Introduction
Curious about a career in psychology? You came to the right place. This article will be like a psychological thriller, but with fewer plot twists and more career tips!
My name is Raneam Nageeb. I’m originally from Saudi Arabia and lived in both the US and the UAE. I’m what you’d call a Third Culture Kid. Growing up, I was part of two contrasting cultures and often oscillated between the two to find balance. As I attempted to understand myself and my experience, my interest in the field of psychology grew. I also noticed myself gravitating towards the psychology section in bookstores and psychological dramas in movie genres.
My deep interest in the human experience and my desire to understand what makes us who we are eventually lead me to switch from a Biology to a Psychology major during my undergraduate studies. Following this change, I suddenly began to look forward to attending my classes and completing the relevant coursework. I’m grateful I listened to my heart and pursued my passion as it opened doors to experiences that have shaped my journey and brought me to where I am today.
This decision allowed me to work in diverse settings, from clinical environments to corporate companies, across various locations, and with a wide range of populations. I’ve had the privilege of supporting individuals from different walks of life, addressing their unique psychological needs, and adapting my approach to suit each context. I started as an intern at a residential treatment center, then a Student Counselor in higher education, a psychotherapist in private practice, and later an I-O psychologist in a corporate setting.
These experiences broadened my perspective and shaped me into a well-rounded individual as each setting presented me with unique challenges. I learned to adapt my skills to meet the diverse needs of those I served since mental health is not a one-size-fits-all approach; it requires a nuanced, empathetic approach that honors the individuality of each person.
Alongside my commitment to promoting mental wellbeing, I am passionate about making art and painting. The act of creating art offers me a unique means of self-expression that transcends the limitations of words. I often integrate expressive art therapy into my work, recognizing its powerful ability to help individuals process emotions, gain insight, visualize abstract thoughts, and practice mindfulness. The creative process fosters healing, resilience, and an avenue for understanding and overcoming challenges.
Psychology Fellow
career options
Psychology Fellow
skills
What are the main hard skills you use on a daily basis in your current job?
Statistical analysis involves interpreting and analyzing data from assessments, identifying patterns, and drawing conclusions. These skills are learned through coursework in statistics and research methods. I-O psychologists use SPSS to analyze survey data from employee satisfaction studies to determine underlying dimensions of job satisfaction and identify key areas of improvement.
Psychometric testing involves creating, administering, and interpreting tests that measure personality traits or other psychological attributes relevant to the workplace. These skills are learned through coursework in statistics and research methods. I-O psychologists use these skills to develop personality assessments to predict job fit and performance.
This skill involves creating and implementing training programs that enhance employees' skills, knowledge, and performance. Training design skills are developed through coursework in learning theory and practical experience in developing training programs. An I-O psychologist designs a leadership development program to prepare high-potential employees for senior management roles.
Project management involves planning, executing, and closing projects efficiently, ensuring that goals are met on time and within budget. These skills can be acquired through formal project management training programs or on-the-job experience managing projects in various settings. An I-O psychologist manages a company-wide initiative to redesign the performance appraisal system, coordinating between HR, department heads, and IT.
What are the main soft skills you use on a daily basis in your current job?
Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. This skill is developed through personal experiences, professional training, and reflective practices. I-O psychologists use empathy when addressing employees to understand their frustrations and challenges.
Active listening involves fully concentrating on, understanding, responding to, and remembering what the other person is saying. This skill is learned through coursework in clinical interviewing, communication skills training, workshops, and practice in real-life interactions. An I-O psychologist uses this skill by attentively listening to employees during a feedback session, ensuring they feel heard and valued, which helps in accurately identifying workplace issues.
Interpersonal skills are the ability to interact effectively with others, including communication, collaboration, and conflict resolution. Developed through social interactions, professional training, and feedback from peers and mentors. I-O psychologists apply these skills in team-building exercises.
Problem solving involves identifying, analyzing, and finding solutions to complex issues or challenges. This skill requires critical thinking, creativity, and decision-making skills. It’s developed through academic coursework, practical experience, and problem-based learning exercises. An I-O psychologist analyzes the causes of high turnover rates and devises a targeted strategy to improve employee retention.
Raneam
’s personal path
Tell us about your personal journey in
Psychology Fellow
:
My first employment post-graduation was a Student Counselor position at a university in Dubai. I had applied via LinkedIn and was pleasantly surprised they reached out to me for an interview since I did not fulfill years of experience requirement. I went through two rounds of interviews before landing the position. I stayed in this role for over 4 years until I made the switch to a small private practice to gain more clinical experience as a psychotherapist.
This was a risky transition as I was leaving a salary-based position for a commission-based one. I did it for the sake of experience and viewed it as a steppingstone. In this role, I worked with a broader age range, compared to the primarily young adult population in higher education, which exposed me to a wider array of diagnoses and mental health issues. This improved my diagnostic skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural competence. Although I was gaining the clinical experience I aimed for, the workplace lacked structure and organization which hindered any further growth.
At about 2 years, I transitioned to a well-established practice where I could benefit from an organized and well-resourced setting, which allowed me to thrive and contribute more effectively. While I don’t typically embrace leaving my comfort zone, I am grateful for both the limitations and opportunities that prompted me to do so. With each transition, you refine your vision of an ideal work environment and learn what is a good fit for you based on your values, strengths, and interests.
Although I find deep fulfillment in being a psychotherapist, I have a growing itch to make a positive impact at a collective level. Due to my deep interest in human behavior, I naturally delved into workplace dynamics and culture in my previous employments and through my work as a psychotherapist, I saw firsthand how these conditions significantly influence an individual’s mental health leading to low productivity, anxiety, depression, burnout, and employee turnover.
I realized the value of creating systems and strategies that foster a positive work environment and a culture of well-being. I then came across a job posting from a company specializing in health and wellness products, seeking an I-O psychologist to enhance workplace productivity, engagement, and employee satisfaction. Although this position seemed outside my realm, it represented a blend of my previous roles and aligned with my new career objectives, making it familiar. I noticed I was a lot more receptive to change this time around. recognizing my newfound confidence and resilience.
As an I-O Psychologist, I enjoy making a meaningful impact on a broader scale, influencing entire organizations as well as individuals. My experience as a psychotherapist allows me to bring valuable one-on-one counseling skills into this role, helping me connect with employees on a personal level while addressing their unique concerns. Additionally, my group therapy background equips me to facilitate workshops and team-building exercises that foster collaboration and improve workplace dynamics. It's incredibly rewarding to see how improving employee morale directly enhances overall performance and productivity within the organization. By taking into consideration the diverse roles and responsibilities of each employee, I can tailor solutions that resonate with everyone involved. This holistic approach allows me to find common ground, ensuring that organizational strategies align with the well-being of the workforce.
What would you tell your younger you regarding building your current career?
I would advise my younger self to view setbacks and disappointments as part of the journey and to have trust and faith in the process. Those setbacks and disappointments forced us to change course and strive for more. I would also remind myself that the time spent in a particular role does not define my success or commitment. Every role serves a specific purpose, and once it has fulfilled its purpose, it is natural to move on.
Final thoughts & tips
This is your time to fulfill your curiosity and explore your passions and interests.
Embrace opportunities to learn new things and engage with people from different backgrounds.
Actively seek out help and ask questions. This period of exploration and learning will lay a strong foundation for your future success.
Make the most of this stage in your life by immersing yourself in growth opportunities and building a network of supportive connections.
While keeping those in mind, make sure to prioritize your self-care so that you don’t burnout, especially in a demanding field like psychology. Regularly set aside time for rest, hobbies, and relaxation to replenish your energy and maintain your mental health: you cannot pour out of an empty cup. I have learned this the hard way, so make sure this becomes regular practice! Self-care can also look like setting boundaries and not taking on more work than you can handle.
Resources to dig in more
American Psychological Association (APA): Psychology Topics
Popular psychology topics/themes
80+ Jobs in Psychology
Psychology career paths
PsycCareers
Psychology job portal
Psychology Today
Mental health magazine
