Being a school psychologist intern is a challenging yet rewarding experience. It’s during this time that you gain knowledge, skills, and habits that will probably shape your future career. As you approach graduation, it’s essential to evaluate your future options as a professional. In this blog, we will explore some career paths you can pursue as a school psychologist to assist you in making the best career choice.
Working in a public school system
One of the most common career paths is to work in a public school system. Public schools have school psychologists working in primary, secondary, and high schools. School psychologists in public schools work with teachers, students, and families to support student success in academic, behavioral, and social and emotional domains. Public school psychologists play a vital role in identifying and addressing student needs through evaluations, counseling services, and intervention plans. A career in a public school system will most likely provide a stable and competitive salary, a state pension, and paid conclusion days, thanks to school union membership.
Private Practice or Consulting
A few prospects for the people who do not want to serve in the public school system exist. School psychologists can opt to work in private practice. Private practice allows you to work independently, providing services to clients who prefer to seek help outside of the public school system. This career path also offers flexibility; you can work either part-time or full-time. As a private practice school psychologist, you may focus on particular areas, such as autism, ADHD, depression, and anxiety disorder testing. In addition to practicing school psychology, you may offer consulting services.
University Work
School psychologists can opt to serve in institutions of higher learning. You may work in the student services department, providing mental health care and advising support services to college students. Educational psychology is also a possible career path within universities. A career in a University offers you the opportunity to continue your academic pursuits, teach in an academic setting, and pursue research interests.
Non-profit Organizations
Non-profit organizations such as Child Welfare Agencies, Human Rights Organizations, and Hospitals provide school psychologists with potential career paths. Non-profit organizations like these offer the opportunity to work with a diverse group of clients and address varying needs. Working with NGOs and Non- profit organizations gives school psychologists an opportunity to impact society positively.
School Counselor
Suppose you seek a more direct path to student success. In that case, a school counselor career path may be the right choice. School counselors work with students in primary, secondary and high school settings to provide academic, personal, and social guidance. They offer academic support in areas such as college placement tests and career guidance experiences. The major distinction between a school counselor and school psychologist is their function. School psychologist identifies and addresses challenging emotions, behaviors, and learning disabilities, while school counselors mainly offer academic support.
There are various career paths available for school psychology interns after graduation. Each path comes with its perks, and understanding your career goals is integral in determining the right path for you. Public school systems offer job stability and competitive salaries, while private practice offers independence and flexibility. Non-profit organizations offer diverse settings and opportunities to impact society positively, while working in a university setting can be ideal for people who prefer a more academic setting. Pursuing a career as a school counselor is also a good option for those who desire more direct interaction with students. As a school psychology intern, it’s crucial to explore these various career paths and make an informed decision that aligns with your career goals.