Conversation with Kate from Greece - Psychology Major in College

Another guest in our website today, and that is Kate from Greece! Today, we will talk about Psychology, and things anyone should consider when majoring in this field in college! Hope you gain some insight from today's post!

1) do you have any advice for any high schooler wanting to major in psychology? What should we prepare in your experience? Do you wish to tell somewhere you probably should have known before attending college? 

If you are a high schooler considering majoring in psychology, you must start building a strong foundation in science and math, as subjects like biology and statistics are crucial. These two classes are useful in understanding the biological bases of behavior and giving a head start in understanding data analysis and experimental design. Furthermore, taking advanced English classes, if available, will help you develop strong analytical and writing skills, and they will aid you in comprehending research papers much easier. Volunteering in mental health settings can also provide valuable experience, when it is feasible of course. 

2) can you tell a bit about what jobs you are seeking after graduating college/getting your masters? Do you think there are many work opportunities for someone with this degree? 

After obtaining a psychology degree, people should be well-informed about the laws and regulations in their country regarding the practice of various psychology professions. For Instance, in GREECE, you can open your office as a clinical or counseling psychologist after obtaining your major. The job market for psychology graduates is diverse, with many paths in both clinical and non-clinical settings, and includes various clinical, academic, and applied settings. While some careers, especially in clinical psychology require additional certifications or a doctoral degree, many roles in research, human resources, and social services offer rewarding paths with a strong demand for expertise in human behavior.

3) can you tell a bit about what your college schedule looks like, like what do you do everyday? I want to know how a high schooler and a college student differs :) Also, is the workload much more compared to high school? 

In all of my years at university, I used to wake up at specific times. I woke up and I would have breakfast at my apartment because it is the most important meal of the day. Afterward, I would walk to classes, which were often spread out across the day and included a mix of lectures, seminars, and lab sessions. After classes, I would usually meet up with friends either to study or to relax and then hit the gym to stay active. For meals, I loved cooking at home, but at times, I used to grab food from the university cafeteria. I would often enjoy a coffee and a sweet treat as a break. The workload in college is more intense compared to high school, but this fact should not scare the people who can schedule and organize their studying. Organization is key in college/ university, because classes demand more independent study, and there is a greater emphasis on managing your own time effectively. Balancing coursework, research, extracurricular activities and taking care of the household requires strong organizational skills and often feels more demanding. We shall not forget the fact that everything is based on habits, so this balance may feel chaotic at first, but after the first 2 months, it will be much better [TRUST THE PROCESS].

4) do you take any internships/out-of-school psych opportunities outside of school? Do you have any advice for college students also wanting to do that? 

Yes, I pursued internships and out-of-school psychology opportunities, such as aiding victims of domestic abuse by helping them out mentally and by giving them necessities, such as clothes and food. My advice for college students is to start early by seeking out relevant positions and networking with professors and professionals in the field that they desire to work in. In addition, tailor your resume to highlight relevant coursework and skills, and be proactive in reaching out to organizations. Utilize career services and academic advisors for support in finding and applying for these opportunities.

5) your BIGGEST lesson from college in your experience :) Do you regret anything from college? 

The biggest lesson I learned from college was mastering time MANAGEMENT and self-discipline. Juggling classes, research, and activities showed me how crucial it is to prioritize and stay focused. While I do not have major regrets, I do wish I had pursued internships and practical experiences earlier, and been more active in student clubs. Getting hands-on experience sooner would have clarified my career path earlier and enhanced my resume (CV) even more. Despite this, the daily challenges I faced as a young adult were invaluable for my growth.