<aside> <img src="/icons/gradebook_gray.svg" alt="/icons/gradebook_gray.svg" width="40px" /> “A big thing for me, and the reason why I am interested in so many different opportunities is because I am a social person. For me, the biggest interest when looking for jobs is who are the people I can meet, and what I can do. Not just networking for me, but I like meeting people and hearing what they are doing, and quite literally interpersonal relationships. In that regard, I don’t regret [studying psychology] whatsoever because it really helped me guide my interest and figure out what was it that I liked about it, and what research looks like. From a career perspective though, I wouldn’t have gone into psychology with the intent of getting a job after graduation. But it is for my interest and what I think I wanted to do, so it was a good choice.” — Marco Mai, psychology specialist, graduating in 2024

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<aside> <img src="/icons/gradebook_gray.svg" alt="/icons/gradebook_gray.svg" width="40px" /> “It taught me the most valuable lesson of all - academia isn't for everyone, including me.”

— Anonymous, psychology research specialist, graduated in 2023, now an instructional designer at Humber College

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<aside> <img src="/icons/gradebook_gray.svg" alt="/icons/gradebook_gray.svg" width="40px" /> “My undergrad helped me figure out what field of psychology I wanted to pursue and ultimately I’ll be going back to university to get my PhD in clinical psychology!”

— Vivian Mohn, psychology specialist, graduated in 2022, now taking a gap year

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<aside> <img src="/icons/gradebook_gray.svg" alt="/icons/gradebook_gray.svg" width="40px" /> “My psychology degree has created the foundation for all of my plans for the future as I am currently applying to graduate programs in clinical and counseling psychology. In the next 5 years, I hope to complete an MA and Ph.D. in clinical and/or counseling psychology. Thereafter, I aspire to practice as a psychotherapist and work in clinical community settings with sexual minorities and immigrant families as a researcher and practitioner. Grad school doesn't always have to be the direct route for research specialist students (and I know many people in my cohort who pursued other careers/opportunities). I know that I want to continue conducting research and practice in counselling settings, so graduate school is the clear path ahead for me, which I why I decided to complete an additional fifth year in order to complete some supplementary courses for clinical psychology and work part-time.”

— Elisabetta, psychology research specialist, graduating in 2024, now a 5th-year student

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<aside> <img src="/icons/gradebook_gray.svg" alt="/icons/gradebook_gray.svg" width="40px" /> “I was able to publish a paper as a second author during my time at UofT, which taught me a lot about the world of research and publishing.”

— Anonymous, psychology research specialist, graduated in 2023, now taking a gap year

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<aside> <img src="/icons/gradebook_gray.svg" alt="/icons/gradebook_gray.svg" width="40px" /> “Although I am early in my career, I think my PhD has contributed immensely to my success so far. Having  9+ years of research experience (including undergraduate years) going into the job market set me apart from other candidates, as did my ability to think critically and communicate clearly. Graduate school also equipped me with excellent public speaking skills, which I use a lot now! My social psychology background has been highly valued and viewed as an asset for understanding the human/consumer experience in PR and marketing work.” — Jordana Schiralli, psychology specialist (2016) & Ph.D. student in social psychology (2023), now a senior research analyst at a public relations agency

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<aside> <img src="/icons/gradebook_gray.svg" alt="/icons/gradebook_gray.svg" width="40px" /> “My main interest is neuroscience, but my psychology coursework has taught me how to look at the brain and body more holistically and helped me see things from a different perspective. The research experience I gained in psychology labs also made me realize I am interested in studying psychology in clinical/neurological populations.”

— Rekha Ravikumar, psychology major, graduated in 2023, now taking a gap year

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<aside> <img src="/icons/gradebook_gray.svg" alt="/icons/gradebook_gray.svg" width="40px" /> “I think my trajectory into research started before I came to UofT, but the most significant points at UofT were seeking out many research opportunities early on, taking philosophy courses, going to the writing center (I cannot overstate this), and spending a lot of time thinking about what is really interesting and important to me, then talking about it to profs.” — Mishel Alexandrovsky, psychology research specialist, graduated in 2023, now a 1st year Ph.D. candidate at UofT

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🔗 To Main Page: UofT Psychology: Roadmap to Success

🔗 To Section Page: Where are they now?

🎯Moving on: What career options are you considering?