Mind Games or Meaningful Studies? Choosing BA in Psychology

Exploring Minds with BA in Psychology: Is It Your Next Step?

Did you know Sigmund Freud believed that slips of the tongue—like calling your teacher “mum”—are your subconscious mind playing tricks on you? Yes, your brain is busier than you think, even when you mess up! Psychology delves into this fascinating chaos of the mind, decoding dreams, thoughts, and emotions that shape who we are. Imagine understanding why you dream about flying one night and missing an exam the next—it’s not just random! A BA in Psychology opens the door to exploring the intricate workings of the human mind, guiding you through the mysteries that influence our decisions, relationships, and everyday quirks. Psychology acknowledges its power and studies it deeply to know what guides us and our lives.

A Bachelor of Arts in Psychology is a deep dive into studying human behaviour and thoughts. This is where you explore the debate of behaviour versus thought. In a world where human behaviour is hard to understand, psychology helps you decode it. You learn about verbal and non-verbal communication, how the past influences the present, and a logical reason for every behaviour, gesture, and thought. Besides finding it interesting, is a psychology degree the right choice for you? Let us find out:

Also Read: Master’s in Psychology via Distance Education: Complete Guide

Is a BA in Psychology Your Calling? Here’s How to Know!

Here are some key signs to check and explore if you want to discover whether a BA in Psychology is the right choice for you:

A. The Superpower of Empathy: Are You One Of The Few?

Many choose psychology to help others overcome their emotional challenges and live better. In a career in psychology, you have to deal with patients or clients directly. However, the underlying purpose is to understand human behaviour. If you want to help people, you must be empathetic by connecting with them, understanding their concerns, and thinking from their perspective. You must develop the ability to empathise with challenges and experiences you don’t relate to personally.

B. Problem-Solving Is Your Strength

Different psychological problems require different approaches and therapies. In psychology, problem-solving skills are essential before you decide on the approach to any challenge. This can also mean that you have to think from a different perspective. If you enjoy solving complex and new problems by applying structured solutions, a BA in psychology can be the right career for you.

C. You Are The Go-to Advisor

Are you also that go-to friend who everyone approaches for advice? While the trust they show in you is important, trust has a deeper meaning in psychology. For example, you must maintain confidentiality concerning your patient’s or client’s information. You must ask for their consent before you begin your treatment plan. They should not feel that they are being judged. The safety net exists until you allow them complete freedom to express themselves. They should be able to approach you when they need your help or advice.

D. You Listen and Not Just Hear

Sometimes, humans just need to be heard and not advised. When we don’t have anyone to share our problems with, we keep them to ourselves. They continue to worsen as we do not express ourselves freely. This is when we realise how much difference can be made when someone just listens to us. In psychology, you must spend time with your clients or patients and engage in one-on-one interactions. You are required to acknowledge their emotions and feelings. Think from their perspective. The difference is you must listen to understand and not respond.

E. Observation Comes Easily To You

When you develop sharp listening skills, you begin to observe more carefully. Analysing human behaviour is simple once you learn to focus on non-verbal cues. These are:

• Body Language, such as movements, gestures and posture

• Expressions

• Eye Contact

This helps you focus on the key details about the other person. Your job is wider than just noticing or observing. You must also be able to interpret what they mean. For example, your client’s words may not match their body language. Suppose they deny feeling nervous, but their expression shows underconfidence, and their body language appears stressed. In that case, you must observe and interpret what it could mean and why they hide their true emotion. Irrespective of the specialisation you choose, you must be attentive in psychology. If you are a keen observer who notices the smallest details, a BA in psychology can be the right choice.

Also Read: Want To Pursue An Online BA In Psychology? Complete Guide

The Flip Side: A SWOT Analysis of Psychology

You know what accurately defines a psychology career. Practically, no career prospect only has benefits. Before choosing a career, know its pros and cons. Not how beneficial that career is, but whether you’re willing to take that step despite knowing everything. This is called a SWOT analysis—strengths, opportunities, and threats. Now, let’s examine the other side of the equation to determine if a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology is viable.

Strengths:

• Diversity in career prospects: Clinical, counselling, industrial, forensic, etc.

• Demand: Growing demand and need for mental health professionals.

• Interdisciplinary: Covers science, humanities, and social studies.

• Applicable in Real Life: Skills are applicable in understanding human behaviour universally.

Weaknesses:

• Time Commitment: Advanced job roles, such as master’s or PhD, demand more time.

• Taboo/Stigma: In some parts of the world, mental health careers are still stigmatised.

• Emotionally Consuming: This may cause emotional and mental burnout due to intense interactions and counselling.

Opportunities:

• Awareness: It raises awareness about mental health concerns.

• Easy Integration: It can be easily integrated with AI, neuropsychology, and digital therapy.

• Diverse Options: Psychology is spread across healthcare, education, corporations, NGOs, etc.

• Policy Making: Can influence or impact public policies on mental health.

Threats:

• High Competition: High demand and tough competition for better jobs and studies.

• Misconceptions: Psychology needs to be understood as an easy science with less seriousness.

• Economic Challenge: If the healthcare and education budget is compromised, job opportunities are affected.

• Ethical Challenges: Maintaining confidentiality and adhering to research and cultural ethics is difficult and can be problematic in legal matters.

Career Opportunities: What Can a BA in Psychology Get You?

Here is a list of top career prospects and their salaries after a BA in Psychology. The salary range is generic and is subject to change depending on your qualifications.

Source: Ambition Box

Also Read: Online B.Sc In Psychology: Fee, Course, Admission, College 

The IKIGAI Way: How Do You Make the Final Decision?

IKIGAI is a Japanese concept. It is where passion, mission, vocation, and profession align to add meaning to life. Let us help you understand whether a BA in Psychology is right for you and whether it fulfils your purpose.

1. What You Love (Passion)

To decide whether a BA in Psychology is right for you, ask yourself:

• Are you curious to know how and why people behave like they do?

• Do you enjoy listening to others’ experiences and helping them with their problems?

• Do you like to study the human mind through therapies, research, or interactions?

2. What The World Needs (Mission)

The role of a psychologist still needs to be recognised more. As a psychologist, you play a key role in mental health awareness. Consider the following factors:

• Do you plan to advocate for mental health?

• Do you wish to help others solve problems to live a better life?

• Would you be able to address others’ workplace stress, trauma, and problems?

3. What Are Your Strengths? (Vocation)

Make sure you play your strengths:

• Are you a good listener, and do you empathise?

• Can you be unbiased while analysing a situation?

• Would you be able to balance science and creativity?

4. What You Can Be Paid For (Profession)

While there are many career paths in psychology, you should consider the following points to understand if a BA in psychology is right for you:

• Are you interested in investing in higher studies to get better job roles?

• Are you okay with steady, long-term career growth rather than quick financial return?

• Do you find job roles such as therapist, HR specialist, or researcher attractive?

Conclusion: The Final Decision

Despite accurately analysing all the points, there is a possibility you might need help to decide if a BA in psychology is right for you. However, that is completely alright. Your interests may change with time. You might study psychology willingly but change later for a better job role. Psychology as a career is very versatile. No other career prospect can match the skills and knowledge it imparts.

Simply put, it prepares you to study and understand the complex human mind and behaviour. This is a classic life skill. Psychology encompasses many sub-topics, making it a truly fascinating subject. If you wish to explore the subject, it is any day a beneficial choice to make. Whether or not you become a psychologist, it will benefit you greatly.