What is Psychology and what can you do with it?

"You are a Psychology student? Oh my gosh can you read my mind?" I get this question a lot. Here is the answer: No, I cannot read your mind. I do not know what you are thinking. I cannot predict the future either.

So What is Psychology?

Psychology is the study of human behavior and mental processes. Human behavior refers to the way humans act and interact with each other and this can be influenced by genetics, culture or the individual's attitude. Mental processes refers to things individuals can do with their mind such as: thinking, reasoning, perception, imagination etc. and similarly to human behavior there are theories that suggest that mental processes can be influenced by several factors such as genes or culture. According to the American Psychological Association- Psychology is the study of the mind and behavior. So going back to the question I am asked a lot "No I cannot read your mind, however I study mental processes and what affects them, which is pretty cool."

Some people think that Psychology is a single discipline and when people hear "Psychology" automatically they think therapy. However, that is not all there is to it. Psychology is exciting and it is split into different branches that can open so many opportunities for you and serve different purposes.

SOME OF THE MAJOR BRANCHES OF PSYCHOLOGY AND POSSIBLE CAREERS

1) Clinical Psychology

This is the Branch of Psychology most people are familiar with. You imagine two chairs, two people talking- at least that is what they show in the movies. But-- What exactly will be going on? Is it just talking? I always tell people not to give "therapy" to people because it is not just talking. In order to be a registered, practicing Clinical Psychologist in Zimbabwe, you need to do your Bsc Hons Degree in Psychology, Masters Degree specializing in the field of Clinical Psychology, one should also complete a supervised post-graduate internship under a registered Psychologist and finally one must pass a national psychology board examination- Only then can you say you are a certified Psychologist that can assess an individual. Clinical Psychology involves the application of psychological theories to understand, prevent, relieve psychological distress and disorders in order to promote one's well-being and personal development. Interestingly enough good well-being is the greatest wealth you can have as an individual because it is inclusive of being happy, healthy and comfortable in all domains of life. I could go on and on but this is an insight in the field of Clinical Psychology. In the year 2017, a "Doctors Without Boarders" Article stated that Zimbabwe has 20 registered Clinical Psychologists and 9 mental health institutions. With a population that is over 14 million this means that majority of the Zimbabwean citizens do not know about mental health facilities, they cannot afford them or they cannot physically reach them. This is a cause for concern because with Covid-19 cases increases and economic conditions worsening almost everyday one's mental health needs to be a priority.

2) Industrial- Organizational Psychology

This is a field that has been intriguing me over the past year. At first, Clinical Psychology was my go to field. However, the corporate world has slowly been drawing me in. An Industrial/Organisational (I/O) Psychologist focuses on employee behavior in the workplace. Psychological methods and research are applied to: raise performance, improve processes, systems, relationships, enhance fairness and equity and increase subjective well-being of the employees. In order to have the title I/O Psychologist, you have to follow the same procedure mentioned above, however, you will be specializing in the field of Industrial Psychology. Typical careers include: academia (teaching and researching), consulting, Human Resources.

With a Bsc Hons Psychology Degree one can pursue the field of Human Resources(HR): The HR Director at Delta Beverages has a Bsc Hons in Psychology and he was first appointed as an HR graduate trainee in the year 1998, he continued with his studies as well. If you want to get into the corporate world, psychology is a stepping stone. There are people that say: What can you do with Psychology? Well tell them that the Chief Executive Officer of Larfage Cement Zimbabwe, Ms Precious Nyika has a Bsc Hons in Psychology and Masters in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Zimbabwe. She also holds a postgraduate diploma in Leadership from Harvard Business school. There is a lot that falls underneath this branch of Psychology- from the administration of Psychometric Tests to the strategic plans of an organization, I/O Psychology is truly fascinating.

3) Developmental Psychology

This is a scientific approach that explains growth, consistency and change throughout ones's lifespan. I have not heard it being spoken of in our Zimbabwean community, unless you are sitting in a Psychology lecture. Careers include: Behavioral Therapist, Lecturer, Developmental Psychologist, etc.

4) Forensic Psychology

This is an exciting field of psychology. Imagine Psychology and law together. Forensic Psychology involves the application of psychological knowledge into legal matters- bot criminal and civil cases. In order to become a forensic psychologist one must attain a Bsc Hons Psychology degree, masters in this area and complete the process mentioned earlier. In this field, one can work as a police consultant. Depending with the case, a clinical psychologist might be asked to assess the defendant if he or she is competent to stand trial. Or an experimental psychologist might be asked to explain a specific psychological issue or a clinical psychologist might be involved in divorce cases. In Zimbabwe, this field is still in its infancy and I hope to see it grow.

Psychology has other branches. Unfortunately I cannot exhaust them all, however, I do hope this information has shown you that Psychology is filled with diversity. It is not a "dead end." In fact, I see it as the mother of all opportunities. I am in my final year of psychology and I have had the opportunity to work in an HR and Customer Services environment. Both experiences have taught me that Psychology is part of our every day life. I have learnt that people are the most valuable asset. Emotional Intelligence is key for success- and in order to rise, one needs a TEAM.

T- ogether

E-veryone

A-chieves

M-ore

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