Psychology majors often have difficulty transitioning from being a college student to a working psychology graduate. "Introduction to Academic and Career Opportunities in Psychology" is designed to help psychology majors plan for careers after graduation, before they graduate.
Developed by several psychology instructors, this title offers students multiple perspectives on:
- Psychology-related careers.
- How degrees shape career opportunities.
- Developing a strong network of colleagues.
- Prevailing myths about majoring in psychology.
This collection of readings, articles, and resources places a special emphasis on multicultural issues in the psychology workforce. "Introduction to Academic and Career Opportunities in Psychology" is an essential guide for any psychology major preparing for life during and after their degree.
Emilio C. Ulloa, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor and has served as the Director of Undergraduate Advising and Programs in the Department of Psychology at San Diego State University since 2003. Dr. Ulloa has received awards for his teaching and mentoring and was recognized in 2009 for his advising by NACADA (The National Academic Advising Association).
Kristen Cole, Ph.D. is a licensed psychologist and Associate Professor of Psychology at San Diego City College in California. Her courses include Abnormal Psychology, Human Sexual Behavior, Physiological Psychology, Introduction to Counseling, Careers in Psychology, and Field Placement in Psychological Services. She has also worked in private practice, psychiatric hospitals, military installations, university counseling centers, and neuroscience research institutes.
Adam Renteria, M.A.has taught General Psychology, Lifespan Development, Introduction to Physiological Psychology, Human Sexuality, and Careers in Psychology courses at Mesa College, Palomar College, and Southwestern College in San Diego, California. He earned a master s degree from San Diego State University, where he studied neuropsychology and had the opportunity to work with undergraduates interested in pursuing graduate studies and careers in psychology.

Most books about field work in psychological services are designed for graduate-level formal internships and are focused on assessing and diagnosing clients, writing case notes, understanding documentation policies, completing formal training requirements, reviewing theories of psychotherapy, and interacting with a clinical supervisor. In contrast, Helping You Help Others: A Guide to Field Work in Psychological Services is appropriate for anyone in an exploration phase and interested in volunteering in the psychological and human services fields. The book is designed for those seeking to gain exposure to agencies, obtain experience with various populations, learn about the helping profession, and become familiar with a multitude of systems focused on assisting people in need. This collection highlights skills required for being successful as a volunteer, reviews important cultural competency considerations, addresses special issues in the field, provides information about different populations served, and offers methods for preventing volunteer burn-out. It prepares volunteers for their experiences and encourages them to develop professionally, as well as personally. The readings provide an opportunity to apply the information to a volunteer site, the class activities create an interactive learning experience, and the homework assignments encourage personal reflection and professional growth. Helping You Help Others: A Guide to Field Work in Psychological Services is designed for lower and upper division psychology field placement or practicum classes. It can be used in undergraduate programs at both community colleges and universities.