Renowned American author Susan Cain says, “There’s zero correlation between being the best talker and having the best ideas.” As an introvert, you may find that your introversion is often confused with shyness or snootiness. You may also find yourself constantly being pigeonholed as far as career choices are concerned.
While there are definitely some careers that are better suited to either extroverts or introverts, there is no rule book that states what you can and cannot do. One career choice that may seem very unusual for an introvert is that of a psychologist.
Somewhat surprisingly, however, introverts may very well be better suited to a career in psychology than to one as a copywriter, research analyst or accountant.
Psychology is not an unlikely career choice
Introverts are inherently good at listening when others speak – a vital trait for any good psychologist. Introverts also possess a range of characteristics that make them increasingly empathetic and capable of making critical observations of individuals while they talk.
Someone with an introverted personality is also more likely to offer advice without being overly domineering than someone who is a natural extrovert. If the idea of helping others in a counseling capacity appeals to you, you should definitely look into obtaining a formal qualification.
Opt for the most suitable qualification
Although similar in some aspects, it is important to not confuse a PsyD with a PhD. While the former is practice-oriented, the latter is research orientated, while also having a significantly lower acceptance rate. If your ultimate career goal is to be a clinical psychologist who works closely with your patients, then a PsyD qualification may be the best option for you.
There are a number of APA accredited online PsyD programs available that are perfectly suited to an introvert wanting to take their interest in counseling or psychology to the next level. There are currently seven universities, including California Southern University and Walden University that offer accredited online programs. In order to find out which one is best suited to you, it is important to have a closer look at the outcomes and course outlines of each.
Maximize your abilities
Once you qualify as a psychologist, you may find it necessary to be very strategic when planning your therapy sessions in order to get the most out of your own skills while also attending to your client’s needs.
If you tire easily from social engagements, try to put a limit on your consecutive appointments. You may also find that you benefit greatly from allowing yourself a 15 to 20 minute break in between each appointment to gather your thoughts.
Whether you are studying towards an online qualification or are already practicing as a psychologist, it is important to schedule some downtime every day to recharge your batteries.
While it may feel like that, as an introvert, your career options are limited, this is not the case. If you have a dream career, regardless of how unconventional it may be, chances are, you will make a roaring success of it as long as you put your mind to it.
