In other cases, the vocation is clear and completing the career is considered as the means to obtain accreditation as a specialist.

Should I study the career of Psychology? Do I want to be a psychologist? ...

But, Why do you want to study psychology? Is it because of what this career really offers, or because of aspects not very related to the university that you associate irrationally with this type of study?

To figure out why you want to study Psychology, you will have to think about your motivations and reasons. To try to help you in this reflection, we have prepared this complete post, so we recommend that you keep reading.

If you want to decide to start some studies and you still have doubts about whether to study Psychology or choose another option, here we propose 10 reasons to motivate you (or maybe not) to start your way in the science of behavior and mental processes.

And why not: you may also wonder where you can study this career. To solve this second question, you can consult our ranking of the best universities:

• "The 10 best universities to study Psychology in Spain"

1. How long will it take to become a psychologist?

The psychology degree usually has an academic duration of between four and five years. However, each person has a different rhythm And it is possible that, depending on your motivation, abilities and time available, you will be able to finish it in less time, or that it may take an extra year to complete and receive your diploma.

Studying psychology requires dedication: How much time can you dedicate to it?

2. Is the career of Psychology very difficult?

Take each semester of the degree it will require a lot of tenacity, effort and ability to overcome. You will have to read many books, articles and documents to be able to analyze, interpret and understand the complexity of the psyche, behavior and interpersonal relationships. Everything has a price, but the knowledge that you will develop is well worth it. A psychologist must know how to understand the human mind in order to later try to influence people in a positive way.

If you want to start getting into the subject to assess whether you like to study Psychology, here I leave you a couple of light articles that briefly explain questions that you will study in the race:

• "10 psychological phenomena that will surprise you"
• "8 psychological myths that already have a scientific explanation"

In addition, we have recently compiled a list with Facebook Groups where you can learn, in an entertaining way and without leaving your favorite social network, many things about psychology and neurosciences:

• "Top 10 Facebook Groups to Learn Psychology"

3. Will I be able to deal with the problems of others?

During your psychology studies you will have to carry out professional internships that will help you assess whether you feel suitable and comfortable to deal professionally with other people, since they are roles that are often shocking and it is difficult to know if one is ready until the moment you expose yourself to the practice.

However, these internships take place in the later years of the psychology degree or bachelor's degree. Study psychology during the race it will allow you to observe what your skills are.

4. What are the outputs of the career of Psychology?

People outside of psychology often think of the profession of psychology as the strictly linked to the clinical psychologist or psychoanalyst, conducting therapy to patients lying on the couch. You have to know that the professional fields of the psychologist are not limited to this, but also include performance in organizations (as a human resources manager, for example), the Social psychology, research, psychology specialized in some disorder or particular characteristic, teaching... Therefore, if you start studying psychology, you should know that the possible outputs are numerous.

Mandatory reading:

• "Psychologists: What They Do and How They Help People
• "The 12 types of psychologists"

If you want to go deeper into some of the work areas of Psychology, here are some links so that you can draw your own conclusions about each one and continue to outline your Professional future.

• "What is social psychology?"
• "Educational Psychology: definition, concepts and theories"
• "What is Sports Psychology?"
• "The role of Psychology in emergencies and disasters"
• "Criminal psychology and forensic psychology: similarities and differences"

I will be completing this list each time we put out new articles for the blog talking about a professional field practiced by psychologists.

5. Is the income of a psychologist high?

Many people believe that becoming a psychologist means saving money from financial problems and, despite the fact psychologists make a good living, the truth is that others fail to channel their knowledge towards stable sources of income.

Almost any profession can be profitable to the extent that you can have a stable job, dedicate yourself body and soul to itTry to perfect your knowledge and exercise it responsibly and ethically. It never hurts, however, a small dose of luck and taking some risks.

6. Studying Psychology to "feel better", is it a good idea?

If your intention is to start studying psychology and you realize that you are only interested in this subject to try to understand yourself better, maybe you should rethink things. Sometimes it is preferable to read a good self-help book, attend a workshop or consult a psychotherapist and start therapy if necessary.

If you only focus the interest of the knowledge you acquire on your own person, you may be confusing the goal of the race, and you will probably not be able to connect with many of the subjects, nor with professional practice as a psychologist.

7. Where should I find out?

The Internet can be a very useful tool when looking for information about a career in psychology, to be able to guide you and make a final decision. But also you should look for more personal and reliable sources of information: go one day to the faculty of psychology where you would like to study, there they will be able to advise and inform you much better.

They can guide you to reflect on why study psychology, and on the content of the degree. The study plans differ greatly between universities, apart from the fact that each country tends to prioritize some knowledge or others. Ask anything you want to know, the university staff is there for that.

8. Is it a good idea to ask professionals for advice?

If it is a good idea. If you want to better understand how a psychologist works (whatever the field), also It is recommended that you collect information on testimonials that can advise you and solve your doubts.

Also, if you know someone who works as a psychologist, do not hesitate to ask them: it is very likely not have no problem guiding you and explaining everything that can help you from their experience personal. On Psychology and Mind we like to make things easy for you: recently We have interviewed the psychologist Leocadio Martín to talk about the profession. Hopefully this reading will help you:

• Leocadio Martín: "As a psychologist, the main virtue is the passion to learn and help"

9. Am I Too Old To Study Psychology?

If you are very convinced to start studying psychology, do not hesitate and sign up. Many people end up letting time go by because those around them discourage them from starting to study, for one reason or another (“you're too old for that”; "Why study psychology if you already have a stable job"; "Study law or business better" ...).

Remember that if four or five years is a problem, also there is the option of studying a free master's or postgraduate degree. In any case, do not let the fact that other people assume the right to have an opinion on what you should or should not do influence your final decision. If you believe in it, do it.

10. I have started studying Psychology and I have realized that it is not my thing, what do I do?

In case you already started studying the degree and even so you still have a sea of ​​unresolved doubts, don't wait too long to do it, since it is preferable that you realize that it is not your thing when you are starting than when there are a few months to finish.

Anyway, studying a career does not necessarily imply having to exercise what has been studied, and many people successfully complete their studies and then their professional practice goes by another path, or by one that is only indirectly related to their training. Without a doubt, in any case a career in psychology will help you both on a personal and professional level.

If you want to get the most out of your Psychology studies, we think it is essential that you consult our Student guide:

• "I want to be a psychologist" - 10 keys to successfully complete the Psychology career

11. And when the race is over... what I do?

There are multiple career opportunities for when you have already finished your Bachelor's or Bachelor's Degree. Postgraduate, Master, Specializations... the important thing is that you know what you want to spend your time on and that you train yourself conscientiously and betting on a rigorous training.

For example, if you are looking for a Master to study, we have put together this list for you:

• "The 20 best Masters in Psychology"

How to start the university career?

There are several options to obtain a university degree in Psychology, and that is precisely why some people find it difficult to choose. In addition, there are those who have a difficult time living far from a psychology faculty, and those who prefer not to see their schedules conditioned by the classes.

Choosing well the center where we are going to study is one of the (many) keys to success, so it is worth taking time and reflecting on the best option for your particular case.