Degree + skills: How to get a job with a bachelor’s degree in psychology

Let’s talk about Kristen. After earning her psychology bachelor’s degree, she started working as a clinical research assistant. Kristen is now applying for another job with a data analysis focus. The job requires a bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related field and one to two years of experience in data analysis and research design. Working in a team setting is a preferred qualification.

Kristen is fictional, but the position is a real job within my office. Here are the responsibilities for this job:

The incumbent will assist with the overall design, implementation, and evaluation of surveys and research projects. Duties include assisting with collecting/acquiring data, maintaining contact lists, programming survey questionnaires, monitoring data collection, responding to questions and requests for technical assistance, conducting statistical and graphical analysis using software packages such as SPSS, Excel, Word and PowerPoint, and entering, coding and cleaning data. Upon request, the incumbent should be able to knowledgeably convey information as well as explain data collection and analysis methods, interpret findings, and offer cautions and recommendations about proper data use.

In her cover letter, Kristen mentions her bachelor’s degree in psychology to show she meets the education requirements. Then she discusses the duties of her current job. Kristen addresses specific job responsibilities with examples that demonstrate transferable skills. Here is an excerpt from her cover letter:

My current position has given me an understanding of the data collection process. I screen and recruit participants, explain the purpose of the study, explain and answer questions about informed consent and HIPAA protections, and collect data in initial interviews. I also monitor the flow of participants from recruitment into follow-up interviews at three and 12 months.

What skills has Kristen highlighted? Communication skills. Organizational skills. An understanding of the research process. Notice how both the job responsibilities and Kristen’s cover letter use the same words, such as monitor, explain and collect.

Kristen almost overlooked one of her experiences because her title was “administrative assistant.” When she reflected on her experiences, she realized the skills she used were relevant to the job. Here is another excerpt from Kristen’s cover letter:

I entered data on social attitudes and behaviors from a survey of incoming students and conducted descriptive analyses. These results were used in presentations to parents and students during our freshman orientation.

Here, Kristen highlights her technical skills in entering data, conducting analyses, and understanding survey research. She addresses communication skills a second time.

Yes, a bachelor’s degree in psychology is important. And so are the skills employers need. Think of it as “both-and.” Both a degree that meets the educational requirements for the job and the skills, traits and competencies to do the job.

The Strada Institute for the Future of Work’s Robot-Ready report found that human skills such as problem-solving, communication and leadership are, in fact, the skills valued in the workforce. A combination of technical and human skills is needed.

Kristen is a solid candidate for this position. She meets the “both-and” criteria. She possesses both a bachelor’s degree in psychology and the skills needed for this position. Kristen’s cover letter told a compelling narrative about how her experiences, skills and interests aligned with the job responsibilities.

Curious about what types of occupations psychology bachelor’s degree holders work in? See our Careers in Psychology interactive data tool, then select bachelor’s degree in psychology.