Occupational psychologist: How? What? Where?
What?
Applying psychological knowledge to organisational issues in the workplace.
Working with training, trade unions, coaches and human resources to improve effectiveness and job satisfaction.
Some of the task involved might be:
- counselling and personal development
- design of work environments
- employee relations and motivation to pursue goals
- human-machine interaction
- job design
- occupational wellbeing
- organisational development and change
- performance appraisal, coaching and career development
- psychometric assessment
- recruitment and selection
- Analysing and creating: training, learning and development methods.
Working hours
Working hours are generally 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday
Where?
Opportunities are available in public or private sectors, as well as in large scale or smaller companies. Either working in-house or for a third party consultancy firm.
Most occupational pasyhcologist work in the private sector; hoeverver When it comes to public sector job these are some potential job opportunities.
- Civil Service Commission
- Civil Service Human Resources
- Department for Work and Pensions
- HM Prison Service
- Home Office
- Ministry of Defence
- NHS
- Universities in teaching or research
Salary ranges
Starting salaries range from £20,000- £29,000 yearly, whilst more experience psychologists can earn from £50,000- £80,000. Salaries main influence come from weather the job is based ina public (NHS or Civil Service) or private sector (Management consultancies).
How to get there:
- Completing a BPS-accredited psychology degree or conversion course to have Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC).
- You must then complete a BPS-accredited Masters in occupational psychology, which usually takes one year full time or two years part time.
- Completing The British Psychological Society (BPS) Qualification in Occupational Psychology (QOP) Stage 2 approved by the HCPC which is a doctoral-level award consisting of a minimum of two years full-time.
- On successful completion of the QOP (Stage 2), you’re eligible to apply for registration as an occupational psychologist with the HCPC and accreditation as a chartered psychologist with the BPS.
To progress further into the job gaining experiences through time and qualifications can lead you into those top tier job roles. This can be done though further related qualification, professional diplomas, and short courses. There is also the possibility of moving into self-employment and setting up your own consultancy business.
