James Bishop ⋅ Columbus, OH Morgan Stanley ⋅ 8 years experience

I am not sure you are thinking of entering Med School to pursue a career in Psychiatry. You would have a serious amount of educational requirements to take on to cover the pre-med requirements. However, if this is what you want to do then go for it. I understand that there are opportunities for Physician Assistants to get fellowships and become specialists in Psychology. This is new and not practiced everywhere but something with a much shorter study path (and less student debt). Best of luck on the journey.

Baren Berg ⋅ State College, PA A Few Good Leaders ⋅ 20 years experience

You may want to look at getting some experience as a certified peer support specialist. www.afewgoodleaders.com to learn more. I'd be happy to talk to you if you are interested.

Sue Mulcahy ⋅ Holliston, MA Business Knowledge Services ⋅ 2 years experience

Hi Kimberly,
Thank you for your service, and I wish you the best in the next phase of your life. In my previous career, I had the privilege to meet and help support some wonderful people in the mental health field. I was involved with the (Jonathan) Cole Resource Center of McLean's Hospital. Sadly, most of my connections have moved on, but if Evie Barkin is still there, please use my name and send her my best. She is a wonderful lady who may remember my from bringing ice-cream to the group in summers. They will certainly have some good tips/connections for you.
Sincerely,
Sue Mulcahy

Sara Daniel ⋅ Ogden, KS ⋅ 5 years experience

Hi Kimberly,

Congrats on your upcoming graduation! The advice given above is great information! And what Deborah mention about volunteering is great! Look into schools that partner with or have internships or practicums with the VA or other organization you’re interested in working with. Going into Psychiatry means that you will have to have practicum/internship ours in your field. I am not in psychiatry but I am in Social Work which is in a similar field. I had to have so many practicum with counseling experience and one of my practicums was at a VA. You won’t be able to “job shadow” because of privacy issues however if you can get an internship/practicum then you’ll be able to see what it’s about.

Also, look into informational interviews with those in the field that you are wanting to enter into. I too, received my bachelors in Business Administration/Management and went into a counseling field. It is possible to go into another field but you’ll be going back to school. Finding out how long it will take and the opportunities each field has to offer is helpful!

Best,
Sara Daniel, LMSW

Deborah Meyer ⋅ Columbus, OH Anthem, Inc. ⋅ 35 years experience

Samantha: Also network with people who are currently in a role where you would like to work. Due to healthcare privacy issues you will probably not be able to "job shadow" as would be ideal. However, learning about a typical day, challenges and rewards can help you to have a better realistic picture as a career.

Also, have you thought of volunteering perhaps with VA or other facilities that have Psych facilities? As a Volunteer you would undergo background check etc. but this would also gain you the opportunity to assist and view people in their roles.
Best of Luck!
Deborah Meyer,
Anthem, Inc.