What are some actions to better myself in my new-found course of study "Psychology"?

Question

I'm a 21 year old part time student who is going back to college for the second time. I'm only taking a couple classes this semester since its out of pocket, however, I'm really looking forward to my class in psychology. My first time around I was majoring in Computer Programming but learned I had no interest for it. So now I found something I really want to be, and that is something the lines of a Psychiatrist.

So my question basically asks what are something I can do to better help myself through out the course of my studies in the field of psychology? Perhaps specific books or authors I could read up on? Maybe things to buy or strategies to use when in class.

Thank you in advance for your time.

Answer 1

My best advice is to RUN!  Take a look around, what they say is true, psychology majors are messed up people and they don't get paid c**p.  I have a dear friend that has her PhD in psychology and wrote a book and is the head of the psychology department at her university and I make a lot more money than she does.  And she's always depressed and tells me the stories.  Do yourself a favor and get away from those messed up people as quickly as possible.

Answer 2

Wow GO ALL THE WAY GIRL!

I believe that you will be a famous psychologist!

Answer 3

First of all, you need to be clearer about what you want "to be"...a psychologist has an MA and then a PhD in psychology with one or more specialties (think five years or more after college), doctoral dissertation (2 more years), internship, licensing). A psychiatrist has a couple more years since we're talking (1) pre-med in college, MA (2 years), MD (4-5 years), courses in psychology, 1-2 more years, specialization, internship, licensing, etc. Both involve at leasy 6-7 years after college.

However...don't listen to those who say "Hey, you'll never make any money at it!" The question is why you want to do it: to make money, or help people? If the later, it's as good a job as any. (Or how about being a clergyperson? That's where the money is, all right! I did it for 20 years, and in only one of those years did I get a salary above the federal poverty level!)

Anyway...if you're looking for some things to read to get your mind going, I suggest, first of all, our web site on Dr. Alfred Adler (most influential psychiatrist and psychology of the past 100+ years) at: http://www.lifecourseinstitute.com

Next, read a basic book on Freud, such as "A General Selection from the Works of Sigmjund Freud" (John Rickman, ed.) Doubleday Anchor paperback, 1957), and a similar one about Carl Jung's ideas. Also, "Psychology: Briefer Course" by William James (Collier Books, 1966). In terms of psychotherapy, "Current Psychogtherapies" by Raymond Corsini, the most recent edition you can find (4th ed, 1989).

Such books will help you focus on interests, ideas, and people, and you'll find yourself combing your local library for more...

It's a great field, even if you don't go into it full-time as a profession.

--  Dr. Bob, Adlerian Psychologist

Answer 4

Keep an open mind!  If you tend to be biased about certain behaviors, work hard on learning how to be unbiased.  You have to in order to survive and thrive in this field.

If you're taking your first class in psychology, you'll be getting an education about the first popular theorists and their contributions to the field of psychology.  You may be writing a few essays, it depends on what kind of professor you have.  Mostly you'll be learning about the overall field of psychology and you'll be given plentiful chances to learn about authors and titles for you to read in order to better inform and prep you for this field.  

I admire your ambition and hope you find a true passion and understanding of psychology.  Counseling is the best field in the world if you ask me, you meet so many different people, you'll never need to rent another movie.  I'm not saying that in jest.

Answer 5

Study Freud, and Jung.

Read The Road Less Traveled by Scott Peck.

And listen to everyone.