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Baltimore Psychologist Shows Advantages Of Obtaining Doctorate Degree

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, "Greater demand for psychological services in schools, hospitals, mental health centers, and social services agencies should drive employment growth." For those looking to enter the field of psychology, it can be difficult deciphering which avenue to focus on.

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(Photo Courtesy of Dr. Janan Broadbent)

Dr. Janan Broadbent is the owner of an independent psychology practice in the Baltimore area, and is a great example of how to use an educational background in the psychology field to enhance a career.

How does your formal education relate to your current role?

"To practice as a psychologist in most states, a doctorate degree is required. I have done over 25 years of college/university level teaching, for which a Ph.D. is also required most of the time. The same principle is true for business consultations and public seminars I have conducted. It adds credibility and value to presentations."

How has your education helped to further your career and contribute to your success?

"I pursued a wide arc of knowledge and skills within psychology and education, so that when market demands change, I could fall back on capabilities besides the niche I occupied. Probably as a reflection on my personality, I like having a variety of tools and topics I can utilize towards whatever goal I am pursuing, whether for my patients, students or customers."

What is some advice you can offer others looking to go into the field of psychology?

"First and foremost, do some soul-searching. What is it about this field that attracts you?  Take some career tests that merge personality with interests. There are numerous branches of psychology that tap into other sciences. Make sure you have an open mind and explore different areas of knowledge to see how you might incorporate facts towards the pursuit of making people's lives and this world a better and happier place. It's impossible to keep values out, which we are trained and advised to do. It's the welfare of the patient that has to be priority. Formal education is the foundation on which you build this career, but education never stops."

Sara Lugardo is a professional writer out of Chicago, Illinois. She has a bachelor's in communication and is currently working on her master's. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.

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