“Vocational psychology is the study of human behavior at work.”
Bruce Growick, Associate Professor, Ohio State University
I am surprised and sad that when I tell people that I’m a vocational psychologist, they don’t know what that means. Here are some of the things that vocational psychologists do:
- Assessment of interests, values, strengths, etc. as a source of information for career decision-making and development
- Research to promote workplace excellence and employee effectiveness and satisfaction
- Teaching courses related to organizational behavior, counseling psychology, career development and career counseling, etc.
- Workplace consultation in areas such as conflict mediation, team building, leadership development and executive coaching, selection, employee career development, succession planning, and outplacement
- Individual and group career counseling and coaching
There are not nearly enough vocational psychologists to meet the demand of individuals and organizations who could benefit from the expertise offered by these professionals. If you are a psychology student, consider making this your niche! Here is an article I wrote where vocational psychologists give career advice about vocational psychology as a career choice.
To find a vocational psychologist, please visit the small but growing directory below:
Directory of Vocational Psychologists
If you are a vocational psychologist and you would like to be listed here, please email me.
Colorado
Bryan J. Dik, Ph.D.
Vocational Psychologist, Professor, Chief Science Officer of jobZology
Fort Collins, CO
Maryland
Lynn Friedman, Ph.D.
Clinical Psychologist, Psychoanalyst
Chevy Chase, MD
Massachusetts
Jenai Wu Steinkeller, Ph.D.
Executive Coach, Management Psychologist, Psychoanalyst
Boston, MA
Ohio
Samuel H. Osipow, Ph.D.
Emeritus Professor, Counseling
Columbus, OH
Texas
Janet Scarborough Civitelli, Ph.D. – that’s me!
Vocational and Counseling Psychologist, Career Coach
Austin, TX
Walter S. Newsom, Ph.D.
Testing Psychologist
Austin, TX