Personal Career Goals Paper
Jane Doe
PSY
10/26/2015
CMC
Personal Career Goals
Psychology as a science has grown exponentially over the past years allowing for many different career opportunities to be presented. Upon exploring these careers through journal writings and career websites, I find myself drawn to Forensic Psychology. “Once widely perceived as a field in which psychologists “ended up” working, forensic psychology now is among the most highly respected areas of psychology, in terms of both science and practice” (Porter, 2004). With such an exciting field expanding the way it is, now may be the time to get involved.
Article on Forensic Psychology
In the article “Professional competencies in forensic psychology” by Jorge G. Varela and Mary Alice Conroy, the art of the career is discussed in great detail. Its intent is to discuss the professional ethics, standards, and liabilities of Forensic Psychology. Forensic psychology has expanded leaps and bounds in just the past thirty years. Many psychologists are finding themselves “involved in both civil and criminal forensic arenas as well as other fields affiliated with the justice system, including law enforcement and correctional agencies” (Varela & Conroy, 2012). With such growth occurring in the field, there is more of a demand for specific skills and competencies to be required to work in forensic psychology. Even though forensics is a specific career, one must learn all they can and achieve a psychology degree in order to practice. “In general, individuals pursuing forensic psychology careers should make sure that their education is focused on psychology, criminology, and forensics” (Forensic Psychology Careers, (2015). This article goes on to discuss many skills that may appear to be common knowledge to all experts and researchers in the field but are a necessity when working in forensics. These include “specialty competencies that cut across the various forensic psychology...