If you would like to pursue a career in psychology dealing with the nature of human thought, you may be interested in learning about the types of jobs available in cognitive psychology. Professionals who work in cognitive psychology will specialize in different topics like memory, reasoning, visual perception and problem solving. Their primary goal is to gain a deeper understanding for the nature of human thought and how the human mind works so that psychologists can start to find treatment options for patients who suffer from learning disabilities or some type of storage or retrieval memory issue, according to the American Psychological Association.
Some psychologists in this branch will choose to work with patients and others will work independently or outside of a clinical area. It is up to you to decide which type of work environment is best for you when you are mapping out a plan to earn your undergraduate, graduate and post-graduate degrees. Once you have a general idea of the types of settings that you can work in, you will be able to make a better career plan. Read this guide to career opportunities in cognitive psychology to learn more:
Careers in Academic and Research Settings
Research is critical in all branches of psychology, but especially in the study of mental processes. This is why it can be beneficial to work in an academic and research setting. As a professor who teaches in a university and who also guides students and entry-level psychologists in their research projects, you will play an important role in the publishing of future journals and in expressing findings that can change what scientists know about the cognitive abilities of humans. To work as a professor in a university, you will need a Ph.D. in Cognitive Psychology much like a clinical psychologist must earn.
Research Careers for Private Companies
Not only can you work in an academic setting where you will instruct college students and help them with their dissertation, you can also work as a cognitive psychologist and conduct research for private companies to help them improve their products and services. Product development is part of the marketing mix and companies spend a fortune to develop and improve products so that they can increase sales and decrease costs. If you work in this type of setting, you may assess how user-friendly a product is and write recommendations on why customers might choose the competition.
Working as a Curriculum Development Professional or Consultant
A major part of cognitive psychologist is focused on how humans learn and process the information that is delivered. If a person has a learning disability, new methods of instruction are important. You can land positions in curriculum development or in the evaluation of public school teaching methods. Working in consulting will give you the freedom to travel from school to school while you make a difference for the better.
Related Resource: Behavioral Psychology Jobs
As you can see, you can do much more than work with patients by providing psychological services. Now that you know some of the many ways that you can use your specialized education, it is time to start planning. Now that you are equipped with knowledge that you need to pursue a career in brain science, and you are familiar with the types of jobs available in cognitive psychology, you can decide which formal degree program to enroll in.