First, some facts. Of the Psychology graduates from University of Iowa 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 39 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Slightly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 62%, Psychology graduates from University of Iowa have a slightly lower likelihood (-5%) 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, 48% 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: 100%We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2017 from University of Iowa with a Bachelor of Arts - BA in Psychology. Also pursued further education since (see below). JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONSocial Worker- PRNUNIVERSITY OF IOWA HOSPITALS &CLINCS Mar 2019 - Jul 2019 Social Worker UNIVERSITY OF IOWA HOSPITALS &CLINCS Jul 2019 - Present FURTHER DEGREES DONE SINCE GRADUATINGMaster's degreeUniversity of Iowa 2017 - 2019 ABOUTExperienced hospital Social Worker with a demonstrated history of working with various interdisciplinary inpatient teams including internal medicine, neurology, cardiology, oncology, surgical, trauma, neonatal intensive care unit and general pediatrics. Uses creative problem solving and leadership skills to identify new opportunities and implement change. Participant in several work groups to improve hospital workflow including the Engagement Diversity and Practice Committee and Retention. Wellness Ambassador for the Care Coordination Division. Coordinates medical-surgical social work orientations. Interest in health equity. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When we look at the career paths of Psychology graduates from the University of Iowa, it becomes clear that they have taken on a wide range of jobs. Many of these positions fall under the umbrella of mental health and social services, such as roles as therapists, mental health clinicians, and social workers. These jobs directly utilize skills and knowledge from their psychology degrees, reflecting a solid relevance to their education. For instance, being a Licensed Professional Counselor or a Mental Health Clinician involves applying psychological principles to help individuals in need, which is exactly what these graduates trained for.
However, it’s interesting to note that a significant number of graduates found themselves in positions that are less directly related to psychology. Many ventured into roles in areas like law, business, and customer service, where the application of psychological knowledge isn't as prominent. Positions such as real estate agents, administrative coordinators, and sales consultants don’t necessarily leverage the core competencies gained from a psychology degree. Thus, while many graduates indeed secured roles that are highly relevant to their studies, there is also a notable number who drifted into occupations that, while potentially utilizing soft skills related to psychology, do not require a psychology background in a significant way. Ultimately, it seems that a psychology degree can take you places, but its relevance highly depends on the specific career path chosen.
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 University of Iowa):
It looks like graduates from the University of Iowa who studied Psychology have taken a bit of a mixed bag when it comes to their career paths after graduation. For many of them, the first job was often in a related field, such as mental health or education, which makes sense given the nature of their degree. For instance, some started as mental health clinicians or special needs aides, while others found positions in advocacy and counseling roles. However, there are also quite a few who veered into areas not directly tied to psychology, like real estate or general administration, suggesting that not every grad sticks to a clear path related to their studies right off the bat.
Five to ten years post-graduation, there seems to be some growth within psychology-related careers, especially among those who started in mental health or social work. Many have moved into more advanced positions, such as clinical supervisors or program managers in behavioral health settings, which shows a solid ladder for advancement. On the flip side, some graduates have taken detours into completely different industries, like legal or corporate roles, indicating that a psychology degree can be pretty versatile but might also lead people away from the core of what they studied. All in all, it’s a bit of a mixed bag, with many finding meaningful roles while others explore various unrelated paths. So, if you're considering a degree in Psychology, keep in mind that your career could take a variety of directions, whether they relate closely to your major or not!
Getting a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at the University of Iowa, or really anywhere, can be a mixed bag; it’s definitely not the easiest degree, but it’s also not the hardest. The coursework typically involves a lot of reading, writing, and understanding complex theories about human behavior, which can be super interesting but also require a solid amount of effort. You’ll probably have to juggle stats classes and research projects alongside your favorite topics like social or developmental psychology. Overall, if you have a genuine interest in the subject and keep up with the assignments, you can definitely handle it, but it does demand a good amount of commitment and engagement. So, if you’re up for that, it can be a rewarding experience!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Psychology.
Looking at the career paths of these Psychology graduates from the University of Iowa, it’s kind of a mixed bag when it comes to money. Some folks, like the ones who started off as judicial law clerks and climbed their way up to shareholder positions in law firms, likely pulled in some good salaries, especially as attorneys, which typically pays pretty well. On the other hand, graduates working in educational support roles, like teachers and aides, can earn less, especially early in their careers. Many of these jobs seem to range from decent starting salaries to more modest incomes, especially in mental health and non-profit sectors. So, while there are definitely some standout earners in the group, many might find themselves living more on the budget-friendly side of things. Overall, it seems like they might have varying degrees of financial success depending on their specific career choices.
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 University of Iowa). 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: