The Search For Jobs: Once you have defined your interest you will need to begin your job search. Knowing your interest may not be enough. You may also need to be able to be able to identify job titles in your field of interest. Examine a sampling of job titles and work through each of them to find the ones that are of interest to you.
Prospective Employers: In general, employers are divided into three broad areas: Government (for example, correctional institutions, colleges and schools), Nonprofit (churches, religious organizations and foundations like Catholic Charities or the Wilder Foundation); and for-profit organizations (such as department stores, market research firms, magazines and newspapers, consulting firms). The difference has to do with where they obtain the money for operating (government agencies get their funding directly or indirectly through taxes, nonprofits through donations and for profit through shareholder investment); whether they intend to make a profit for their 'shareholders' or not; and the clients and problems addressed. For example, an organization that intends to save the rainforest or provide services to homeless children is unlikely to be a for-profit organization, although, in theory, no reason exists that would prevent it.
- State & Government Jobs
- Web Resources
State & Federal Government Positions
Government is big business; the federal and state governments are the country's largest employers of civilians. Most occupations found in private industry are found in government also. Compensation is competitive and a variety of benefits help make federal and state employment attractive.
- Federal Government: CLA Career & Community Learning Center in 135 Johnston has federal government books describing a variety of federal jobs for college graduates. Some examples for psychology majors: psychological assistant, psychometrist, research assistant (e.g., in a V.A. Hospital or research laboratory), correctional officer, employment assistant specialist, social science analyst, writer-editor (scientific and technical writing), and statistician (for candidates with a strong background in math and statistics plus courses in social sciences).
More information? The nearest Federal Job Information Center is in the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building, Room 501, Fort Snelling, Twin Cities, MN 55111 (612-725-3430). The center serves as a "one stop information service" providing information about job opportunities and vacancies, requirements and qualifications, and application and examination procedures. Also see the USA Jobs web site at http://www.usajobs.opm.gov.
Selection Process: Most federal positions are filled on a competitive basis under the civil service merit system. A civil service rating is given based on education, experience, and performance on written examinations (if required for the particular job). If one meets the requirements for a particular job announcement, then his/her name will be put on a list of eligibles. Appointments to jobs may be made from within federal agencies or by choosing any one of the three top-ranked eligibles.
- State Government: Qualifications for state positions are similar to those for federal positions. Merit or civil service systems are established in all the states. View the state jobs web pages at http://www.doer.state.mn.us/stf-bltn/jobs2/index.htm. Minnesotans can contact: Department of Employee Relations, 200 Centennial Building, 2nd Floor, 658 Cedar Street, St. Paul, MN 55155, (651) 296-2616
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- Area specific careers
- Career & Job Websites
| American Psychological Association |
Encyclopedia of Psychology |
| American Psychological Society Job Search |
Internet System for Education & Employment Knowledge |
| Career Builder |
JobWeb |
| Career City from TrueCareers |
Monster Campus |
| Careers in Psychology |
Occupational Outlook Handbook |
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Updated 7/13/05