What Can I Do With A Bs In Psychology Careers

what can i do with a bs in psychology opens a surprisingly vast landscape of possibilities, far beyond the confines of traditional therapy rooms. This degree equips individuals with a potent blend of analytical, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills, making graduates adaptable and valuable assets across a multitude of industries.

Delving into the core competencies derived from a psychology bachelor’s, we uncover the foundational transferable skills that form the bedrock of a successful career. These include the cultivation of sharp critical thinking and robust problem-solving abilities, honed through rigorous coursework and the examination of human behavior. Furthermore, graduates gain proficiency in research methodologies and data interpretation, alongside invaluable communication and interpersonal skills, essential for understanding and interacting with others.

Understanding the Core Skills of a Psychology Bachelor’s Degree: What Can I Do With A Bs In Psychology

Yo, so you’re thinking about that Psych degree? It’s not just about chilling on a couch and psychoanalyzing your friends (though, let’s be real, that’s a perk). A BS in Psychology equips you with some seriously dope transferable skills that are gonna make you stand out in whatever field you choose to level up in. We’re talking about building a mental toolkit that’s sharper than a freshly sharpened pencil, ready to tackle whatever life throws your way.This degree is all about understanding the human mind and behavior, which is kinda the ultimate cheat code for navigating the world.

You’ll be learning how people tick, why they do what they do, and how to actually connect with them on a deeper level. It’s like getting a backstage pass to the human experience, and that knowledge is pure gold, no cap.

Fundamental Transferable Skills

A psychology degree ain’t just about textbooks and lectures; it’s a masterclass in developing skills that are legit useful everywhere. Think of it as upgrading your personal operating system. These abilities aren’t confined to a lab or a therapy room; they’re your secret weapons for crushing it in the workplace and beyond.

• Analytical Thinking: Breaking down complex problems into manageable pieces, like dissecting a tough rap lyric to get the meaning.
• Observation Skills: Noticing the subtle cues and body language that most people miss, making you a human lie detector.
• Empathy and Emotional Intelligence: Understanding and relating to others’ feelings, which is key for teamwork and leadership.
• Adaptability: Learning to adjust your approach based on new information and different situations, because life is always throwing curveballs.
• Ethical Reasoning: Navigating moral dilemmas with integrity, a crucial skill in any professional setting.

Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Development, What can i do with a bs in psychology

Psychology coursework is basically a gym for your brain, specifically for flexing those critical thinking and problem-solving muscles. You’re constantly challenged to look beyond the surface, question assumptions, and come up with smart solutions. It’s like being a detective, but instead of solving crimes, you’re solving the mysteries of human behavior.The curriculum throws you into scenarios where you have to analyze data, evaluate theories, and figure out the “why” behind things.

You’ll learn to spot biases, identify logical fallacies, and construct well-reasoned arguments. This isn’t just academic; it’s about becoming a sharper, more discerning individual who can tackle any challenge with a strategic mindset.

Research Methodologies and Data Interpretation

You’ll dive deep into how scientists actually study people, learning about different research designs, from surveys and experiments to case studies. It’s not just about collecting numbers; it’s about understanding what those numbers actually mean. You’ll get hands-on experience with interpreting data, looking for patterns, and drawing meaningful conclusions. This skill is huge because in any field, being able to make sense of information is what separates the leaders from the followers.

“Data doesn’t lie, but people do. Psychology teaches you to listen to both.”

Communication and Interpersonal Skills

Studying human behavior naturally forces you to become a better communicator and a more skilled interactor. You’ll learn how to listen actively, articulate your thoughts clearly, and understand different perspectives. This is essential whether you’re presenting a research finding, collaborating on a team project, or just trying to have a meaningful conversation.Psychology programs often involve group projects, presentations, and discussions, all of which hone your ability to connect with others.

You’ll gain a deeper understanding of how to build rapport, resolve conflicts, and influence people in a positive way. These are the skills that make you not just a good worker, but a good human being.

Further Education and Specialization Options

Yo, so you’ve got that psych degree, feeling good, but wondering what’s next? Think of your Bachelor’s as the launchpad. To really blast off and become a legit psych pro, you’re gonna want to level up with some advanced education. It’s like going from a mixtape to a full-blown album, man. Getting a Master’s or even a PhD ain’t just about a fancy piece of paper; it’s about unlocking deeper knowledge, specialized skills, and way more dope career paths.This next level of education is where you really start to hone in on what makes you tick in the psych world.

You’ll dive deep into specific areas, learning the ins and outs from the OGs in the field. It’s a commitment, for sure, but the payoff in terms of understanding the human mind and helping people is huge.

Master’s Degree Advantages

Getting that Master’s degree after your Bachelor’s is a game-changer, no cap. It’s your fast track to becoming a more qualified and specialized professional. A Master’s program allows you to dive way deeper into psychological theories and research methodologies than you could in undergrad. You’ll gain advanced analytical skills and a more nuanced understanding of complex psychological phenomena. This specialized knowledge makes you a much more attractive candidate for a wider range of jobs, especially those that require a higher level of expertise and responsibility.

Plus, it often leads to better earning potential and more opportunities for leadership roles.

Typical Graduate Specializations

When you’re ready to go pro with your psych degree, the grad school world offers a buffet of specializations. You can pick the lane that best fits your passion and where you see yourself making an impact. These programs are designed to equip you with the specific knowledge and skills needed for particular roles in the field.Here are some of the most common paths you’ll find:

• Clinical Psychology: This is probably what most people think of when they hear “psychology.” Clinical psychologists diagnose and treat mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. Think therapy sessions, counseling, and psychological assessments.
• Organizational Psychology: This is all about the workplace. O-psychologists focus on improving employee performance, job satisfaction, and the overall health of an organization. They might work on team building, leadership development, or conflict resolution.
• Developmental Psychology: These pros study how people change and grow throughout their entire lives, from infancy to old age. They look at cognitive, social, and emotional development, and often work in education, research, or policy.
• Cognitive Psychology: This specialization dives into the mental processes like thinking, memory, problem-solving, and language. You might find these folks in research labs, tech companies designing user experiences, or even in education.
• Social Psychology: Social psychologists explore how our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by the presence of others. They study group dynamics, prejudice, persuasion, and attraction, often in academic or research settings.

Graduate Program Requirements

Applying to graduate psychology programs is a serious step, and they’re looking for students who are ready to hit the ground running. They want to see that you’ve got the academic chops and the practical experience to handle advanced study and research. It’s not just about good grades; it’s about demonstrating your passion and potential.Most programs will expect you to have:

• Strong Academic Record: This is a given. They want to see solid grades, especially in your psychology courses. A high GPA shows you can handle the academic rigor.
• Standardized Test Scores: The GRE (Graduate Record Examinations) is often required, and sometimes there’s a Psychology Subject Test. You gotta crush these to show you’re ready for graduate-level thinking.
• Letters of Recommendation: These are crucial. You need professors or mentors who know you well and can speak to your strengths, your work ethic, and your potential as a future psychologist.
• Statement of Purpose: This is your chance to tell your story. You need to articulate why you want to pursue this specific program, what your research interests are, and how your experiences have prepared you.
• Research Experience: This is huge. Many programs, especially PhDs, require significant research experience. This could be through working in a professor’s lab, completing an honors thesis, or even presenting at conferences. It shows you understand the research process.
• Practical Experience: For clinical or counseling programs, internships, volunteer work at mental health facilities, or relevant work experience are often a big plus. It shows you’ve got a real-world understanding of the field.

Career Progression with Advanced Degrees

Earning a Master’s or Doctorate in psychology isn’t just about getting a job; it’s about building a career with serious growth potential. These advanced degrees open doors to roles that are more impactful, more specialized, and often come with a better paycheck. You’re not just doing the work; you’re leading, innovating, and making a real difference.Here’s a look at how your career can level up:

Degree Level	Typical Roles	Career Trajectory
Master’s Degree	Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT), School Psychologist, Industrial-Organizational Specialist, Research Assistant	Entry-level to mid-level positions in mental health services, education, or business. With experience and licensure, can move into more senior counseling or consulting roles.
Doctoral Degree (PhD or PsyD)	Licensed Clinical Psychologist, University Professor, Researcher, Neuropsychologist, Forensic Psychologist, Health Psychologist	Senior-level positions requiring independent practice, research leadership, academic appointments, or specialized clinical work. Can lead to private practice ownership, research directorships, or influential policy roles.

Basically, the more you invest in your education, the more doors you unlock. A PhD, for instance, is often the ticket to becoming a licensed psychologist who can practice independently, conduct groundbreaking research, or teach at the university level. A Master’s can get you into specialized counseling roles or positions in organizational development. It’s all about aligning your education with your ultimate career goals.

Applying Psychology Skills in Diverse Industries

Yo, so you got that psych degree? Don’t think it’s just about dissecting dreams or analyzing why your ex ghosted you. Nah, fam, those brain-bending skills you picked up are legit gold in a whole lotta fields you might not even think of. We’re talkin’ about makin’ stuff work better for people, understandin’ what makes ’em tick, and generally makin’ the world a smoother, more human place.

It’s all about that human element, and a psych degree gives you the cheat codes to unlock it.From the digital streets to the real-world hustle, the principles of psychology are everywhere, shaping how we interact, consume, and learn. It’s about understanding the “why” behind the “what,” and that’s a superpower in any industry. So, let’s dive into how you can flex those psych muscles and make some serious waves.

Technology Sector: User Experience and Interface Design

Ever get frustrated with a clunky app or a website that’s impossible to navigate? That’s where psych grads shine. In the tech world, understanding how people think, learn, and behave is crucial for creating products that are not just functional, but intuitive and enjoyable to use. It’s about making technology feel less like a foreign language and more like a helpful friend.User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI) design are all about applying psychological principles to digital products.

Think about it:

• Cognitive Load: Psych majors know how much information our brains can handle at once. This helps designers create interfaces that aren’t overwhelming, breaking down complex tasks into manageable steps so users don’t feel lost.
• Perception and Attention: Understanding how we perceive visual information and what grabs our attention allows designers to strategically place elements on a screen, guiding users’ eyes to important features and calls to action.
• Motivation and Behavior: Why do people click that button? Why do they abandon their shopping cart? Psychology helps answer these questions, informing design choices that encourage engagement and desired actions.
• Usability Testing: Psych grads are trained observers. They can conduct user testing, watching how real people interact with a product and identifying pain points that developers might miss.

“The best technology is invisible; it just works.”

With a BS in psychology, you’ve opened doors to understanding human behavior, but if your heart yearns to guide others through their struggles, you might wonder, can you become a therapist with a masters in psychology ? Indeed, it’s a common path, and this advanced degree can illuminate further possibilities for your career, building upon the foundational knowledge gained from your bachelor’s degree.

This is the ultimate goal for UX/UI designers, and psychology provides the blueprint.

Marketing and Advertising Campaigns

You know those ads that just stick in your head, or that product you suddenlyneed* after seeing a commercial? That’s psychology in action, and your degree is the secret sauce. Marketing and advertising are all about influencing consumer behavior, and understanding the human mind is the key to doing it effectively and ethically.Psychological insights are the bedrock of successful marketing:

• Persuasion and Influence: Concepts like reciprocity, scarcity, and social proof, all rooted in psychology, are used to encourage purchasing decisions. For instance, limited-time offers tap into the fear of missing out (FOMO), a well-documented psychological phenomenon.
• Consumer Behavior Analysis: Understanding what drives purchasing decisions – from emotional triggers to rational considerations – allows marketers to tailor their messages to specific demographics and psychographics.
• Brand Perception: How do people
  -feel* about a brand? Psychology helps shape brand identity and messaging to create positive associations and build loyalty. Think about how certain colors or jingles evoke specific emotions.
• Storytelling: Humans are wired for stories. Marketers use narrative techniques, often drawing on psychological archetypes, to connect with audiences on a deeper, more emotional level.

Consider a campaign for a new sustainable clothing line. A psych-informed approach might focus on the intrinsic motivation of consumers who care about the environment, highlighting the positive impact of their purchase rather than just the product itself.

Education and Training Roles

Teaching and training aren’t just about dumping information; they’re about facilitating learning and fostering growth. A psychology background equips you with a deep understanding of how people learn, what motivates them, and how to address individual differences, making you a rockstar in educational settings.Here’s how a psychology degree can make a difference in education and training:

• Learning Theories: Understanding theories like operant conditioning, constructivism, and social learning theory helps educators design effective lesson plans and teaching strategies that cater to different learning styles.
• Motivation and Engagement: Psych majors can identify factors that boost student motivation, from setting achievable goals to fostering a positive classroom environment, leading to better retention and participation.
• Individual Differences: Recognizing that everyone learns differently, psychology grads can help tailor instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners, including those with learning disabilities or different cultural backgrounds.
• Assessment and Evaluation: A solid understanding of psychological principles aids in developing fair and effective assessment methods that accurately measure learning and provide constructive feedback.
• Conflict Resolution and Classroom Management: Insights into human behavior are invaluable for creating a harmonious learning environment and effectively managing challenging situations.

For example, a corporate trainer with a psychology degree might use principles of adult learning to design a workshop that is highly interactive and relevant to employees’ daily tasks, ensuring better knowledge transfer and skill development.

Non-Profit Organizations and Community Outreach

The heart of many non-profits beats with a mission to help people, and who better to understand human needs and social dynamics than someone with a psychology degree? Your skills in empathy, communication, and understanding complex social issues are invaluable for making a real impact in these vital organizations.Individuals with psychology degrees bring a unique perspective to non-profits and community outreach:

• Understanding Vulnerable Populations: Psychology provides a framework for understanding the challenges faced by individuals experiencing poverty, mental health issues, or other social adversies, enabling more effective support.
• Program Development and Evaluation: Psych grads can help design and assess the effectiveness of outreach programs, ensuring they are meeting the needs of the community and achieving their intended outcomes.
• Volunteer and Staff Management: Understanding group dynamics and motivation helps in recruiting, training, and retaining dedicated staff and volunteers.
• Advocacy and Awareness: A strong grasp of psychological principles can inform advocacy efforts, helping to communicate complex social issues in a way that resonates with the public and inspires action.
• Building Trust and Rapport: The ability to empathize and communicate effectively is crucial for building trust with community members and stakeholders, a cornerstone of successful outreach.

Imagine a non-profit focused on youth mentoring. A psychology graduate could help design a program that not only pairs mentors with mentees but also incorporates evidence-based strategies for building resilience and positive social skills in the young people they serve.

Developing a Personal Career Strategy

So you’ve got that psych degree, feelin’ all smart and stuff. But now what? It ain’t just about knowin’ why people do what they do; it’s about makin’ that knowledge work foryou*. Building a solid career strategy is like crafting your own dope mixtape – gotta have the right tracks, the right flow, and a plan to get it heard.

This ain’t about luck; it’s about putting in the work to make your future pop.This section is all about gettin’ real with yourself and makin’ moves. We’re gonna break down how to figure out what you’re good at and what lights you up, how to get that real-world experience that makes your resume sing, and where to find the folks who can help you level up.

Think of it as your personal roadmap to crushin’ it after graduation.

Self-Assessment of Interests and Strengths

Before you can chart a course, you gotta know your starting point. This means diggin’ deep into what makes you tick and what you’re naturally good at. Your psych degree has equipped you with a killer set of transferable skills, but knowing which ones are your strongest and which areas truly spark your passion is key to picking a path that’s gonna be both fulfilling and successful.Here’s how to get that self-assessment game on lock:

• Reflect on Coursework and Projects: Think back to your classes. Which topics did you actually enjoy learning about? What kind of projects did you excel in? Was it research, writing, data analysis, or maybe presenting your findings?
• Identify Core Psychology Skills: Your degree is packed with skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, empathy, observation, and data interpretation. Make a list of these and rate yourself on how strong you feel in each.
• Consider Extracurriculars and Hobbies: Did you lead a club, volunteer for a cause, or have a hobby that involved working with people or analyzing situations? These experiences often highlight transferable skills you might overlook.
• Personality and Values Inventory: Think about your ideal work environment. Do you thrive in fast-paced settings or prefer a more structured approach? What are your core values when it comes to work? Do you want to help others, innovate, or lead?

“Know thyself, and thou shalt know the universe.”

Socrates (but like, for your career)

Acquiring Relevant Experience

Theory is cool, but hands-on experience is what really makes you stand out. Internships and volunteer work are your golden tickets to seein’ what different psychology-related fields are all about, buildin’ your resume, and makin’ connections. It’s where you get to put those classroom smarts into action and figure out what you truly love doing.Here’s a game plan for snagging that crucial experience:

1. Internships: These are structured work experiences, often paid, that give you a real taste of a profession. Look for internships in areas that align with your self-assessment, whether it’s in mental health clinics, research labs, HR departments, or marketing firms. Start your search early, as many have competitive application processes.
2. Volunteer Work: Non-profits and community organizations are always looking for help. Volunteering can provide invaluable experience, especially if you’re interested in social work, counseling, or community outreach. It shows initiative and a commitment to making a difference.
3. Shadowing Professionals: Reach out to psychologists or professionals in related fields and ask if you can shadow them for a day or two. This gives you a firsthand look at their daily tasks and responsibilities without a long-term commitment.
4. Research Assistant Positions: If you’re interested in academia or applied research, look for opportunities to work as a research assistant. This will hone your data collection, analysis, and reporting skills.

Professional Organizations and Resources

Navigating the world of psychology careers can feel like a maze, but there are plenty of organizations and resources designed to be your guide. These groups offer a wealth of information, networking opportunities, and often, specific resources for students and recent graduates. Tapping into these networks can seriously boost your career trajectory.Here’s a rundown of some essential resources to keep on your radar:

• American Psychological Association (APA): The big dog. The APA offers tons of resources, career information, journals, and even student affiliate memberships that can get you plugged into the broader psychology community.
• Association for Psychological Science (APS): Another major player, especially if you’re leaning towards research. They provide journals, conferences, and career development resources.
• Specialty Organizations: Depending on your interests (e.g., clinical psychology, industrial-organizational psychology, developmental psychology), there are numerous specialized organizations. A quick search for “[Your Interest Area] + professional organization” will yield results.
• University Career Services: Don’t sleep on your university’s career center! They often have dedicated advisors for psychology majors, internship databases, resume workshops, and alumni networking events.
• Online Job Boards: Beyond general job sites, look for boards specific to psychology or mental health careers. Websites like Idealist (for non-profits) or industry-specific boards can be goldmines.

Networking and Building Professional Connections

In any field, who you know can be just as important as what you know. Networking isn’t about being pushy; it’s about building genuine relationships with people who are doing what you aspire to do. It opens doors to opportunities you might never find otherwise and provides invaluable insights from those already in the trenches.Here are some slick ways to get your network poppin’:

• Attend Conferences and Workshops: These are prime spots to meet professionals, hear about the latest research, and learn about job openings. Don’t be shy – introduce yourself!
• Leverage Your University’s Alumni Network: Your university likely has an alumni database. Reach out to graduates working in fields that interest you; many are happy to share their experiences and offer advice.
• Informational Interviews: Request brief chats with professionals to learn about their career paths and daily work. This is a low-pressure way to gain knowledge and make a connection.
• Join Online Communities: Platforms like LinkedIn have tons of psychology-related groups. Participate in discussions, share your insights, and connect with others.
• Stay in Touch: After making a connection, follow up! Send a thank-you note, share relevant articles, or check in periodically. Consistency is key to nurturing relationships.

Illustrative Scenarios of Psychology Degree Application

Yo, so you’ve been grinding through those psych classes, learning all about the human mind. But what’s the real-world flex? It’s about taking that knowledge and dropping it into everyday situations to make things better, smoother, or just plain more understandable. This section is gonna show you how that degree ain’t just for textbooks, but for kicking butt in the real world.We’re diving into some real-life situations where your psych smarts can totally level up your game.

From dealing with cranky customers to building rockstar teams, and even figuring out what makes society tick, we’ve got the lowdown. Get ready to see how that BS in Psychology is your secret weapon.

Customer Service Problem-Solving with Psychology

Ever been on the phone with a customer who’s straight-up fuming? A psychology grad knows that it’s not just about the product or service; it’s about how that person is feeling. Understanding empathy, active listening, and de-escalation techniques are key. Instead of just following a script, a psych-savvy rep would focus on validating the customer’s emotions first.Imagine a customer is upset because their delivery is late.

A standard response might be, “We’ll look into it.” But a psych-informed approach would sound more like, “I can totally understand why you’re frustrated, waiting for something important is never fun. Let me pull up your order right now and see exactly what’s happening so we can get this sorted for you.” This shows you hear them, you get it, and you’re on their side, which can instantly diffuse tension and open the door for a productive solution.

Designing Employee Training Programs with Psychological Principles

Building a training program that actually sticks? That’s where psych comes in. Forget boring lectures; we’re talking about how people learn best. Think about cognitive psychology – how memory works, how to keep people engaged, and how to make information digestible.Let’s say a company wants to train its new hires on a complex software system. A psychology graduate would suggest breaking down the training into smaller, manageable chunks (chunking).

They’d incorporate active learning exercises, like simulations or role-playing, rather than just passive presentations. Using principles of reinforcement, they’d suggest positive feedback for correct usage and constructive guidance for errors. This ensures the training is not only effective but also enjoyable, leading to better retention and application of the learned skills.

Analyzing Social Trends with Research Skills

The world is always changing, and understandingwhy* is a superpower. A psychology degree equips you with the tools to dig deep, collect data, and make sense of it all. This isn’t just about observing; it’s about systematic analysis.Consider a scenario where a city is seeing a rise in youth disengagement from community activities. A psychology graduate might approach this by designing a research study.

They could conduct surveys with local teens to understand their interests and barriers to participation, interview community leaders to get their perspective, and analyze existing data on social media usage and local event attendance. By applying research methodologies like qualitative interviews and quantitative surveys, they could identify underlying psychological factors, such as a perceived lack of relevance, social anxiety, or the influence of peer groups, contributing to the trend.

This data-driven insight is crucial for developing targeted and effective interventions.

Comparing Career Paths: Psychology Competencies

Let’s break down how those psych skills translate into different gigs. It’s all about the transferable skills you’ve been building.Here’s a look at two different career paths and the psych-related competencies they lean on:

Career Path	Psychology-Related Competencies
Human Resources Specialist	Interpersonal Skills: Understanding group dynamics, conflict resolution, and effective communication for interviewing, mediation, and team building. Organizational Psychology: Applying principles of motivation, employee well-being, and performance management to create a positive work environment. Assessment and Evaluation: Using psychometric principles to develop and interpret employee assessments, personality tests, and performance reviews.
Marketing Analyst	Consumer Behavior: Applying principles of motivation, perception, and decision-making to understand why consumers buy what they buy. Social Psychology: Understanding group influence, persuasion techniques, and the formation of attitudes to craft effective marketing campaigns. Research and Data Analysis: Utilizing statistical methods and research design to interpret market data, identify trends, and measure campaign effectiveness.

Epilogue

Ultimately, a BS in Psychology is not merely an academic pursuit; it’s a launchpad for diverse and impactful careers. By understanding the transferable skills acquired, exploring direct career paths, considering further education, and strategically applying psychological principles across various industries, graduates are well-equipped to forge a fulfilling professional journey. The ability to analyze, empathize, and innovate, inherent in a psychology education, positions individuals to excel and contribute meaningfully in an ever-evolving world.

FAQ Compilation

What entry-level jobs can I get with a BS in Psychology?

Entry-level roles often include positions in human resources as an HR assistant, in market research as a research assistant, or in social services as a case aide. You might also find opportunities in client support, administrative roles, or as an assistant in therapy settings.

Do I need a Master’s degree to work in a field related to psychology?

While many specialized roles like licensed therapist or clinical psychologist require a Master’s or Doctoral degree, a Bachelor’s in Psychology is a strong foundation for many roles in related fields such as HR, marketing, research, and social work. Some entry-level positions in counseling support or therapy assistance may be accessible with a BS.

How can I gain practical experience with a psychology degree?

Gaining practical experience is crucial. Look for internships in fields that interest you, such as mental health facilities, research labs, marketing firms, or non-profit organizations. Volunteering for relevant causes or community outreach programs can also provide valuable hands-on experience and networking opportunities.

Is a psychology degree useful in the tech industry?

Absolutely. The tech industry highly values psychology graduates for roles in user experience (UX) design, user interface (UI) design, and product management. Understanding human behavior, cognition, and motivation is key to creating intuitive and effective digital products and services.

What are some common specializations for graduate studies in psychology?

Common graduate specializations include Clinical Psychology, Counseling Psychology, Organizational Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Social Psychology, and Cognitive Psychology. Each offers a distinct focus and leads to different career trajectories.