University of New South Wales - School of Psychology

Employment prospects for Psychology graduates to 2005

employment opportunities for Psychology graduates will differ according to:

The level of degree they have attained
Their particular field of specialisation
Their entry into a particular occupational group

Expected Jobs Growth for Psychologists

The number of psychologists employed in Australia ; 1993-94: 7,100 2004-05: 13,400 - 14,300

Employment of Psychologists is predicted to increase by approximately 88.9 - 101.4% from 1993-94 by the year 2004-05.

(Source: ABS 1991, unpublished census data, ABS, The Labour Force, microfiche data, cited in; Appx 4; p.140-150; DEET Australia’s Workforce 2005: Jobs in the Future, November, 1995)

Occupational Groups with an expected strong jobs growth

A Psychology degree provides graduates with an extensive, flexible skill and knowledge base. Psychology graduates can therefore be placed within the following occupational groups, in which the strongest employment prospects are expected until 2005;

Sales, marketing and advertising professionals
Professionals
Miscellaneous social professionals
Miscellaneous education professionals

Other occupational groups that are expected to have strong jobs growth:

Computing professionals
Sales and marketing managers
Carers and aids
Hospitality workers
Accountants, auditors and corporate treasurers

(Source: Department of Employment, Workplace Relations, and Small Business; http://www.dewrsb.gov.au/department/employment)

Recent Employment growth and job prospects until 2005

In comparison with other occupational groups, the overall outlook for psychology in the future is VERY POSITIVE!!!

Psychology graduates are likely to be found among the following occupational groups:

Professional Group

Job Prospects*

Employment Growth

(5 yrs to Nov 98)

Projected Jobs Growth**

Marketing, Advertising

Sound

57.3%

Well Above Average

Miscellaneous Business/Information

Sound

28.4%

Above Average

Miscellaneous Health

Sound

19.2%

Well Above Average

University and Vocational Ed Teachers

Average

3.1%

Above Average

Miscellaneous Education

Sound

12.5%

Well Above Average

Social Welfare

Sound

12.6%

Well Above Average

Miscellaneous Social

Sound

35.3%

Well Above Average

*Job Prospects ratings include: 1. Below Average 2. Average 3. Sound

** Projected Jobs Growth ratings include: 1. Well Below Average 2. Below Average 3. Average 4. Above Average 5. Well Above Average

(Source: Department of Employment, Workplace Relations, and Small Business;
http://www.dewrsb.gov.au/department/employment)

What Skills are in demand in the new millennium

Psychology graduates possess a number of skills and competencies that are currently in high demand.

Moreover, several of such skills have been identified as particularly valuable over the next few years.

These include:

Basic skills and organisational skills:

Communication and analytical skills
Problem solving skills
Interpersonal skills (including negotiation skills and self management)

Other skills that will be in high demand include:

Technical skills (computer skills)
Company specific skills

(Source: 21st Century Skills for 21st Century jobs, report by the US Departments of Commerce; Education; and Labour, National Institute of Literacy, and the Small Business Administration, January, 1999; cited in Source: Department of Employment, Workplace Relations, and Small Business; http://www.dewrsb.gov.au/department/employment)