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Sandeep Pereira

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Responsible for working with the various teams and other management to establish long-range goals, strategies, plans and policies and set up new programs at upGrad. With a demonstrated history of working in the EdTech industry.

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Psychology Salary in India in 2023 [For Freshers & Experienced]
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As a field of study in India as well as a prospective career, Psychology can be hugely rewarding for those who are dedicated to their work and want to reap the benefits. It is a field that is brimming with opportunity and growth. The primary reasons for this are the fact that there are always exciting new discoveries taking place in any given sub-field of psychology, and the fact that there are unique fields that emerge from the intersection of psychology with other domains – such as, for example, criminology and art aesthetics, to name just a few. All this goes to show that the field is both as vast as it is deep and that anyone who is willing to dip their toes into this ocean should also be willing to go to its depth, for numerous rewards await there! If you’re curious to know what your salary is going to be once you’ve completed a degree in Psychology, read on!  Introduction A psychologist diagnoses, evaluates, and treats people who are struggling with different mental and behavioral conditions such as depression, anxiety, or related issues. The job is quite a demanding one as the psychologist deals with human beings’ conditions which are to be treated based on observation, judgment, and experimentation. The job is one of the most sought-after careers in India and across the globe. Being a psychologist is one of the most lucrative jobs in India. They get an attractive salary in the initial days of their practice which goes on increasing as they gain experience over time. Psychologist salary in India is about 3.99 Lakh Per Annum. However, the psychologists that open up their own clinics may charge different fees for different patients based on their conditions. They usually charge their fees based on different sessions conducted with each and every patient they are treating. What Kind of Professions are There in Psychology? Given the immense breadth of this field, it’s extremely hard to give a fully comprehensive statement regarding the kind of professions available in the realm of psychology. But at the basic level, one classification can be made: there are some careers that are linked directly with psychology, while others use psychology more as an informational foundation upon which other things are added due to necessity. For example, if you are a counselor, then you will necessarily be using the psychological concepts you’ve learned and mastered on a daily level, with every individual client. However, if you have a career in public relations or marketing, you will only be using your psychological skills to inform other work that will be specific to your requirements. Learn more about the skills needed to be psychologist. Thus, there are two types of professions in psychology: psychology-dominant and psychology-affiliated. Since psychology-affiliated careers don’t have a mandatory requirement for psychology (since people without psychology degrees also have careers in public relations and marketing), we will only focus on psychology-affiliated careers for this article. 1. Psychologist  The general term “psychologist” refers to a practitioner who can engage with a distressed person, whether in personal or institutional capacity. Their patients or clients trust them to make helpful suggestions to them and make them aware of their own patterns of thinking as well as behavior. While this term alone refers to a non-specialized position, there is significant scope for specialization, should a person desire to venture in that direction. However, with that said, it isn’t as though no specialization doesn’t leave any scope for movement. To be a psychologist is still one of the most popular professional choices for individuals across the world today – and it also offers one of the top psychology salaries in India! You can earn ₹2.9 Lacs at the beginning of your career, and as it progresses forward, you can make ₹3.5 Lacs at the 5 year-mark, ₹5 Lacs at the 9-year mark, and earn up to a whopping ₹6.2 Lacs within 15 years! 2. Clinical Psychologist A clinical psychologist is in some senses more equipped than a typical psychologist since they are licensed to provide diagnoses of various kinds, including all mental disorders as well as any other adjustment disorders. A clinical psychologist typically works either in a personal or an institutional capacity, and they are often found not only in hospitals but also in halfway homes and de-addiction centers, to mention just a few locations. Yet another coveted career for many in the ranks of the psychology stream, this too offers a formidable psychology salary in India. A typical clinical psychologist earns around ₹3.12 lacs as they start out, reaching the ₹3.5 lacs mark by their 7-year mark. Once they’ve worked for around 12 years or more, the salary reaches ₹5 lacs – and that’s just from a job, not from personal clients, which can help you earn a lot more. So, all in all, this is a lucrative as well as satisfying profession for you. 3. Forensic Psychologist At the intersection of crime and psychology is the interesting field of forensic psychology, which uses psychology in a way that is predictive rather than preventative. The interesting thing here is that it makes perfect sense to think of psychology here as both a foundational concept as well as a central execution pillar – because this is different from a career in advertising or management! And much like in other psychology fields, here to the financial prospects are plentiful, with the starting salary of a forensic psychologist being around ₹406,946, which can go up to as high as ₹3 Cr with over a decade of experience! 4. Counselling Psychologist A counselling psychologist works with their patients to make sure that they can tackle the issues that come up on a daily basis. While a typical psychotherapist will work on the more repressed or buried parts of one’s psyche (depending, of course, on the school), a counselling psychologist addresses the various issues that prop upon at the level of proper function, such as issues with time management, or stress management, or workload issues, and other issues of this nature. This is a promising field of study for all psychology graduates, not only because they can earn a lot of money through this, but also because they will feel a huge sense of purpose as they go about their work every single day – and that counts for a lot! A counselling psychologist at a hospital makes about an average of ₹362,758, and by the time they’ve spent 10 years in their career, this amount rises to ₹730,000! 5. Neuropsychologist  A neuropsychologist works at the interface of psychology and neurology and straddles both worlds in such a way that they seamlessly blend into each other. This field will be of particular interest to those who not only want to pay attention to social and personal cues when it comes to analysing how and why a person behaves the way they do, but who also want to look at objective data at the level of different parts of the brain and how they interact with other systems of information. A neuropsychologist earns around ₹500,000 as and when they start out, and if they stay consistent with their performance and word about their services spread, they can earn up to a whopping ₹60 lacs after 10 years in the industry! 6. Psychiatrist  While not typically considered to be a career that is recommended for most psychology students, this is actually the rare career that has just enough psychology to make it interesting for people who are not from that core background. The catch with this career is that you need to have a medical degree to be able to practice it, but once you’re able to get that secured, you should be good to go as a psychiatrist! As a psychiatrist you will be able to prescribe medicines to patients, and will typically work with psychologists – unless you know how to provide therapy yourself, in which case, you won’t need to. Typically, a psychiatrist earns around an average of ₹981,232, and by the time they’ve reached 15 years in their career they can be making as much as a humongous ₹30 lacs each year! 7. I/O Psychologist  Industrial/Organisational Psychologists are indispensable to organisations of any kind, whether they be large or small, whether they be working in the product or services sector. Why? Because organisational structures are often created by people who have very little idea of how people respond in real-time to structural impositions and limitations. Here is where I/O psychologists really add value, by serving as a conduit between the two parties, the organisation, and the employees. Successfully navigating this conflict in a way that enriches the relationship that the two parties share is a sure-shot formula for success! I/O psychologists earn an average of ₹479,616 each year, which can rise to as high as ₹30 lacs if they’ve spent a significant amount of time in their career! Salaries of psychologists by different professions Psychiatrist Average Salary Rs 9.00 – 9.70 LPA There are different psychiatrist roles such as Pediatric Psychiatrist, Military Psychiatrist, Forensic psychiatrist, etc. On average, they earn about 9 – 9.70 LPA. Industrial Psychologist Average Salary Rs 4 – 4.3 LPA Industrial Psychologists work in industrial organizations. They are also known as Organizational psychologists. Employees working in an organizational sector face many stress-related situations which affect their mental and behavioral aptitude. Organizational Psychologists diagnose and treat the workers, thereby enabling them to maintain a proper balance between work and life. Clinical Psychologist  Average Salary Rs 3 – 3.80 LPA Clinical psychologists are in great demand these days due to the ever-increasing stress and mental issues. Clinical Psychologists possess a complete understanding of different mental conditions such as stress, depression, anxiety, or any mental disorders. They can work for any organization, hospital or open up their own practice. Child Psychologist Average Salary Rs. 4.5 – 4.10 LPA Child psychologists, as the name indicates, deal with the mental well-being of children. Additionally, they also help parents who face issues such as anxiety and mental issues as their children grow up. They earn a decent amount of income. They too can either join any hospital or open up their own practice. Psychologists are earning more than ever due to their high demand not only in India but worldwide. It has always been one of the most lucrative career options for young individuals who want to pursue a career in medicine. Take the Leap into Psychology? As we’ve already explored above, psychology is a field that is rife with possibilities, with discoveries waiting to happen, intersections still to be found, and lives yet to be enriched! Beginning your career in psychology is the best way to earn a top salary in psychology in India – no matter where you’ve completed your education from, it is bound to come in handy as there are a huge number of opportunities in India. Each profession takes time to establish, so the sooner you get started the better! There is success at the end of each road – so start on your path today!
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by Sandeep Pereira

18 Sep 2023

Average Nursing Salary in India in 2023 [For Freshers & Experienced]
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Last year when the world was struggling to grapple with the devastating impact of coronavirus, doctors and nurses emerged as our true saviors. Throughout the year (and counting still) nurses, along with medical experts continued to deliver round-the-clock care to patients. Their exhausted and bruised faces, tired eyes, and fatigued bodies from wearing masks and protective gear all through their shifts were trending on social media, showing us how challenging the medical profession can be – while doctors cure patients, nurses care for them. However, that’s just an ongoing issue that merely highlighted the position nurses hold in society. Nurses have been playing a crucial role in delivering care and treatment to people in need since time immemorial. They’re a pivotal part of the local community as they help shape and deliver result-oriented healthcare advice and treatment to the community members. This is why nurses are always in high demand. Presently, nursing constitutes the largest occupational group in the healthcare industry, with nearly 59% of medical professionals working as nurses. As of 2020, India has around 3.07 million registered nursing professionals.  According to the latest stats, by 2025, the global healthcare staff market is projected to grow from USD 28,545.73 million (in 2020) to USD 38,879.13 million at a CAGR of 6.37%. The graph below highlights the estimated employment growth for different nursing profiles from 2018-2028: Source  These stats depict that nursing is a booming field in the healthcare industry and with time, the demand for nurses will increase manifold. Nursing Responsibilities: What do Nurses Do? Nurses bear the responsibility of delivering quality healthcare services to all people alike, irrespective of their gender, ethnicity, religious background, and socio-political inclinations. They aim to provide holistic care to all patients, catering to their physical, emotional, psychological, intellectual, and social needs. Nurses work alongside doctors, physicians, therapists, dieticians, etc., to develop care and treatment plans for patients. Their primary focus is to treat illnesses effectively to improve the quality of life of all individuals.   The nursing code and standard varies from country to country. However, all nurses worldwide follow four core principles and ethics of nursing practice: To always prioritize the well-being and care delivery of patients. To provide quality care and treatment at all times.  To cooperate and coordinate with other medical experts for ensuring the speedy recovery and well-being of all patients. To always act with integrity and uphold the dignity of the nursing profession.  Typically, nurses differ from doctors and other specialist healthcare experts in their training, approach to patient care, and scope of practice. While most nurses offer generic care services, many others specialize in specific areas like palliative care, perioperative nursing, cardiac nursing, orthopedic nursing, obstetrical nursing, oncology nursing, nursing informatics, and telenursing, to name a few. Also, nurses practice with varying degrees of prescription authority and autonomy in care delivery.  Where Do Nurses Work? Nurses practice and work in a wide range of healthcare settings, including schools and universities, hospitals, private nursing homes, old age homes, rehabilitation centers, physicians’ offices, diagnostic clinics, relief/medical camps, railway hospitals, and national defense bases (military/army/airforce/navy). They often work in shifts (day/night shifts). Nurses may also act as expert advisors to health insurance companies and also offer advocacy to attorneys (reviewing patient records, testifying in court, etc.). Some nurses may also find employment opportunities in research institutions & laboratories and pharmaceutical companies.  Nursing Salary in India According to Payscale, a Registered Nurse (RN) in India earns an average annual salary of ₹298,781 LPA.  A Registered Nurse (RN) having less than 1-year experience usually begins their career with a starting salary of ₹233,151 LPA, including bonuses and overtime pay. After gaining around 4 years of experience, Registered Nurses can earn a total compensation of ₹249,994 LPA. In their mid-career (5-9 years of experience), nurses make around ₹393,132 LPA. Experienced nurses having more than 15 years of industry experience earn ₹496,269 LPA. Thus, like any other profession, nursing salary packages also increase with increasing experience. The more industry experience you gain, the more skilled nurse you become. However, it should be noted that there’s a significant difference between the grade pay of nurses in government and private hospitals – usually, government hospitals pay a higher salary package than private hospitals/nursing homes.  Source Here’s a table showing the salary package of different nursing professionals in India: Profile Salary (per month) Staff Nurse (GNM) 10,000-15,000 Home Nurse 9,000-16,000 OT Nurse  14,000-25,000 ICU/CCU Nurse  16,000-25,000 Nursing Supervisor 18,000-30,000 Nursing Professor (Teaching) 25,000-45,000 Nurse Manager 35,000-50,000 Asst. Nursing Superintendent 38,000-60,000 Nursing Director 80,000-1,00,000 Why Choose Nursing as a Career? As a profession, nursing is a very meaningful career choice for individuals who wish to help people and make a difference. A nursing career comes with numerous opportunities, challenges, and rewards. Here are X reasons why you should consider taking up nursing as your profession: 1. You Get to Help People in Need As a nurse, you will save lives every day. You will monitor patients’ health conditions and administer the right treatment and care to them while also offering emotional support to their families. You will also promote public health and educate people on how to take charge of their health and well-being. Most importantly, you will get plenty of chances to positively impact the lives of people from all walks of life.  2. Nursing Jobs are in Demand With the world population, aged population, and demand for quality healthcare rising steeply, nurses will always continue to be in high demand. Also, the healthcare industry is rapidly expanding, creating more and more job opportunities for nursing professionals. Since their services are an indispensable part of our society, the nursing profession is here to stay.  3. There’s Plenty of Room to Grow As we mentioned earlier, nurses can choose from a wide range of specialization tracks and job profiles. The career pathways are diverse. With experience, you will progress from becoming an n Enrolled Nurse to a Registered Nurse or a Nurse Practitioner and then finally to a Nurse Manager/Director. Plus, you will learn and acquire skills like primary care, basic infection control, basic medical asepsis, surgical asepsis, standard precautions, record-keeping, etc. 4. You will Gain Job Satisfaction While Earning a Decent Package As per the AMN Healthcare’s 2017 survey, 83% of nurses are satisfied with their nursing career. After all, it’s a wonderful feeling when you can help someone get better and give them a better quality of life. Nurses are not only respected by the community as a whole but they are also paid decent salary packages for their services, as we discussed before. 5. You Can Pursue Nursing Education Online Today, many reputed private institutes offer online nursing programs with valid certifications. These programs have a well-structured curriculum along with a good scope of practical assignments to help nursing students gain real-world skills and knowledge. The greatest advantage of taking up online nursing courses is that you incur much lesser course fees and you get to learn from the comfort of your own home while managing your personal commitments.  Juggling Emotional Resilience and Patient Care in Nursing Maintaining emotional equilibrium while delivering patient care is an essential yet challenging aspect of nursing. Navigating the delicate balance between emotional well-being and providing optimal care requires attention and strategic coping strategies. Nursing’s Emotional Terrain: Nurses frequently encounter patients in distress, leading to emotional challenges like compassion fatigue, burnout, and grief from witnessing suffering and loss. Embracing Resilience: Prioritizing self-care is paramount. Engaging in activities like exercise, hobbies, and mindfulness practices can alleviate stress and build emotional resilience. Peer Support: Creating a support network with fellow nurses fosters a safe space for sharing experiences and seeking guidance, helping manage emotional strains. Setting Boundaries: Establishing clear boundaries between work and personal life prevents emotional exhaustion while maintaining empathy for patients. Impact on Patient Care: Emotional well-being directly influences patient care quality. Resilient nurses connect with patients more effectively, make sound decisions, and prevent burnout. Guiding Patient Outcomes: Emotional balance enhances empathy, improving patient trust and communication. Nurturing resilience equips nurses to navigate emotionally charged situations and provide effective care. By acknowledging and addressing the emotional facets of nursing, professionals can not only ensure their well-being but also elevate patient care quality, creating a harmonious cycle of support and healing.
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by Sandeep Pereira

13 Sep 2023

14 Most Common Healthcare Interview Questions For Freshers [2023]
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Starting a new career or bagging a new job in the medical sector seems like a herculean task to many because of the interview. After all, there’s so much to prepare, remember, and work on! However, it’s not impossible to ace a healthcare interview – we’ll show you how.  Healthcare professionals make a difference in people’s lives. It is one of the most sought-after careers in India and the world. They are in huge demand due to the care they provide to patients, older persons, and children, in fact, every individual who needs help and care. Working in such an industry requires them to be well-informed and well-prepared about their roles and responsibilities. Various organizations recruit them to test their knowledge and verify their skills by asking different questions in their interview.  Reviewing potential questions in advance for an interview may increase one’s chances of getting selected. This post is a detailed guide on some of the most commonly asked healthcare interview questions, so keep reading till the end to find out how to prepare the right answers!  Top Healthcare Interview Questions and Answers You should do a bit of homework before an interview. First, you should focus on learning about the organization’s mission and the priorities of the admissions board. A keen understanding of those two will help you focus your answers accurately.  The recruiters in healthcare are usually interested in what are your goals as a medical professional, how do you handle difficult situations, and what soft-skills do you actually possess.  We have given example answers with each of the following questions. They are only to give you an idea of what kind of answer you should give.  1. What is the Future of Healthcare in your Opinion? Answer: Due to the pandemic, the world has realized the importance of virtual care. I think the use of digital technologies such as Robotics, ML, and collaborative apps will help healthcare professionals in providing effective care to their patients.  2. Why Should We Hire you? Answer: You should hire me because I would be a good fit for your mission of putting patients before everything else. I believe that this is how all healthcare should be provided. My experience in caring for the needy and underserved populations helped widen my vision and perspectives. I can work efficiently both alone and as part of a team. Also, I can display strong leadership qualities to manage and handle a team as and when needed.  3. What do you consider is your Biggest Career Failure or Mistake?  Answer:  I was given a new team of recruits to manage in my last job. Before that, I had no experience in interacting with freshers so I never knew how challenging it would be. Eventually, I worked on myself and paid attention to my superiors on how I can get better. Even though the first few months were a little difficult, things became smooth after some adjustments and learning on my part.  4. Why did you choose to Pursue a Career in Healthcare? Answer: When I was around 16, my best friend got very sick. His family went to see four doctors before receiving the right diagnosis and treatment. The incident made me realize how important it is to get the right medical attention and care. Ever since I’ve had a strong urge to help people. This is why I chose to pursue a career in healthcare. I want to help people and make a difference. 5. Have you Faced a Patient Who didn’t share Crucial Information or Communicate Properly? How did you Handle this Issue and What was the Result? Answer: I treated a patient who came with her father. She had a headache and seemed to be in urgent need of treatment. However, she kept looking at her father before answering any questions so I asked him if I could talk to her alone. It allowed her to be more comfortable and share information easily. 6. Have you Worked with a Patient that Required a lot of your Time and Effort? If so, How did you look After this Patient while Providing other Patients with the Necessary Care? Answer: I once had a patient whose condition kept getting worse during a hectic time. First, I identified if any serious (life-threatening) conditions were present in the hospital and prioritized those accordingly. Then I examined the patient and ensured their vitals were stable. While waiting for the test results, I administered time-sensitive treatments like antibiotics. After that, I and my team looked after other patients’ appointments. 7. If you Had to Share Bad News to a Patient About their Health, How Would you Handle It? Answer: I would start by gathering all the crucial information to ensure I’m ready to answer all of their equations. If the family members are present in the room, I would introduce myself and ask the patient if they want to receive the results privately or with the relatives present. Then I would break the news to them as humanely as possible. Without using any jargon, I would explain the situation and ensure that everyone understands everything. 8. How do you Hope to Impact the World as a Healthcare Professional? Answer: As a healthcare professional, I hope to impact the world and make a difference by making medical services more accessible to the underserved communities of our society. I aim to find volunteering opportunities in community clinics and remote areas whose residents don’t even have access to basic healthcare facilities. 9. How do you Manage Stressful Situations? Answer: I think I can manage stressful situations quite well. First, I analyze the situation to see what things are under my control and what I can get into control right away. Then I create my strategy to get things in order. Usually, when I feel too stressed, I listen to music to calm my nerves. 10. What are the Different Types of Healthcare? Answer: Healthcare is primarily divided into two types: 1) Primary Care: Primary care refers to the care provided by a generalist doctor. It focuses on the diagnosis and treating small ailments. 2) Secondary Care: Secondary care refers to the care provided by a specialist doctor. It focuses on treating advanced ailments. 11. What Skills, According to you, Make a Good Healthcare Professional? Answer: In my experience, I have found that a good healthcare professional should possess the following skills: 1) Compassion A healthcare professional should be able to understand the condition of their patient. Compassion adds a human touch to the treatment and makes things easier for everyone. 2) Team-spirit In healthcare, we all work in teams. One should know how to collaborate on tasks, follow directions and help each other with their duties. 3) Communication Miscommunication can be a cause of many issues so I believe strong communication skills are vital for any healthcare professional.  12. Tell me something about yourself This is the question that most interviewers ask to know the candidate better. In your answer, you should highlight the necessary skills, experience, and personality traits that make you the most suitable for the role of a healthcare professional such as compassion, sensitivity, empathy, etc. Answer – I have recently graduated with a bachelor’s degree in nursing. I am also an advocate of patient safety and consistent quality improvement.  I have the necessary skills and qualities that make me suitable for this role. 13. What made you interested in working here? This question is generally asked by the interviewer in an interview. It provides the interviewee with the opportunity to showcase why he is interested in working with the concerned organization. Answer – I am interested in working with your company because of your high commitment to patient care and consistent quality improvement. I am impressed by the way you use technology to completely innovate and advance patient care.  14. What are your biggest strengths and weaknesses?  For your strengths, you can highlight the qualities and skills that would help you do your job better. For weaknesses, it would be a bit tricky, but humbly acknowledge your weaknesses that are not critical to your job and how you are working to deal with them in a better manner. Answer – My biggest strength as a person and as a healthcare professional is my qualities – being compassionate and empathetic. I am a resilient person who gets back quickly from setbacks and I can handle pressures pretty well. My biggest weakness is sometimes I get too hard on myself if I am not able to complete a task. I tend to become a perfectionist which makes me go hard on myself. I am striving to work on it. I am learning to be a little soft and forgiving of myself, I think this would make me a better healthcare professional. How to Prepare Healthcare Interview Questions Preparing interview questions can be quite challenging especially when you’re in the medical sector. Most of the healthcare interview questions and answers we shared in this article were related to soft skills, character, and personality. You should be well-versed in the different subjects of your discipline, as many of the interview questions focus on exploring your expertise. The best way to prepare for technical questions is to take a healthcare course in your field. A course will provide you with an individualized learning experience as you’ll explore the various topics and skills present in your field. 
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by Sandeep Pereira

10 Sep 2023

Most Asked Psychology Interview Questions & Answers [For Freshers & Experienced]
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So you’ve finished your first psychology degree and are applying for jobs that you’re interested in. It’s all coming together, but one last thing still remains to be done – to clear the final interview. And naturally, because this is your first time, you’re a bit nervous, so you decide to do a quick Google search to find out the possible psychology interview questions that you may get asked. And here you are, reading an article that is a definitive guide to the most common psychology interview questions! It’s sure to put you in good stead amongst your competitors, and if you read this article thoroughly, you may even have an edge over them too! How? Well, read on to find out! There are some essential things to cover before we get started, though. The Most Important thing to Keep in Mind During an Interview The purpose of an interview is not just to attest to someone’s technical knowledge, but rather to see whether a candidate will be the right fight for a particular organisation. This is usually done on the basis of understanding what a candidate’s internal disposition is – how they process the world, what they are good at and what they are bad at doing, what inspires and what motivates them are all factors to be considered. Depending upon particular contexts, these factors maybe even more important than technical knowledge! After all, if a person’s job role is that of a psychologist in a hospital, they also have to understand the structures of a hospital and how to work through them. If they’re always rebelling against institutions themselves, then that won’t be an ideal fit for a hospital, no matter how technically sound a particular candidate is. Similarly, if a person is applying for a position at a recovery centre, and they are able to build a rapport with all the clients there such that they can trust the candidate, they will be a better selection than somebody else who may have a great amount of theoretical knowledge but cannot create a relationship with the clients, since that’s the most important of their work. Basically, contextual relevance is appreciated over theoretical accuracy in the absence of a context. What kind of jobs are these questions for? Are they for a specific profile only? Well, the answer to the question posed above is both a yes and a no. The specificity of the profile goes only so far as a psychological role is concerned – it can range anywhere between a school counsellor position or one for a forensic psychologist. But ultimately, it’s the disposition of the interviewee that matters more than anything else. Also, we won’t be covering questions that are specifically technically linked to a certain job role, since it won’t be simply possible to cover all of the – psychology is a vast field, and including questions from all the sub-fields and disciplines will not be a practical undertaking. The majority of our questions will deal with projecting the right kind of attitude that will get a candidate selected and provide them insight into the selection criteria.  Common Psychology Interview Questions & Answers Following are some of the common psychological questions for students: 1. “Tell us Something About Yourself”  With this question, which is really more of an introductory statement, it’s important to keep in mind that you need to be succinct with your response. Of course, you can use this question as a springboard to go into your hobbies or your early childhood, but a smart interviewee would take this opportunity to introduce their professional interests and then dovetail into an explanation of why they are where they are. For example, a good answer is: “I used to read a lot of books as a child, and always wondered why people would behave the way they did. And that’s why I decided to study psychology and apply for a job here!”  2. “What Sort of Impact are you Looking to Make Here and How Will you Make it?” This is one of the most common questions that interviewers like to spring on potential candidates. This assesses a person’s context-readiness as well as their proactiveness. Impact-driven people are often associated with leading and furthering great progress and change. This is a great opportunity for you to layout exactly what constitutes impact for you. Here you must do your best to convey to the potential employers that you want what’s best for the organization. In fact, you can even ask them what their ideas are in terms of creating impact, and that you would love to join them in their mission through your ideas as well! A good answer to this question is: “I think the impact can only be achieved through scale, but the scale is completely pointless if there is no quality. Therefore, I want to tow the thin line between scale and quality, and make sure that we can achieve both! Having said this, I was wondering what your thoughts on impact are – perhaps I can learn something from your many years of experience in the field.” 3. “Why did you Study Psychology – and What Was your Area of Focus?” This question gives you the space to share your thoughts about the field itself as a whole. Here, it is best to be honest, considering that you’ll probably have a strong motivation; after all, psychology is usually one of the fields that attract people with conviction. That being said, as you elaborate on your area of focus, it’ll be very revealing of your nature if you can tie it in with what convinced you to study psychology in the first place. If there’s no tenable link between the two, and if you discovered your passion as you started studying psychology, then it’s a separate matter. But you must pay attention to the links as they do exist – that part is definitely important. A sample answer that is effective is: “I started studying psychology because I often wondered why I remembered some things so vividly while I forgot other things completely. This is also why I studied human memory closely because I wanted to examine what makes memories, and how our memories, in turn, create us.” 4. “What are your Biggest Strengths and Weaknesses?” All questions about strengths and weaknesses are really less about a person’s actual strengths and weaknesses than they care about that person’s ability to recognize them. If you are successfully able to articulate your thoughts regarding the things you are good (or bad) at doing, then you will already have gained standing with your potential employers, because nobody wants to work with people who don’t understand themselves and the effect they have on others. Here, the best strategy will be to tie in some possible outcomes based on your strengths and weaknesses, further displaying your ability to think through and work in various contexts. A good answer would be: “I’m very effective at communication, so I can handle sensitive information and announce that to people very well. However, I’m very bad at giving direct instructions, because I like giving people the freedom to do work as they want to approach it. So, I will be great at managing people, but not micro-managing them.” 5. “Would you describe yourself as an Effective Communicator?” The essence of communication comes down to understanding not just what to say, but how to say it in the way that it reaches the person to whom it is being said. If you can do this, you can call yourself an effective communicator. But when it comes to expressing this sentiment in an answer, the best way to lead is to mention that you won’t exactly know this answer, because it will be determined by the persons to whom you will be communicating. An effective answer is: “Yes, I’m an effective communicator because I can convey my expectations from another person to them in a way that they understand. Beyond this, however, only the people I talk to will be able to determine whether I’m an effective communicator.” Checkout: Top Skills Needed to be Psychologist 6. “What are your Long-Term Plans?” While this has long been a staple question for most interviews, things have recently changed significantly, owing to the post-pandemic work scenario. No longer can people answer what their long term plans are – especially at a time when the whole concept of plans seems to be so alien. So the best approach to take here is, to be honest about your future: you will know your plans best, and nobody else can determine them for you. As long as you can express yourself clearly to your future employer, you can make sure that they will consider you to be a viable candidate. An example answer is: “I don’t have any long term plans at the moment. I want to grow in this particular role, and if I like the direction I’m going in, I will continue to pursue it!” 7. “Are you good at Conflict-Resolution?” A lot of potential employers look at your ability to resolve conflicts because it allows them to assess how good you are juggling multiple stakeholders. Generally speaking, this is a role that pays its dividends the higher your move in life. There are no specific ways to approach answering this question – if you’ve done this before, clearly state out the conditions in which this happened. If you haven’t, articulate that you will be able to do this in the future if required. A good answer is: “Yes, I’ve done this before at [insert historical instance]” or “Although I haven’t done this explicitly before, I’m sure I’ll be able to manage this in case it’s required of me.” 8. “What Made you Apply for this Position?” Here too, the question assesses how you’ve approached the organization and will continue to work with them in the long run. It’s generally a good rule of thumb not to say that you’re not interested just for the money, even though the money is an important part of the equation – this is usually the case for most people. But beyond this, you also need to stress that you’re a driven and motivated individual who wants to do the job because they resonate with its mission, or because you believe in the work and think that it’s important. It’s better to come clear with this right at the start since there will be moments when things become tough – and at that point, internal motivation will become really important. A great answer for this question would be: “I think this role contributes greatly to society, and personally, I find this job role to be an exciting and promising one, not just in terms of work but also in terms of future growth.” 9. “Why should we select you over any other qualified candidate?” This is a question that can go both ways: if you’ve given a decent answer, then you’ll be selected. However, if you say something untoward or unprofessional, then there’s a chance this question can break the whole job interview for you. The wisest thing to do here would be to play to your strengths and to draw from past experiences that highlight unique skills that others will most likely not have. A good answer will be: “Because I played sports at a regional level, I know all about handling pressure and performing consistently at all times. Others, no matter from which field, are unlikely to have experience of this nature.” 10. Why did you choose this career path? Psychologists may have the same curriculum, but their individual motivations for entering the field are far more varied. Some people choose to study psychology because they have witnessed firsthand the improvement in a person’s quality of life that can result from therapy or psychological intervention for a variety of behavioral problems and mental health concerns. Some people are interested in psychology because they are curious about the human mind or wish to gain insight into human nature. Be forthright and sincere in your response to this inquiry. The interviewer will learn more about you as a person and about why you choose your area of specialization if you take the time to answer this question thoughtfully. 11. Do you know about the ethics of privacy protection in this field? One of the most important things a psychologist can do for their patients is to provide a secure environment for them to talk. There are rules in place to ensure the privacy of all patients. Under some circumstances, a psychologist may disclose client information without their permission. The main reason is to ensure the patient’s safety and to prevent widespread harm. I am able to alert appropriate authorities if, for instance, a patient discloses suicidal thoughts or plans during treatment. I have the responsibility to report instances of possible abuse or violence. 12. When comparing clinical and counseling psychologists, what are the key differences? The kind of challenges you’ll face greatly vary across the two disciplines. A clinical psychologist’s expertise is called for when dealing with “clinical,” or severe, cases. People with mental illnesses, such as personality disorders, will be properly diagnosed and treated by these professionals. A counseling psychologist, on the other hand, is more likely to engage in the behavioral branch of psychology, where the focus is on influencing patients’ behavior for the better. Therefore, you can be assisting an individual in kicking a habit or a couple in fixing their communication issues. 13. Describe some of the research projects you’ve been involved with. Here’s your time to wow the interviewer by discussing some of the cool things you’ve done in the past. If you are a recent graduate, this is a terrific time to talk about the research you did in school. Inform the interviewer of the nature of the project, your part in it, the data you acquired, and the results you obtained. 14. “Do you have any questions for us?” Here is a question where you can really let go and ask away to your heart’s content! This may be one of the most important questions since it asks you to engage with your potential employers, and the more engaged you are, the better you will be in their evaluation sheets! Engaged people are always on top of their game, no matter which field they’re in – and they’re also the most successful, so make sure to highlight your eagerness in working with them in your questions to them. There is no correct way to approach this – all questions are good questions! Don’t present your best self – present your most inquisitive and dedicated self Interviews are always tough to crack, but don’t lose heart! No matter what happens, always present your most inquisitive and dedicated self, because regardless of the exact position you’ve applied for, these qualities often do very well in any sphere of work, and at any level. Besides, the more experienced you get, the easier interviews become, because you have an understanding of what your potential employer is looking for in a candidate – and then the conversation can be very simple. With that said, all the best for the future ahead! With these psychology interview questions and answers, there’s no doubt that you’ll do really well. 
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by Sandeep Pereira

07 Sep 2023

Public Health Careers in India
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5864
Public health professionals directly serve the public. Every activity they participate in is to promote the overall health and welfare of society. For that reason alone, public health is one of the most rewarding fields in the world, so much that 95% of public health employees say they feel motivated to give their best to the job every day.  However, that’s not all there is to it. Job satisfaction in Public Health is estimated to be 81%, and as the demand in the field is increasing, there are lucrative salary packages offered to skilled and experienced public health workers today.  Enroll for upGrad’s Exclusive Free Courses. In this article, we will discuss Public Health in detail and explore the scope of the field in India.  What is Public Health? In the words of Charles Edward Amory Winslow, Bacteriologist and public health practitioner, Public health are “the science and art of preventing disease, prolonging life and promoting human health through organized efforts and informed choices of society, organizations, public and private, communities and individuals“. The roles and responsibilities of public health careers in India include: Spread awareness of preventive measures like vaccinations for children and older people.  Educate the public about the health risks of tobacco and intoxicants.  Establish nutrition programs in schools. Implement public policies. Promote accessibility of health care to all sections of the population Promote quality health care. Create awareness about the importance of a healthy lifestyle.  Implement public health initiatives like planned parenthood, adherence to traffic laws, and clean air and water standards, among other public welfare programs.  Increase mental health awareness.  Conduct evaluations of health facilities, dining facilities, environmental pollution, exposure to toxic chemicals, etc, all of which are crucial in formulating public policies.  Where do Public Health Professionals Work? There is a growing demand for skilled and experienced public health careers in India committed to working toward the public’s welfare. This is a common trend all across the globe. It is estimated that a minimum 250,000 of public professionals would be needed to fulfil the demands of the population that include: law enforcement, implementing policies for public welfare, facilitating healthcare equity, creating awareness around general public health, emerging lifestyle diseases, and working on preventing and treating them. In general, the aim is to foster community development, promote healthy living conditions, and reduce human suffering by applying scientific research to health-related problems.  Public health professionals are employed in the following government, non-profit, and private organizations:  1. Government Agencies: This includes working for both international and Indian government organizations like Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), to name a few. The job description includes conducting public surveys and analysis and formulating policies based on them. It also includes working on government-funded disease-related researches. In the past, these organizations have been responsible for reducing child mortality rates, eradicate contagious diseases, and increase life expectancy in developing countries.  2. Non-profit organizations: Again, this includes both Indian and international organizations working on global initiatives to eradicate diseases most prevalent in the world population. American Red Cross, World Health Organization (WHO), Planned Parenthood, and The Allies for Health + Wellbeing, are among a few examples.  3. Education Sector: A master’s degree in public health can land you the job of a professor or lecturer in colleges. The work also requires you to conduct community-based research from time to time.  4. Health care facilities: This includes private hospitals like Apollo and Fortis, as well as public hospitals and care facilities. There are several other research and consulting organizations, other UN organisations, and donor foundations like USAID, Gates, and ADB, that have a demand for public health professionals with a master’s degree.  Public Health Careers: Necessary Educational Qualification and Top Salaries It’s possible to find a job in Public Health with a bachelor’s degree in Biology, Anthropology, Public Policy, Psychology, Sociology, or Medicine. Individuals with a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Mathematics, Business, or Education can also find decent opportunities in Public Health. A Master’s degree, on the other hand, would open doors to a wide range of higher-level jobs in Public Health.  Public health careers in India aren’t just limited to pursuing a job in a local clinic and spreading awareness around a healthy lifestyle. There are several job opportunities that public health graduates can pursue in a diverse range of fields.  Apart from working in the healthcare industry as a Public Health Nurse, Epidemiologist, Occupational Health and Safety Professional, and Public Health Physician, you can also work as a First Responder in law enforcement, and Scientist, Researcher, or Health Educator in the education sector.  Some graduates choose a position in public policy as  Public Policymakers and others who become social workers. There is also a requirement of public health professionals in the food and hospitality industry for the position of restaurant Inspectors, and nutritionists. Here are the salary bands of some of the most prominent positions in public health 1. Medical and Public Health Social Worker (avg. base salary: ₹797k /year) – Medical and Public Health Social Worker employed at medical facilities like clinics, hospitals, nursing centres or military hospitals in cities, towns or government agencies to provide psychological support to patients suffering from chronic illnesses. Their job also includes assessing the health needs of disease-ridden individuals or families in a community. A bachelor’s degree in social work is required to enter the field, and an advanced degree can help land higher positions. 2. Public Health Education (avg. base salary: ₹300k /year) – Public Health Educators aim to spread optimal health awareness in large communities by organising health campaigns and educational programs to improve dietary habits and lifestyle choices. They work on promoting wellness and safety and devise educational policies for families and communities. They require at least a bachelor’s degree to break into the field.  3. Community Health Specialist (avg. base salary: ₹303k /year) – A Community Health Specialist’s job entails strategizing and implementing health programs for the general welfare of a community. It requires interacting with community members to analyze the health needs and medical requirements of a community to aid in developing effective health programs. A minimum of a diploma in public health is required to pursue this career.  4. Epidemiologist (avg. base salary: ₹654k /year) – Epidemiologists investigate disease outbreaks and work to contain them as well as prevent future outbreaks. It’s also their job to study the impact of these outbreaks on different communities, the scope of the outbreaks, causes, and locations affected. A minimum of a master’s degree is required to become an epidemiologist.  5. Health Care Consultant (avg. base salary: ₹1.2m /year) – Healthcare consultants work at medical institutions and health insurance organizations suggesting impactful methods to improve the healthcare industry. They work with management consultants to scrutinise the costs, operational requirements, and efficiency of medical facilities. While a bachelor’s degree is the minimum requirement to land a consultant’s position, usually a master’s degree is preferred.  A few other rewarding jobs in Public Health are:  1. Medical Records / Health Information Technician – ₹300k /year 2. Health Inspector – ₹380k /year 3. Technical Medical Writer – ₹426k /year 4. Public Health Specialist – ₹900k /year 5. Medical Officer – ₹850k /year Scope of Masters in Public Health in India Pursuing a master’s degree in public health doesn’t just boost career advancement opportunities but also puts you in an impactful position to improve existing issues in the public health domain.  The coming decade is expected to be rife with opportunities for researchers, educators and social workers. Hospitals and health centres will be looking to hire talented individuals who can work in nutrition, wellness and overall health consciousness.  As per a study conducted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), public health is expected to see 4.6 million new opportunities by 2028, of which almost 3.4 million positions would be reserved for those in healthcare and social assistance.  There is also a huge demand for social workers having a Master’s in Public Health. By the year 2029, job opportunities here are expected to increase by 14%. Social work is considered to be one of the more effective ways to analyze public health and identify areas of improvement. With lifestyle diseases such as obesity, heart disease, diabetes at an all-time high, there is ample backing from the government for the education sector to pursue a master’s in public health so they can assume influential positions in private institutes and non-profit organizations. Creating awareness around health and lifestyle is the way forward for a healthier and disease-resistant India. Pros and Cons of Pursuing a Degree in Public Health PROS 1. Job opportunities There are attractive salary packages for public health professionals who own a master’s degree and on-the-job experience. There is a diverse range of jobs in this sector to pursue and the salary bands differ from one position to another.  Furthermore, there is job satisfaction that is so integral to functioning proactively in the workplace. The work of public health professionals has implications on the wellness and lifestyle of millions of people around the world. Such a meaningful contribution to society and future generations is bound to leave a sense of fulfilment and satisfaction. 2. Job security As we already mentioned above, public health is poised to witness consistent growth in the coming decade. This would be in response to the rise in chronic and lifestyle diseases around the world. Naturally, health awareness and education is the need of the hour and this would require an increase in public health professionals in all fields.  CONS  1. Extensive competition Due to the growing demand for professionals in Public Health, it is not easy to stand out even with a master’s degree. You will be set up against graduates in Chemistry and Biology and a ton of other aspirants with relevant degrees. However, if you have role-related experience to show and relevant skills to demonstrate, you stand to gain a competitive edge. This is possible through internship programs or PG courses where you have the opportunity to pursue capstone projects.  upGrad’s 11-month Executive Post Graduate Program in Healthcare Management can be a great fit for you. It includes 6 weeks for pursuing a capstone project and 8+ Case Studies and Projects that will help you develop the desired skills for a lucrative public health position. Furthermore, with a prestigious certificate of recognition from Loyola Institute of Business Administration, and AACSB, AICTE & SAQS certifications, you have a great chance of landing a job in top companies like Amazon, Microsoft, Accenture, and American Express, to name a few.  2. Lack of clarity around public health careers As we mentioned before, public health positions can be occupied by people from various disciplines. There’s also inconsistency in the nomenclature of public health divisions. This causes a lot of aspirants to get confused. Without proper knowledge of the kind of careers they can pursue and what they would need to study to do, it’s tough to make an informed decision. 3. Insufficient funding  Hospitals are heavily dependent on funding to keep labs running, replenish their resources, and carry out researchers. This is especially the case with public health facilities and non-government organizations where a lack of funding can cause healthcare officials to lose their jobs. 4. Expensive education The average tuition fees per academic year when pursuing a master’s degree in Public Health is about £15,000. Most students have to give this path due to constraints in their budget.  However, there are plenty of affordable options as well that can help you occupy an influential position in public health. A PG Diploma, for instance, would only cost you £7,482. An even cheaper option is pursuing a PG certificate course which will cost you £3,741. upGrad offers both courses online in case you want to check them out.  Public Health Courses You can take up any one of the following Public Health Courses to contribute meaningfully to the improvement of health services in India: 1. PG Certificate in Public Health (8 months) This short course may be just what you need to kickstart your career in public health. It’s designed to expose students to global health challenges and teach them how they can assess the growing population’s healthcare needs.  2. PG Diploma in Public Health (16 months) This course is designed to help aspiring public health candidates to acquire influential positions in the global healthcare domain. It includes a wide range of subjects which include epidemiology, diseases, population health, personality development and biostatics, to mention a few.  3. Master of Public Health (2 years) MPH is a comprehensive course that includes all aspects of public health. From assessing global health needs to designing models for effective healthcare services, a master’s degree lays a solid foundation for you to leverage the welfare of the public. You also get the opportunity to carry out independent research as part of your dissertation. A master’s degree in public health can open many doors for you to land higher-level roles in the industry.  Pursuing any of the above courses from upGrad will earn you a one-year membership at Rollins School of public health careers in India, along with uninterrupted access to their study material, journals, webinars, and live conferences. Challenges and opportunities in public health in India  Challenges and opportunities in public health in India are complex and multifaceted. Let’s delve deeper into each aspect Challenges 1. Inadequate Healthcare Infrastructure India’s healthcare infrastructure remains strained, especially in rural areas. Limited access to hospitals, clinics, and medical facilities hinders timely and effective healthcare delivery. There is a shortage of healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and paramedical staff, which affects the quality of care. 2. High Disease Burden India faces a dual burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases. Infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, malaria, and HIV/AIDS remain significant public health challenges. At the same time, non-communicable diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer, are on the rise due to changing lifestyles and risk factors like sedentary habits, unhealthy diets, and tobacco use. 3. Limited Access to Healthcare Many of India’s population, particularly those in remote and marginalized areas, struggle with accessing healthcare services. Financial constraints, lack of transportation, and inadequate health awareness are some barriers preventing people from seeking timely medical care, leading to delayed diagnoses and worsening health outcomes. 4. Malnutrition and Maternal Health  Malnutrition remains a critical issue in India, especially among children. Undernutrition and micronutrient deficiencies impact child development and increase susceptibility to infections. Additionally, maternal health indicators, including maternal mortality rates, require improvement, necessitating targeted interventions to enhance maternal and child health. 5. Air Pollution and Environmental Health India experiences severe air pollution, especially in urban centers, leading to a rise in respiratory diseases and other health issues. Contaminated water sources and inadequate sanitation facilities contribute to waterborne illnesses. Addressing environmental health challenges requires robust policies, public awareness, and implementation of sustainable practices. Opportunities 1. Growing Focus on Preventive Healthcare The increasing emphasis on preventive healthcare presents an opportunity to implement interventions that promote healthy lifestyles, early detection of diseases, and vaccination programs. Public health professionals can work on creating awareness campaigns and behavior change initiatives to encourage healthy living. 2. Digital Health Innovations India’s rapid digital transformation provides public health careers in India to integrate technology into public health systems. Telemedicine can bridge the gap in healthcare access, especially in remote areas. At the same time, mobile health apps and health information systems can facilitate health monitoring and data collection, enabling more efficient healthcare delivery. 3. Public-Private Partnerships Collaboration between the government, private sector, and non-governmental organizations can improve healthcare services and infrastructure. Public-private partnerships can mobilize additional resources, expertise, and innovation to enhance the reach and impact of public health programs. 4. Health Education and Behavior Change Public health professionals can be crucial in designing and implementing health education programs to raise awareness about preventive measures, maternal and child health, nutrition, and hygiene. Behavior change communication can empower communities to adopt healthier practices. 5. Research and Data Analytics The demand for evidence-based decision-making in public health opens opportunities for researchers and data analysts. Robust research can inform policy formulation, program evaluation, and the identification of emerging health issues, while data analytics can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of public health interventions. 6. Global Health Initiatives Public health careers in India can be leveraged to participate in global health initiatives. Engaging with international organizations and collaborating on global health projects can foster knowledge exchange, capacity building, and collective efforts to tackle shared health challenges. Conclusion Even though every public health career in India requires role-related education and experience, the salaries offered, hours you need to put in, and other specific job nuances vary from one employer to another. However, the field offers a chance to leave a lasting impact on the population, and work on initiatives that increase the life expectancy of people, reduce mortality rates, and promote healthy living conditions. And this keeps public health professionals motivated to give their 100% to their work. There is ample encouragement from government organizations to promote higher education in public health, so India can benefit from the expertise and skills of public health professionals in various health care and education systems.  If you want to get an individualized learning experience and work on projects under the guidance of industry experts, then we recommend checking out upGrad wide range of healthcare courses.
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by Sandeep Pereira

28 Aug 2023

Basic Components of Supply Chain Management
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Supply chain management covers every aspect of a product’s lifecycle, right from obtaining its raw materials to delivering a full-fledged product made out of it to customers. A supply chain is made out of diverse, interconnected businesses offering assistance on various stages of the chain. Although these businesses vary in nature and primary functions, they all combine to form a uniform chain to develop products and deliver them to customers. Elements of supply chain management work on conceptual models to stabilise the entire process. However, a large part of it relies entirely on practicality to adhere to market demands and customer expectations. The fluctuating supply chain market frequently faces disruptions and varying challenges that can be overcome using the right set of supply chain strategies. Yet, what stays the same are the basics of supply chain management. The fundamental components of the supply chain account for its most significant features creating the foundation of the entire management for businesses to work and thrive with time.  One of the most critical factors of supply chain management is to devise strategies that promise customer satisfaction and a good profit margin. To achieve both of these objectives, it is pivotal to understand and leverage all the core components of supply chain management. Here are the five components of supply chain management. Planning The first process of supply chain management is planning. Creating a blueprint before initiating any process is imperative, so planning out supply chain management at every unit is necessary for a smooth project compilation. Planning requires leading figures to leverage analytical data, available resources, and customer expectations around the product to roll out a detailed plan for a smooth, successful production. Planning keeps account of cash flow and resources to maximise restricted assets for optimised operation. Moreover, it solves product, logistic, and distribution-based issues.  Sourcing Sourcing refers to identifying suppliers and vendors to source raw materials and services. It is the most crucial step of supply chain management as cost-effective practices can be applied here for overall efficiency economically. The step requires management to seek out reliable suppliers offering high-quality material compliant with the budget restrictions and delivery at the stipulated time. An inefficient supplier is more than likely to cause harm to the entire supply chain. Being connected to one another, each element makes it significant to seek reliable vendors for sourcing materials. A company must explore all options before seeking out the best in the industry. Production After sourcing the essentials of the product, the next crucial step is production. Production includes all the processes required to transform supplied raw materials into the final product. This part of the supply chain incorporates procedures such as assembling, testing, packaging and the final assembly to deliver it among distributors. Various factors may influence the production line, such as a delay in sourcing materials, quality of the materials, and customer feedback, which may help improve or make other changes in the production. The production looks over the key features of any product that includes its conformity with established industry standards and the amount of product being produced in the supply chain. Delivery Delivery of the product goes through several steps from manufacturing centres, including storage in warehouses, distribution among local retailers, or supply through diverse channels such as e-commerce portals to reach its recipient. Timely transportation is crucial at every stage of supply chain management, but the delivery of products at the right time demands extra vigilance with time restrictions. Companies leverage air, rail or road transportation mediums to have seamless delivery of products to local retailers. Another crucial aspect of delivery besides time is zero damage. Transportation can inflict significant damages on products if the containing material is not secured vigilantly. Hence, an added aspect of this supply chain component is to ensure product safety by all means.  Return This component deals with post-delivery customer services, a crucial part of customer service. Suppose customers receive a damaged or malfunctioning product. In that case, manufacturers must take care of it either by repairing, or most likely, replacing it with a new product. Customer satisfaction is the driving force for supply management chains to run. Imagine an unhappy customer leaving unsatisfactory comments for your brand. Not only do you lose this one customer, but hundreds of others who access those comments. The return or reverse logistics ensure good customer relations and a good brand reputation in the long run. A reliable supply chain management processes multiple such requests in advance without affecting the production line. Importance of Supply Chain Management Components Basic components of supply chain management draw a massive impact on the production following which, any business can boost their productivity and profitability. It divides the whole supply chain process into five parts to bring value out, each with stern vigilance and quality checks on each of them. A successful supply chain management system requires each element to work efficiently towards customer satisfaction. These five components prepare a blueprint for the processes to comply and create a stellar system while generating optimal profitability. Our Top Management Programs & Articles Product Management Certification Program from Duke CE Leadership and Management in New-Age Business from Wharton Online Top 4 Functions of Management Process Explained Leadership and Management in New-Age Business from Wharton PG Program in Management from IMT 5 Key Skills Required for Successful Management Career & How To Achieve Those Skills? 8 Crucial Business Management Skills Every Manager Should Have Why Should You Consider Product Management as a Career Option? Top 7 Career Options in Management To Choose [For Freshers & Experienced]   A career in Supply Chain Management In 2020, the projected global supply chain market was valued at 15.85 billion U.S. dollars, and by 2026, it is expected to reach a market value of 31 billion U.S. dollars. So imagine the market opportunity it will offer to supply chain management career seekers.  Being an interdisciplinary field, supply chain management offers immense opportunities for learners from diverse courses. As long as applicants are skilled with the required expertise, supply chain management has a place for everyone. Along with an undergraduate degree, masters in the relevant discipline gives you an edge over other candidates to bag attractive opportunities in the supply chain management field. Experience and added certifications also contribute to increased chances of getting hired. If you are looking for supply chain management certifications from leading educational institutions, then upGrad has your back! upGrad offers a Global Master Certificate in Integrated Supply Chain Management provided by the leading Michigan State University. The course is equipped with best-in-class content to equip learners with an industry-ready course structure. The program aims to educate learners with brilliant supply chain management practices to introduce cost-effective strategies delivering operational excellence through all the supply chain stages.  With a learner base of 40,000+ students across 85+ nations, upGrad extends educational services explicitly created to prepare learners for the industry. Along with an official certificate from the leading universities at course completion, the platform also extends features such as career guidance, 24/7 student support, industry network, interactive discussion, and international academic support to fuel your dreams with the proper guidance. Technology for Improved Supply Chain Management The evolution of the latest technologies can help with the smooth operation of the basic components of supply chain management. The key technologies revolutionizing the field of supply chain management are as follows: IoT IoT involves combining physical objects like software, electronics, and sensors with internet-powered data transfer and collection. It supports real-time communication, enabling the initiation of physical systems without human intervention. IoT helps with the digitization of supply chains, leading to fully-integrated ecosystems. These connected supply chains are completely transparent to the manufacturing, product development, distribution, and marketing departments.  Big Data and Advanced Analytics The Internet of Things has increased the amount of data that businesses have to evaluate every day. Big data and advanced analytics provide better insights into supply chain operations. Therefore, businesses are able to detect inefficiencies and make improvements.  Several techniques for data analytics have been automated into mechanical algorithms and processes to work on data for human consumption. It enables organizations to make informed decisions and risk management efforts in their supply chain operations.   Robotic Process Automation Robotic Process Automation can be incorporated into different components of supply chain management for faster and more accurate operations. Robots are better than manual laborers in terms of productivity and uptime. But robots won’t replace human workers and instead enable supply chain managers to improve inefficiencies across the supply chain with the help of automation.  Automation will become more popular as businesses focus on satisfying the requirements of omnichannel supply chains. Automating different aspects of supply chain management will lead to greater agility and flexibility. Some warehouse activities like sorting, counting, and transporting items can be easily automated with the help of robots.  Some large supply chain organizations are focused on leveraging self-driven cars to minimize labor expenses. It will also contribute to fuel economy and reduce the possibility of human harm on the road. All these efforts across the supply chain will contribute to greater ROIs for businesses.   Artificial Intelligence Artificial intelligence is the driving force behind automating different elements of supply chain management. AI, with the help of machine learning, makes businesses more proactive in responding to demand changes. For instance, supply chain managers use AI-based forecasting tools to plan different operations and detect cost-saving opportunities.  Artificial intelligence tools also support real-time reporting and various interactive data visualization techniques. Advanced algorithms based on machine learning and predictive analysis are used to improve planning and decision support systems, automate time-consuming warehousing operations, and identify buying patterns.  Blockchain  Blockchain is considerably improving how retailers and consumer-packaged goods manufacturers are operating their supply chains. Blockchain is solving the need for securing supply chain operations. Blockchain networks are powerful for improving supply chains that lack transparency and traceability.  They come with a decentralized and secure database to store all transactions across the supply chain. It enables real-time tracking and traceability of products with regular updates. Therefore, blockchain technology supports the transparent tracking of goods while reducing the risk of errors and fraudulent activities.  Conclusion The changing trends of the customer service market have drastically affected supply chain management. Yet, the essential components of the supply chain are indispensable. The five elements of supply chain management verify production quality at every stage, working towards efficiency, cost-effective practices and complete optimisation of participating resources. These are the essentials market leaders look up to curate winning supply chain strategies.  Learn Management Courses from the World’s top Universities. Earn Masters, Executive PGP, or Advanced Certificate Programs to fast-track your career.
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by Sandeep Pereira

29 Jun 2023

Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs in Psychology in India [2023]
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912983
Summary: In this Article, you will learn Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs in Psychology in India [2023] Highest paying Jobs in India Salary per Annum Psychiatrist ₹975,328 per year Industrial/Organisational Psychologist ₹4,25,000 per year Neuropsychologist ₹496,647 per year School Counsellor/Psychologist ₹3,02,012 per year Clinical Psychologist ₹355,326 per year Forensic Psychologist ₹5,65,000 per year Counselling Psychologist ₹362,758 per year Sports Psychologist ₹589,581 per year Education Psychologist ₹10,65,343 per year Child Psychologist ₹480,000 per year Read more to know each in detail. There is no getting around the fact that psychology is one of the most important fields of our time. There was a time when psychology was purely notional, but after centuries of studies involving not only experiments but also philosophical evaluations and reevaluations, psychology is a field that straddles both the scientific and the intuitive. Earlier psychology was mostly academia-oriented, but years of experiments and research has made psychology both scientific and conducive. Check out our free courses offered by upGrad. Whether you’ve been considering psychology as a career option and are wondering what kind of career will suit you best, or you’ve already started a career in a certain stream and want to see what kind of growth opportunities are available for you – this is the right article for you! If you have been considering psychology as a career option or wish to change your career path, then keep reading! Psychology is a scientific study of mind and behavior. A psychologist examines the functioning of a brain and the associated human behavior. The process of healing is not rapid but gradual.   Mental awareness has increased so as has the careers in psychology. Projected to grow at the rate of 14% year-on-year, psychology is a field that will always see tremendous growth because it helps to understand what causes problems in people in the first place, not just in solving them. It is a field that will keep growing as it solves more significant problems like decision making, stress management, and behavioural issues. In this article, we’ll take you through some of the highest paying jobs in psychology, and how they are different from each other. As well as explain a little bit about what each job entails and how to get there. This article will help you get the answer of your apprehensions like “How much does a psychologist earn in India?” or “How much psychologist earn in India?” And you can find out which one suits you the best! Learners receive an average Salary hike of 58% with the highest being up to 400%. Top 10 Highest Paying Psychology Jobs in India 1. Psychiatrist Requiring a very specific trajectory during the educational stage, a psychiatrist has the important responsibility of assigning people diagnoses (based on their evaluations) and making sure that they get the proper medicines. For the most part, a psychiatrist comes in at a stage when a patient has already gone through various other structures that are designed to support those who are suffering from mental health conditions – a psychiatrist comes into the picture at the last stage of the journey of mental health. Psychiatry is not restricted to a clinic; rather everywhere, such as pediatric psychiatrists, geriatric psychiatrists, forensic psychiatrists,  military psychiatrists, sports psychiatrists, etc. Usually, a psychiatrist is also well versed in certain forms of counselling or therapy, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). It’s not a walk in the park if you want to become a licensed psychiatrist. You have to finish an undergraduate degree in medical school and then do an MPhil from an RCI-licensed college to finally be able to call yourself a psychiatrist.  However, each country has its education requirements to be a psychiatrist. In India, one must have an undergraduate degree in medical school and an MPhil from (Rehabilitation Council of India) RCI-licensed college.  Typically, salaries from psychiatrists average around ₹975,328 per year. 2. Industrial/Organizational Psychologist Given that a big chunk of the workforce is occupied across industries where there is little to no emotional support to be found for the various workers, it’s no surprise that those psychologists who can fit this role are rewarded generously for their efforts! And their efforts are often deployed not at a personal level only.  A healthy work environment comes from the culture; if the work culture is toxic, it creates stress in the business and the employees. Generous rewards are the after-effect of filling this massive gap in a workplace. The task of industrial and organizational psychologists is to make sure that the structures within which workers are operating can be attuned in a way so that it works out in the favour of both the companies as well as the people involved. Creating a healthy balance between the organization’s productivity and the workforce requires tremendous skills and mindfulness.  To not only strike a balance between the human and structural is not an easy task, and requires mindfulness of the highest degree. Check out the online degrees from upGrad The path to becoming an organizational/industrial psychologist typically involves doing at least a master’s in organizational psychology, with a doctorate degree being optional. A  Master’s in Organizational Psychology is the right path. A Doctorate Degree remains optional but increases the chances of earning money. Keep in mind though, that completing a doctorate degree will greatly increase your chances of earning more money. The (Industrial/ Organisational)  I/O Psychologists make an average of ₹4,25,000 per year. 3. Neuropsychologist Neuropsychology is a field that goes into the depth of the psychology of the brain. A neuropsychologist looks not just at typical psychological indicators that other psychologists use as a reference point.  A neuropsychologist determines how severe impairments one could have. A neuropsychologist understands the rest of the parts of a body and how the brain responds to stimuli. For instance, which part of the brain produces a feeling of sadness or euphoria when one feels a sense of excitement. Their specialty lies in having a thorough understanding of all the different parts of the brain and how they respond to various stimuli – for instance, which part of the brain isn’t functioning well when someone says they’re sad, or which part of the brain produces the feeling of euphoria when one feels a sense of excitement. Owing to the fact that neuropsychologists can work with complex brain chemistry, they often work with pharmaceutical companies as advisors to their many medicines. Neuropsychology is a specialized field that requires dedicated study, often for many years on end. But it’s a rewarding career, not only in terms of satisfaction but financially as well. A neuropsychologist earns an average salary of ₹496,647 per year. 4. School Counselor/Psychologist The importance of a school psychologist or counsellor cannot be stressed enough. A school psychologist can tie together the social fabric of the school, which is almost always bursting at the seams, with social tensions and strife – for the students, school faculty, as well as management. School Psychologists’ importance is too high.  They work within the educational ecosystem to diagnose and treat the emotional, learning, and behavioural problems in children, faculty, or management. In such a scenario, a school counsellor offers respite for everyone involved, and makes sure that a school’s systems function as well as they can (and should). A School Counselor/ Psychologist offers relief to everyone involved and ensures smooth functioning of the school. That is why the schools invest heavily in school counsellors. They make a significant impact on their student’s careers and form a lasting relationship with them! This is why school psychologists are so important for schools, and why schools invest heavily in them. Moreover, school counsellors also form lasting relationships with their students, and can thus enrich their lives too – and this is a huge form of impact! It’s a straightforward career path to becoming a school counsellor/psychologist, requiring some specialisation once a master’s degree has been completed. Becoming a School Counselor/ Psychologist is a straight career path; gain some specialisation after a Master’s degree. The average salary for a school counsellor/psychologist is ₹3,02,012 per year. 5. Clinical Psychologist A clinical psychologist, much like a psychiatrist, understands all the conditions in which a mental disorder can present itself within a person. A clinical psychologist diagnoses, evaluate mental, emotional, or behavioural disorders, and offer treatment in a clinic or hospital. So, a clinical psychologist’s task involves diagnosing, managing, and treating people who have these conditions – whether it be depression, or anxiety, or borderline personality disorder, or anything else. Because of the far reaching implications of this profession, it’s one of the most popular roles within the field of psychology, and has the most number of jobs on offer as well. They deal in solving the problem of anxiety, depression, borderline personality disorder, etc. Clinical Psychology is a demanding field and has the most number of jobs on offer as well. It is one of the most sought careers in psychology in India.  Clinical psychologists often work across hierarchies in a number of different organisations, whether at care centres, recovery centres, hospitals, or other places where the mental health of people is dealt with at length. In addition, they often offer their services through private practice as well, thereby increasing the scope of their earnings. The clinical psychologist salary is mentioned below. A clinical psychologist makes on average ₹355,326 per year. 6. Forensic Psychologist Forensic psychologists specialize in psychology as it overlaps in the field of criminality and all things related to it. They work often with criminal offenders, attempting to rehabilitate them at a psychological level, before they go back out into the world. To this end, they can be employed by prisons, institutions that cater to habitual drug offenders, as well as hospitals. Forensic Psychology involves the application of knowledge to answer legal questions arising from legal or criminal proceedings. They work with the criminal offenders and rehabilitate them to go back to the world. They serve as an important cog in the rehabilitation system for any crime – simply giving them time to reflect on their wrongdoing proves to be futile, unless it’s supported strongly by someone who can facilitate that process. They play a very significant role in the rehabilitation system, to make the criminals reflect on their actions and prepare them to lead a normal life. In addition to simply helping those that have committed crimes, forensic psychologists are also responsible for making sure that people are psychologically profiled correctly – through this they can predict who is likely to become a criminal and who will be a threat to society if they are released from prison. They are also responsible to make sure that the people are psychologically profiled to assess if they are fit to go back into society. On average, a forensic psychologist earns ₹5,65,000 per year. 7. Counselling Psychologist Counselling psychologists are experts in making people come face to face with their problems and offering them solutions that can be of help to them in the immediate short term. They help people to improve their well beings, prevent and alleviate distress. Counselling offers people an insight into their behaviours that simply going to a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist won’t – this is why these services are often paired together so that in combination they can provide great results for the person concerned. Counselling offers an insight into behaviors that psychiatry or clinical psychology won’t. It is preferable to pair them together in order to get great results. This insight can then be used to further delve deeper into any “concern areas” for respective people: someone might want to focus more on their relationships, others might want to take a closer look at work, while some might want to be able to look closely at their hobbies. The insights help better understand the pain points which one might focus upon like relationships, career, work, hobbies, etc. A counselling psychologist makes an average salary of ₹362,758 per year. They too have private practices and can earn separately through that channel. 8. Sports Psychologist Sports psychologists are psychologists who understand not only the human mind but also the human body –  they understand how they interact with each other on and off the field. A sports psychologist is someone who, ideally, has already gone through the motions of various sports training rituals themselves, and therefore understands the specific toll that it takes on both one’s mind and body. They make sure the mental well-being of athletes impacts their performance, behaviour, and health of athletes. They guide the athletes towards their goals and play a big role to make or break athletes’ careers. This helps the athletes to meet high expectations. Thus, with this experience, they guide others to their specific sports-related goals, and can make or break athletes’ careers – after all, sports as a field comes with very high expectations, rewards, as well as disappointments. And this is where a sports psychologist shines and allows others to shine as well. A sports psychologist typically makes a salary of ₹589,581 as they start out but can make a promising sum of around 24 Lacs per year ! 9. Education Psychologist An education psychologist fills any possible gaps that are left behind within the schooling system in so far as the education of a student is concerned. There is tough competition and stress in the education industry, this begins from the nursery to higher education. Today, everyone wants to get the best out of the equation for career growth and personal advancement.  We have earlier seen that there are school psychologists and counsellors who serve to hold students’ anxieties as well as their fears, which may in part be triggered by the school. An education psychologist, however, makes sure that a child’s intellectual growth is taken care of. Often, a school system doesn’t allow for certain minds to grow at the rate that they will grow the best – and this is where an educational psychologist will be far more helpful than a school psychologist or counsellor. An education psychologist can earn up to ₹10,65,343 with the possibility of earning a salary of ₹972,275 – and this doesn’t even include bonuses or other perks! Similarly, through private practice, an educational psychologist can stand to earn even more money. This is one of the highest paying psychology jobs in India. 10. Child Psychologist A child psychologist does what you may imagine they do – they work with children. Children have to face a lot of challenges as they grow up, and parents may not always be in the best position to be able to deal with all of those issues. In fact, there may be instances when parents specifically approach a child psychologist because they are wondering how to deal with a certain problem that they can’t solve on their own. A child psychologist helps keep the parents stress free while they focus solely on the child. A child psychologist focuses on the well-being of the children, keeping their mental health safe. Child psychologists too have their own private practice, and as word spreads about their services, they can stand to make a lot of money through this medium. Child Psychology scope in India is huge with mental health awareness. Child Psychologists do private practice as well, increasing their chances of earning more money. Top reasons why psychology is important Psychology can help in explaining why people act the way they do. Professional insight helps in improving their decision-making, management of stress, overcoming traumas, and predicting their future behaviour. The scope of psychology is becoming high as people are becoming more aware of their mental health.  Disciplines of Psychology  The discipline of Psychology is vastly spread which allows for major applications of the discipline in almost every field.  The highest-paying psychology jobs in India are among these disciplines. Some of the disciplines of Psychology include Family Sports Business  Media Forensic Top skills required in the field of Psychology The psychologist’s salary in India is determined by various factors and skills are one of those factors.  Clinical reasoning Quantitative and Qualitative Research  Experiment Design  Critical Thinking  Listening  Communication Modern careers in Psychology  The psychology salary in India is increasing as there is fresh air for mental health awareness. Some of the modern careers in psychology are Professor Healthcare industry  Government Agencies Schools Corporate  Major fields in Psychology The highest-paid psychology jobs in India are also determined by various factors and the field of psychology is one of the factors. The more experienced one becomes in their field, the more psychology jobs salary keeps increasing.  Some of the fields are mentioned below Counseling Psychology Educational Psychology  Clinical Psychology  Quantitative Psychology Forensic Psychology  Social Psychology A career in psychology in India is promising if you find what interests you more and build your niche in it. Take the Leap into Psychology? As we’ve already explored above, psychology is a field that is rife with possibilities, with discoveries waiting to happen, intersections still to be found, and lives yet to be enriched! Beginning your career in psychology is the best way to earn a top salary in psychology in India – no matter where you’ve completed your education from, it is bound to come in handy as there are a huge number of opportunities in India. Mostly all the above-mentioned are one of the sought-after careers in psychology as well as rewarding. Each profession takes time to establish, so the sooner you get started the better! There is success at the end of each road – so start on your path today!
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by Sandeep Pereira

02 Apr 2023

Psychology vs Sociology: Difference Between Psychology and Sociology
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If you’re someone who finds themselves keenly fascinated by the world around them, there are chances that you’ve wondered about why certain people behave the way they do. Why are some people so sensitive when it comes to how other people perceive them, while others are very touchy about jokes. Similarly, you would also have considered how people behave in groups. For instance, why does somebody laugh at a joke privately but feel the need to mention that it’s offensive when they’re in public – or vice versa. If these are questions you’ve concerned, or if you’ve thought about why things happen in this vein instead of taking other directions, then you’re in the right direction for pursuing a career in either psychology or sociology! Since there tends to be a significant degree of overlap between the two fields, students who are considering either of these fields as a career are often confused about which one to pursue. But no worries – that’s why we’re writing this article so that you don’t have to worry about which field is right for you! Just read through this article and you’ll be good to go.  Differences Between Psychology and Sociology 1. Sociology is Concerned with Group Dynamics, Psychology is Concerned with Personal Interactions Sociology looks at society as a whole, while psychology looks at individual beliefs and patterns of relating. Isn’t there a lot of overlap between the two, you ask? Well, yes, there is – but the two fields approach the question of understanding behaviour very differently indeed. Sociologists conduct research into phenomena that affect large groups, such as religion, marriage, advertising, or capitalism, for example. On the other hand, psychologists look at personal relationships with these institutions; so a psychologist will study, for example, how 5 different people relate to a religion, or how they’ve understood marriage, or what they think about advertising or capitalism, and so on. 2. Sociology Looks at Systems that Govern People, Psychology looks at the Way People Govern Themselves Sociology looks at large structures, so everything within the ambit of politics and governance comes under its purview. This does not make sociology an inherently political subject; rather, if taught and studied well, sociology looks at the way societies choose to govern themselves (if we’re discussing a democracy), and how this can impact several groups within. The issue of racism or casteism, for instance, can be studied by sociologists. Psychology, however, can only reach into the individual psyches of people as they are moulded through their own thoughts as well as those that these people have received from the world around them. In so doing, psychology perhaps has less claim to truths that can be considered to be “universal”. Moreover, psychology too is not an inherently political tool, however, it can be used to understand different kinds of politics. For example, dictators can be understood to have control issues, while those who implicitly trust their immediate environment can be understood as people who have had reliable and stable backgrounds as youths. These are only indicative directions, and don’t provide reliable information in the sense of proper study – they’re only meant to showcase the possibilities of the subject. 3. Sociology is About Understanding Trends at the Macro Level, While Psychology is About Understanding How Macro-Level Trends Can Playout on the Micro-Scale. People might wonder what is the difference between sociology and psychology. Given that sociology is concerned with data at a macro level for the purposes of macro analysis, while psychology looks at data (both micro and macro) for micro-level analysis, there are some very interesting overlaps, particularly in this area. We can take historical examples in this particular regard. Sociology developed as a way to make sure that people could be as happy as possible, at a time when no proper understanding of the human existed. Psychology, however, developed almost by proxy, since the first psychological experiments were performed on animals, who couldn’t have given their consent. In both cases, there was data, but both fields interpreted that data very differently. Similarly, there are sociological data about how bitcoin has changed the field of investments completely – and how that has changed investor profiles all over the world. And there are psychological data about how newer technologies and systems of communications have changed how individuals relate to each other in a very major way; for instance, back when people had to write letters, they had to be more patient than they have to be today when they can just see who has read their messages. These are some of the basic differences between the two fields. But even as they may seem to be huge, we also need to keep in mind that these are very similar fields as well. They’re Different – But Similar Too! While we’ve spent so much time looking at the differences, it’s important to mention their similarities – since a lot of students who pursue either psychology or sociology usually end up doing research that somehow straddles both fields. Every example mentioned in this article can be either sociology or a psychology paper – only the insights will change, along with the research methodology. Ultimately, as long as a field motivates you, you should pursue it – you can always work out the minutiae as you go along! Careers in psychology Modern careers in psychology can take various trajectories. The users may choose from the many available career paths. Some of the career paths are mentioned below- Professors- It is a gratifying career which allows the professors to attend conferences and teach the young generation and their curious minds.   Hospitals – Licensed psychologists work in hospitals and clinics where they can use their knowledge to impact people’s lives, such as overcoming trauma, etc. This is also another psychology vs sociology difference.  Government – Some of the top psychologists in the government sector include counsellors. There are various opportunities in the counselling industry, such as correctional psychologists, military psychologists, criminal profilers, veteran counsellors, etc.  School – The psychologists work in a school where their expertise can be used to help the students who struggle with various important stuff such as mental health, low self-esteem, bad grades, and emotional, behavioural, or learning difficulties. This is again one of the basic differences between sociology and psychology. Conclusion So if you’re interested in either psychology or sociology, you should keep in mind the differences and similarities mentioned above. At the end of the day, your work should make you feel like you’re creating a difference in the world. And if you choose a field you’re passionate about, it’s bound to happen! So all the best for your journey – just make sure you take the first steps.
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by Sandeep Pereira

26 Mar 2023

Psychology vs Psychiatry: Difference Between Psychology and Psychiatry
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At its core, both psychology and psychiatry are professions that address something that is amiss within a person, whether it’s at the level of subjective responses (or the way it’s being handled by society) or whether it’s at the level of brain and body chemistry and how it relates to how one perceives the world. Seeing as they both serve functions that overlap to an extent, people often get the two confused. It’s understandable as to why that happens, but this article will clear up any confusion regarding the matter! This article is structured in a way to draws attention to the differences. For each section, we’ll start by mentioning the difference between the two professions, and then elaborate as to why and how that difference came into being. Without further ado, then – the key differences between psychology and psychiatry. Or rather, between psychologists and psychiatrists. Difference between Psychologists and Psychiatrists 1. Psychiatrists and Licensed Doctors, While Psychologists are Medical Professionals. A psychiatrist has the license to prescribe medication, owing to the fact that they had to study the human body in detail in their journey to become a psychiatrist. Psychologists, on the other hand, cannot prescribe medication, but can only provide a range of therapies to make sure that their patients can overcome their life’s many challenges. Psychiatrists’ primary point of entry into their patients is their body, and how it responds to the environment, whereas for a psychologist, their primary point of entry is usually the mind – how a patient perceives the world, how their thought patterns are structured, and so on. A psychiatrist typically diagnoses mental disorders using medical tests, while a psychologist uses subjective interviews, tests, and questionnaires to arrive at a diagnosis; even at the stage, they are not legally allowed to prescribe medicines. There are various strategies used by psychiatrists for the treatment. Some of those strategies are mentioned below-  Talk therapy  Medications  Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) Psychological interventions Psychologists study how individuals would connect with other individuals and the environment. To study, they use various processes such as cognitive, emotional, behavioural, etc.  Some of the methods used by psychologists are as follows- Observation  Experimental Correlational Psychological Testing Case Studies Surveys 2. Psychiatrists Study Diseases, While Psychologists Study the Human Mind-Body Spectrum For the most part, psychologists usually have at least a Master’s Degree or a Master’s in Psychology degree. To acquire one of these degrees takes several years’ worth of effort, including rigorous training and supervision – so that they don’t end up making mistakes of any kind once they become licensed professionals. The key focus of a psychologist is to make sure that a person can adjust to their surroundings in a way that they can still retain a sense of themselves. Psychiatrists, on the other hand, are people who choose the specialization of psychiatry as and when they reach the end of their medical degree. At that point, they have to spend at least another year focusing just on psychiatry – which is mainly the intersection of the body with the mind, and especially with chemical pathways not working the way they should in a healthy person. This is the reason why psychiatrists typically handle mental disorders that have a physical component – such as schizophrenia, which severely impacts brain chemistry, and therefore requires medicines. That covers the majority of the differences between the two professions. Now let’s look at the similarities in a way that the differences get further highlighted.  These are the main difference between clinical psychologist and psychiatrist. Now you must be able to distinguish between psychology vs psychiatry. A small table is given for your reference while concluding the differences. Psychologists Psychiatrists Hold a psychology degree. Hold a medical degree. Indulge in providing various types of talk therapies. Provide treatment through assessments, therapy, diagnosis, prescriptions and talk therapy. Provide psychological testing, counselling, psychotherapy, counselling, etc. Treat medical conditions using medical methods and strategies.  Key subjects include Neuropsychology  Cognitive methodologies Applied Psychometry  Development of social psychology  Key subjects include Neurodegenerative disorders  Brain and Mind Epilepsy  Therapeutic interventions  Laws and ethics related to mental health Similarities Between Psychologists and Psychiatrists As we’ve mentioned before, both professions are concerned with repairing something that has gone missing in a human – whether it’s at the level of body chemistry or internal perceptions. But in spite of the differences, there are some similarities as well, which will be helpful for a person to understand. It can help make all the difference if they’re looking for a psychiatrist or a psychologist, since knowing whom to go to can have a massive impact. 1. They can Both Offer Therapy, but Treatment Approaches Usually Vary. Psychologists are typically trained in a wide variety of psychotherapeutic approaches, while psychiatrists usually don’t have a very in-depth understanding of how to solve mental issues outside of prescribing medication. Of course, that’s a blanket statement, but the truth is that the ground realities can be very limiting when it comes to talking therapy. Psychiatrists who work in villages, for instance, cannot provide a space for talk therapy for their patients because they see a huge volume of patients every day – so the only method they have for providing support is medicines. Psychologists, however, usually do not work at such a large scale, since they go in-depth with each and every client. Moreover, psychiatrists only deal with disorders that impact brain chemistry – such as schizophrenia, depression, bipolar disorder, etc., whereas psychologists offer their services for a large number of other problems, some of which aren’t even classified as issues in the typical medical sense. 2. They Often Work with Each other in a Support Role. Continuing from the earlier point, the way infrastructural systems have structured themselves, psychiatrists and psychologists often need to work with each other. In fact, one of the good things about how psychologists and psychiatrists approach their work is that they can both rely on each other for essential cues and work together to support clients in a way that best utilises both their experiences in different areas. This is why if a person goes to a psychologist complaining of chronic depression, which does not recover after a specified amount of time in therapy, the psychologist will refer them to a psychiatrist who will prescribe medication. In this case, they will be able to monitor the patient’s progress together. Similarly, if a client goes to their psychiatrist and complains of frustration and irritation, then a psychiatrist won’t prescribe them any medication but will rather refer them to a psychologist instead. Along with the difference between psychologist and psychiatrist, there are differences in the questions one would ask the psychologists and psychiatrists as well.  Of course, one would not go ahead and ask the same questions to their psychiatrists and psychologists.  Questions difference between psychologist and psychiatrist Questions to ask your psychologist Questions to ask your psychiatrist Duration of the treatment. Types of available treatment options. What would the counselling goals look like? Duration of the medication process. Anything that needs to be prepared before the first session. Any negative repercussions of skipping medication. Experience working with people with the same concerns as yours. Any possible side effects of treatment on health. Duration of each session. Possible chances of developing dependencies on medication. Checkout: Skills Needed to be Psychologist Conclusion Whether you’ve read this article because you want to visit a psychologist or a psychiatrist for medical reasons, or because you are considering becoming one, we urge you to make the choice that’s right for you! There’s no one shoe that fits us all, so the more you can think from your context and your perspective, the better things will be for you. All the very best for what’s to come!
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by Sandeep Pereira

04 Mar 2023

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