Like many young Maritimers, Angie Birt wanted to see the world beyond the village in which she grew up. This desire would take her from Mount Stewart, PEI, to become a professor of psychology at Mount Saint Vincent University in Halifax.

Guided by her mentor, the late Professor Owen Sharkey, Angie went on from her honours degree at UPEI to her master’s and PhD at the UBC. Now holding tenure at the Mount, she divides her time between teaching, research, and service to the university. It is a demanding job, but the rewards show on her face when she talks about it, especially her research and teaching.

Angie found that experimental psychology most interested her. “It’s a scientific approach. I love designing and conducting experiments to help people understand what motivates their thoughts, feelings, and behaviour.”

Her main area of focus is the effects of emotion on memory, especially emotionally traumatic events. “Just as physical evidence at a crime scene can be contaminated, memories can be contaminated, as when witnesses to an event discuss it, or when they are asked leading questions about it.”

“People often think that if you are a psychologist you are a therapist,” she says. While therapy is a career path for many psychologists, others like Angie specialize in scientific research.

But, she points out, “if you have an undergraduate degree in psychology, there are many applications.” Jobs for psych majors range from research assistants to parole officers, from social workers to marketing strategists. “The opportunities are boundless.”

Careers Nova Scotia Career Profile: Psychologists

NOC: 4151

Category: Education, Law, Government, Social and Community Services

What do they do? (Nature of work)

Psychologists examine the behaviour of children and adults; assess and diagnose psychological and emotional disorders; and provide consultation and therapy. They counsel individuals, groups, and organizations to improve physical and mental health and to achieve better personal, social, and work-related development and adjustment. They teach and apply psychological theory and principles regarding behaviour and mental processes such as learning, memory, perception, and human development. They may also design, conduct, and communicate the results of psychological research or evaluation projects. Psychologists work in private practice or in institutions such as clinics, correctional facilities, hospitals, mental health facilities, rehabilitation centres, community service organizations, businesses, schools and universities, and government and private research agencies.

Psychologists may specialize in applied psychology or experimental research. Sub-specialties include behavioural psychology, child psychology, cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, educational and school psychology, industrial psychology, neuropsychology, social psychology, or sports psychology.

Clinical psychologists interview patients; give diagnostic tests; provide individual, family and group psychotherapy; and design and implement programs to modify behaviour. Counselling psychologists provide treatment to improve physical and mental health. School psychologists work with students, teachers, parents, and administrators to resolve students' learning and behaviour problems. Experimental psychologists investigate aspects of human and animal activity to understand and explain behaviour. Industrial/organizational psychologists focus on personnel selection, job satisfaction, and workplace performance.

What are the workers like and what education do they need? (Skills)

To work in this field, you should be mature, patient, and interested in helping others. You must have excellent oral and written communication skills. Excellent listening and critical thinking skills, an understanding of human behaviour, and awareness of diversities are also important.

A masters degree in psychology is required to work as a psychologist in Nova Scotia, but other provinces may require a doctoral degree in psychology. A period of supervised practical experience is required in most jurisdictions and registration with a regulatory body is required in all provinces.

Other considerations:

There has been a noticeable increase in psychologists working in the private sector in the past few years. Self-employment is common for this occupation.

Where will I likely work in NS

• Southern Region: Nine per cent
• Northern Region: 14.6 per cent
• Cape Breton: 20 per cent
• Halifax: 56 per cent

Work Prospects in Nova Scotia

The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “good”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is above average. This is a moderate sized occupation in Nova Scotia, with employment around 550, and so some job opportunities may occur through turnover. The number employed in this occupation is expected to grow moderately over the next five years, which will likely provide some additional opportunities for employment. With a large percent of workers being 55 years of age and older (31 per cent), retirements are expected to be a key contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Psychologists may either be working full-time or part-time hours. Furthermore, the jobs are most typically permanent positions. Also, a fair portion (30 per cent) of the workforce is self-employed, and so having the option to "work for yourself" may appeal to some individuals’ interests/motivations.

Estimated hourly earningsin 2013

(Source: Statistics Canada, Labour Force Survey)

• Average: $35
• Minimum: $21.75
• Maximum: $49

For more information on education and training paths for Psychologists, or to explore over 300 occupation groups in Nova Scotia, visit Department of Labour and Advanced Education’s Careers.NovaScotia.ca.