Organisational Psychology

Katie Kaboom

Hi I'm just wondering if there are any organisational psychologists on this forum and if anyone knows if there are many jobs in Ireland in this area? Also wondering if anyone knows a good way of going about getting into the profession?

I should say I'm currently doing a 2 year h.dip in psychology and have a business degree already .

I'm going to email an org psych consultancy agency to see if they need any interns or anything for the summer and then hopefully get a job within the org psych field and do a masters in org psych in UL (hopefully) once in employment. Then maybe years ahead in the future I could do my doctorate to get into clinical. I'm 32 atm.

Just wondering what people think of that idea or am I dreaming....

Lunafizzle

Katie Kaboom wrote: »

I'm going to email an org psych consultancy agency to see if they need any interns or anything for the summer and then hopefully get a job within the org psych field and do a masters in org psycin UL (hopefully) once in employment. Then maybe years ahead in the future I could do my doctorate to get into clinical. I'm 32 atm.

Just wondering what people think of that idea or am I dreaming....

Hi Katie kaboom!

I'm not doing this masters, but I do know three people who are. They love it as they're very businessy orientated as it is, so this course really fits to where they want to go in their future careers - consultancy, HR, etc. If this is where you'd like to see yourself, then it's a brilliant course. And because you already have business degree, this would give you an idea whether this is the career for you.

However, if you wish to apply for clinical, this course is very far removed from that domain of psychology. They don't do any clinical/social/neuropsychological/counselling/developmental modules whatsoever. It's really business modules. In my opinion (although I do stand to be corrected) this masters would put you at a disadvantage if you truly want to be a clinical psych.

If you want to go the clinical route, and wish to complete a postgraduate course to better your chances, I would advise that you complete a masters in applied psych, psychological science, health psych or a phd in a clinically related area.

Best of luck in your future career
LF

Katie Kaboom

Thanks so much for your reply.

I can't afford to go on and do a postgrad after this course as this course will have taken my last bit of money, have to start working ASAP after this course. So I guess Org Psych it is for me.... But, maybe in years to come I can pay to do another masters that can get me into DClin?

Do you think there's no hope for me getting into clinical if I go the org psych route right now?

Lunafizzle

I don't want to steer you wrong, but a far as I know, I don't think there is much of a chance. You would not have the research experience (something which is really sought for in DClin applicants) in an org psych course as you would have from the other 'feeder' post grads which have a heavy emphasis on research design/methodology (advanced qual and quant), etc. as well as clinically relevant modules.

Likewise,to gain relevant experience, such as AP positions, the HSE, Brothers of charity, etc. seek individuals with postgraduate qualifications like applied psych as your knowledge and skill-set can be applied to clinical setting; this would not be the case for org psychology which is more suited to a business/consultancy environment. But like I said, I don't want to steer you wrong. Maybe contact the course directors of the Clinical courses around the country to gauge whether your intended path is a feasible venture.

Best of luck

The Black Oil

Someone I graduated with went on to do the Masters in Sheffield (originally had a business degree and the H Dip Psych conversion course). Apart from being intense, I don't know how he found it. AFAIK he has no interest in clinical. I believe he was working for an airline after completing the Masters, but I don't know if he's still doing that.

Re clinical, I don't think an org/occupational Masters should go against you provided you had clocked up some mileage in areas Lunafizzle talked about. They're looking for someone who is potentially a good trainee. Look up people on Linkedin and you'll find profiles of trainees or fully qualified people and get a sense of what they've done, or are doing.

Katie Kaboom

Thank you for your replies, it definitely gives me food for thought and thanks for pointing me in the right direction to get more information, it's very much appreciated.

I think I am going to go down the org psych route (need to get into a job fast) and if in years to come I want to become a Clinical Psych then I'll have to go back and do a masters and get work experience to get into Dclin. Hopefully I'll fall in love with Org Psych and won't want to go on and do DClin

Thanks again!