Can I Get into Consulting with a Psychology Degree?

Yes, you can enter the consulting field with a psychology degree, albeit with a path that may depend on the specific type of consulting you want to pursue. Whether you aspire to work as an organizational psychologist, a management consultant, or in health or behavioral consulting, your unique set of skills can enhance your qualifications.

Types of Consulting

The pathway to a successful consulting career with a psychology degree begins with understanding the different types of consulting:

Organizational/Industrial Psychology

This area deals with workplace behavior and can lead to roles in human resources, talent management, or organizational development.

Management Consulting

Though often requiring business acumen, a psychology background can be invaluable in understanding team dynamics and leadership.

Health or Behavioral Consulting

This involves working with organizations to improve mental health services or develop wellness programs.

Skills and Experience

To thrive in a consulting role, you should emphasize skills such as:

Research Data Analysis Communication Understanding Human Behavior

Gaining experience through internships, volunteer work, or related roles can significantly enhance your qualifications. It’s also beneficial to:

Further Education

Consider pursuing additional certifications or training in business management or specific consulting methodologies. A master's degree in psychology, business administration (MBA), or a related field can also be highly advantageous.

Networking

Connect with professionals in the consulting field through networking events, LinkedIn, or professional organizations. This can provide valuable insights and opportunities.

Entry-Level Positions

Look for entry-level roles that value analytical and interpersonal skills such as research assistant, HR coordinator, or project assistant in consulting firms.

Expertise and Experience

In summary, while a psychology degree can provide a solid foundation for a consulting career, supplementing it with relevant experience, skills, and possibly further education will greatly improve your chances of success in this competitive field. An expert in something with many years of experience and deep knowledge of the subject matter is crucial.

Understanding Consultants

Consultants, as the name suggests, are experts in a specific domain who provide advice to clients. They possess:

Expertise

An expert who has extensive experience and deep knowledge in the subject matter they are advising.

Communication Skills

Strong communication skills, including the ability to listen, understand, and articulate complex ideas clearly and professionally.

Critical Thinking

The ability to analyze and synthesize input from various sources to create effective solutions for the client.

Solution Creation

The capacity to design and implement these solutions based on the advice given.

It's important to distinguish between consulting experts and purely skilled labor (independent contractors or staff augmentation contractors). The latter may possess technical skills required by the client but are not providing strategic advice or innovative solutions.

In your case, as a psychology degree holder, you might become a consulting psychologist with the appropriate terminal degree and related licensing, or an HR consultant initiating new psychometric testing regimens or HR processes. The key here is to demonstrate experience and credentials that show you are an expert the client needs.

Remember, a title such as "entry-level consultant" is misleading. At the consulting level, you must already be an expert and have demonstrated that expertise through your education and experience to the client.