First, some facts. Of the Psychology graduates from UC San Diego we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:
These are estimates based on AI analysis of 10 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 74%, Psychology graduates from UC San Diego have a higher likelihood (+7%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:
And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.
Also, after graduating, 40% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests you may need more than just a Bachelors degree to be competitive as a Psychology graduate.
See the details:
Relevance score: 73%We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2014 from UC San Diego with a Bachelor of Science - BS in Psychology. Also pursued further education since (see below). JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONResearch Study AssistantBrain Game Center at UCR Aug 2014 - Sep 2015 Psychological Consultant The Law Offices of Justin H. King Sep 2021 - May 2022 Adjunct Professor University of California, Riverside Jun 2020 - Aug 2020 Clinical Recruitment Coordinator III Irvine Clinical Research May 2022 - Present FURTHER DEGREES DONE SINCE GRADUATINGDoctor of Philosophy - PhDUniversity of California, Riverside 2015 - 2024 Master of Arts - MA University of California, Riverside 2015 - 2018 ABOUTWith over twelve years of extensive research experience in cognitive psychology, I am deeply committed to leveraging my expertise to enhance the quality of life for individuals grappling with cognitive impairments. As a Ph.D. candidate at the University of California, Riverside, I have spearheaded and disseminated numerous groundbreaking studies focusing on the efficacy and underlying mechanisms of brain training interventions across diverse demographics, including older adults, individuals with ADHD, cancer patients, and children diagnosed with ASD.Since May 2022, I have assumed the pivotal role of Clinical Recruitment Coordinator III at Irvine Clinical Research, a high enrolling site known for its pioneering work in conducting clinical trials targeting Alzheimer's disease and other neurological conditions. In this capacity, I orchestrate the screening, enrollment, and oversight of participants across a spectrum of studies, while collaborating closely with research personnel, principal investigators, and sponsors. Moreover, I leverage my profound expertise in cognitive assessment and neuropsychological evaluation to meticulously assess the cognitive status and candidacy of prospective participants. I take immense pride in collaborating with a diverse and dedicated cohort of professionals who share my unwavering commitment to advancing the frontiers of cognitive science and treatment modalities for cognitive disorders. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
After looking through the job paths of people who graduated with a psychology degree from UC San Diego, it seems like there are a few common trends. A lot of grads ended up in roles that directly relate to mental health and human behavior, which is pretty much what you'd expect from a psychology program. Jobs like Community Grief Counselor, Peer Support Specialist, and even clinical roles like Behavioral Technician show that many grads are applying their psychology skills in meaningful ways. It’s clear that many are stepping into positions where psychological concepts like crisis intervention, counseling, and support are crucial for the job, especially in areas like grief counseling and community outreach.
However, there are also cases where the jobs aren't fully aligned with their psychology background. Positions like Real Estate Agent or Substitute Teacher don’t necessarily require psychology expertise, though knowing a bit about human behavior can help. It’s a mixed bag overall; while many grads find success in roles that are directly relevant to psychology, others drift into fields that may utilize some soft skills learned through their degree but don't require specific psychological training day-to-day. So, while there’s a strong connection between their education and many of their jobs, it's not a one-size-fits-all scenario!
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Psychology graduates (this is across all Psychology graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to UC San Diego):
Looking at the career trajectories of Psychology graduates from UC San Diego, it seems that many of them tend to start their careers in roles that are somewhat related to the field. For instance, graduates often kick off with positions such as program associates, counselors, or therapists. A notable number of graduates pursue internships and assistant roles after finishing school, which is pretty common in psychology-related fields, as they look to build hands-on experience. However, there's also a significant group that veers off into less traditional paths, such as real estate or administrative positions. This mix suggests that while many do find their footing in psychology-related roles, others might be searching for what truly fits them or perhaps facing challenges in landing jobs directly in their field right after graduation.
As we look further down the line—at careers 5 or even 10 years later—it becomes clear that a decent chunk of these graduates end up establishing solid careers in psychology and mental health services, like clinical positions or teaching roles. For instance, several alumni have transitioned into roles like Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT), lecturers, and research coordinators, which indicates a strong progression in their careers. However, it’s worth noting that some have also moved into completely different sectors. It might be a case of exploring different interests or perhaps the need to find stability in a different industry. Overall, while many psychology graduates from UC San Diego are managing to branch out successfully in the field, a noticeable number also find themselves exploring alternative careers that could be more aligned with their evolving interests and job market realities.
A Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at UC San Diego can be pretty challenging, but it’s not impossible, especially if you’re genuinely interested in the subject. The coursework can be rigorous, with a mix of statistics, research methods, and theoretical concepts that require strong critical thinking and analytical skills. UCSD is known for its competitive academic environment, so you’ll likely find yourself surrounded by motivated peers, which can be both inspiring and a bit intimidating. Overall, it’s tough, but if you're passionate about understanding human behavior and you’re ready to put in the effort, you can definitely handle it!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Psychology.
Alright, so let’s break this down. Some of these UC San Diego Psych grads have taken on really important but not super high-paying jobs right after they graduated, like community counseling and internships, which are pretty common in the field. Others, though, seem to have landed roles with better pay, especially the ones who moved into real estate and those in healthcare like occupational therapy. The older grads (like the ones from 2010 and 2011) seem to be establishing solid careers in counseling and academia, which can pay off in the long run, but initially might not be a cash cow. The recent grads in real estate have a chance to pull in some decent money quickly if they're good at it, while the other recent grads might still be figuring things out or slowly climbing the salary ladder. Overall, it looks like the financial picture varies quite a bit, with some doing well and others probably just getting by for now.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Psychology (this is across all Psychology graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to UC San Diego). This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Psychology (ordered by the average relevance score of their Psychology graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates: