Job Lists for Entry-Level Psychology Baccalaureates: Occupational Recommendations That Mismatch Qualifications

Print and online resources provide lists of job titles they purport as suitable entry-level occupations for psychology baccalaureates. However, when considering current Bureau of Labor Statistics information, many of the recommended job types (e.g., child care worker, residential advisor, statistical assistant) do not require a bachelor's degree, and census data show that most workers in such positions have either not attended or completed college. Still other listed occupations (e.g., human resources manager, rehabilitation counselor) require education and experience beyond the basic baccalaureate. Hence, certain sources may steer new psychology graduates toward occupational positions that mismatch their qualifications. I suggest ways to enhance the information value of job lists.