BS in Psychology - the Best General Degree to Have!

I remember it clear as day. I just spent three and a half semesters pursuing my BS in Psychology, and here I was, 3 months until graduation and I hated my internship. I thought I would be happy working as a school counselor, but when I worked alongside two during my senior year, I realized it wasn't for me. Luckily, my University also had a strong business program. I had some business smarts and my freshman year of college, I had loaded up on courses which allowed me to minor in business administration, sales and marketing. This was probably the smartest move I made.

I started thinking about the types of positions that might be of interest to me. I still wanted to use my Psych degree, but started wondering how I could mesh it with my business minors. My favorite course in college was organizational development, which is all about motivating employees, rewarding them and understanding them and the decisions they make. So, I kept thinking one thing: Human Resources. Out of college, I applied to countless HR jobs, but without the experience, no one would hire me. I started a temp job at a local association of Realtors in an event planning and fund raising job. I was successful in my job, but I still wanted to get into HR. I quit the event planning gig and moved back in with my parents to hit the job search hard.

After many applications, and no job, my resume piqued the interest of my current employer because of my fund raising experience. They knew I wasn't scared to be on the phones talking to people. They knew I had interest in HR, but also had the general business knowledge they wanted. They hired me as a recruiter, and I found the blend that I had been looking for. I get to recruit employees for my company. I use my psych degree by analyzing how and why people leave jobs, what motivates people to stay at jobs, and what makes someone successful. In addition, I was able to get a Masters Certificate in Human Resources. This deepened not only my HR knowledge, but also made my Psychology knowledge stronger. Its amazing how HR and psychology go hand in hand. Some people advise against pursuing a degree in Psychology because the need to get your masters to make "real money." I found just the opposite. I am successful in my job and love what I do! I am using my degree in a way that I never imagined but in a way that I love! Don't be scared if you don't use your degree in a typical way- sometimes thinking outside the box is the best way!