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These are Golden Oldies. They all deal with psychology careers and all are quite good, filled with useful information even now. Each is available used at Amazon for pennies. For summaries of books about getting into graduate school see "Graduate School Admission: Helpful Books."
DeGalan, J., & Lambert, S. (2006). Great Jobs for Psychology Majors, 3rd ed.. Lincolnwood, IL: VGM Career Horizons.
If you're one of those psychology majors who is asking, "What can I do with a bachelor's degree in psychology?," this book will be of interest to you. In the first part of the book, the authors discuss a variety of work-related topics including self-assessment, researching careers, networking, resumés, and interviewing.
The second part of the book is devoted to detailed descriptions of four career paths open to psychology majors: residential care, community and social service, human resources (business), and preprofessional therapy. Teaching is also discussed as a fifth career path, but it is an option only for those with at least a master's degree.
Appleby, D. (1997). The handbook of psychology. Reading, MA: Longman.
This 118-page paperback offers many helpful suggestions for developing critical thinking skills, getting a job with a bachelor's degree in psychology, and being a successful applicant to graduate school programs.
Woods, P. J. & Wilkinson, C. S. (Eds.) (1987). Is Psychology the Major for You? Planning for Your Undergraduate Years. Washington, D.C.: American Psychological Association.
This book consists of 22 brief articles arranged into six sections: (1) is psychology the major for you?, (2) psychology and career preparation, (3) psychology majors in the workplace: traditional and unconventional careers, (4) presenting yourself to employers, (5) beyond the bachelor's degree, and (6) issues of interest to special groups. Articles in sections 1-4 will be especially helpful, as well as the introduction, "What are 40,000 psychology majors going to do next year?" [And that was in 1987... many more now!]
Kennedy, J. L. & Laramore, D. (1993). Joyce Lain Kennedy's Career Book. Lincolnwood, IL: VGM Career Horizons.
This classic, comprehensive book covers career- and employment-related topics such as decision-making, goal-setting, information-gathering, risk- taking, self- awareness, demographic trends, jobs of the future, and life-long career management. Embedded in each section are numerous exercises and questionnaires designed to motivate readers to apply information to their own situations.
Moran, B. L., & Korschgen, A. J. (1998). Majoring in Psych? Career Options for Psychology Undergraduates. Boston:Allyn & Bacon.
This small paperback is now in a 5th edition that seems to be getting mixed reviews on Amazon. The early (1st and 2nd) editions are very good and available for pennies. The authors address several issues of interest to psychology majors: jobs that are available to psychology majors, how to increase the chances of getting these jobs, deciding on whether to go to graduate school, and how to prepare for graduate school admission.
This is the government's premiere guide to occupations in the U.S. It includes job descriptions, education and training requirements, advancement possibilities, salaries, and employment outlooks for hundreds of occupations. In addition, it describes other sources of career education, training, and financial aid information as well as resources for special groups such as youth, the handicapped, veterans, women, and minorities.
Super, C. M., & Super, D. E. (1994). Opportunities in Psychology Careers. Lincolnwood, IL: VGM Career Horizons.
This 150-page paperback surveys a number of important topics that will be of interest to those interested in a career as a psychologist. It is directed at PhD-level careers, and so will be of greatest interest to those who are thinking about graduate school. Chapter topics include, "The Field of Psychology," "The Rewards of Psychologists," "The Psychologist's Education and Training," and "Scientific and Professional Organizations in Psychology."
This free booklet is available as a pdf from the APA. It was written mostly for psychology students who are interested in careers requiring doctoral degrees in psychology (Ph.D. or Psy.D.). It also devotes some space to jobs for those with master's and bachelor's degrees and describes the job outlook in psychology, what psychologists do, and settings in which psychologists work.
Reingold, H. (1994). The Psychologist's Guide to an Academic Career. Washington, D.C.: American Psychological Association.
This book deals is not aimed at undergraduates but may give psychology majors an accurate look at what it means to be a psychologist at an academic institution. One reviewer at the APA wrote:
"Rheingold's advice covers all of the central stages in an academic professional life, from preparation in graduate school to tenured service in an institution. Young professors are instructed in the various facets of becoming effective teachers, and the procedures for academic advancement are outlined for maturing professors. Other topics include writing and publishing articles, formulating research ideas and obtaining grants, and responsibility to uphold the concepts of academic freedom, as well as recruiting more women and minorities into the discipline."
Lock, R. D. (1992). Taking charge of your career direction: Career planning guide, Book 1. Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks/Cole.
This paperback textbook can be used on a self-instructional basis. It went out of print in 2004 but (when I checked) there were a few new copies on Amazon for over $150. Or you can pick up a used copy for $3. Chapters focus on current trends in the world of work, making career choices, clarifying motives, skills, aptitudes, and values. A strength of the book is its use of exercises to help the reader in the self-discovery process.
Landrum, E., Davis, S., & Landrum, T. A. (2000). The Psychology Major: Career Options and Strategies for Success. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.
This paperback covers a broad range of issues of interest to psychology majors: undergraduate opportunities that can make students good candidates for a job and graduate school, entry-level career options, opportunities gained by attending graduate school in psychology, and how to apply to graduate programs. The authors also offer tips on doing well in psychology courses, writing psychology papers (APA style), and ethical issues for psychology majors.
Bolles, R.N. (Various Years). What Color Is Your Parachute? A Practical Manual for Job-Hunters and Career-Changers. Berkeley, CA: Ten Speed Press.
This job-hunting manual is re-issued annually in a new edition. The advice (even from early editions) is timeless. It gives step-by-step instructions for finding a job by teaching you how to pinpoint the skills you enjoy using. In addition, it helps you decide where you want to work and learn which person in an organization has the power to hire you. It also includes specific suggestions for improving your chances of finding a job, as well as useful appendices.
APA-style reference for this page:
Lloyd, M. A., & Dewey, R. A. (2016, November 20). Books on Careers for Psychology Majors. Retrieved from: https://www.psywww.com/careers/job-books.html.
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