Career Switch...Confused

I have a master's degree in school counseling and am unable to get a job in a school- it's been over a year, so I work at a non-profit program as a counselor. I enjoy it, but the pay is not nearly where it would be if I worked as a guidance counselor. The guidance counselor market is too tough in NY- thousands of candidates for one or two spots. I've had a couple interviews, but never a second. I was thinking about going back for school psychology. I can go to Columbia University for free because I work there. The only issue is that it is a three-year program and I am already 28. I would have to stop working full-time to do the program. There are more opportunities in that field, though. I'm confused. I can't think of anything else to go back for that I would enjoy.

Re: Career Switch...Confused

I also have the school counseling degree and I would go back for school psychology if I didnt have to pay for it.

Re: Career Switch...Confused

Im not a school psychologist but i have worked with them, its challenging as well to get a job in a public school. I do know someone that is in the 5yr psychology program to prepare them for a school pyschologist as well as a psychologist. Im a social worker and I am constantly searching for a job in a public school but its the same odds as a guidance counselor and school psychologist. Its tough all around but if i could go back to school for free i certainly would give it some thought.

Re: Career Switch...Confused

If you want to go back to school, I say go for it. But just to let you know i teach in a HS on long island and we have 8 guidance counselors and 4 psychologist. I think it is tough to get a job as a school psychologist also.

Re: Career Switch...Confused

it's tough to get a school psych. position too...there are actualyl less of them in a high school and middle school, usually more counselors. however, it's the elem. schools that have only a psychologist and no counselors. it's a tough market in education on LI anyway you look at it.

however, if i coudl get a degree for FREE from COLUMBIA, i would totally do it. i love school! it will make you more marketable and will open up a lot of doors for you. there are a lot more places you could be a psychologist than a counselor.

also have you looked into socail services agencies, schools for students with disabilities, etc. etc. they would be in need of a school psych.

Re: Career Switch...Confused

Fh has his doctorate in psychology. He works as a school psychologist and after taking the licensing exam he will start his private practice.

Finding a job as a school psy could be hard because most schools have only 1 or 2 schools share 1. BUt you could have private practice which you could make really good money.

If this is something you really want to do - i say go for it!!! it may be hard but there will be a payoff in the end!

ETA FH did 4 years undergrad (psych degree) and 2 years masters and 2 years doctorate.

You can be a school psycholgist without a Doctorate

Message edited 10/11/2007 6:32:38 PM.

Re: Career Switch...Confused

don't give up! it's not unusual to not have a job after only a year. many people have to wait 2-3 years to find something permanent.

if this is something you really want to do, go for it! good luck!