Studying psychology was never just an academic choice, it was a commitment. Years of training, placements, and personal investment go into becoming a qualified psychologist. It’s a demanding path, and one I pursued with passion.
But after all that effort, I found myself stuck. The job market was saturated, roles were scarce, and guidance was minimal. I had the qualifications, but no clear direction. That uncertainty was overwhelming.
The Psychology Pipeline: More Than Just Research
Psychology graduates face a maze of options, clinical training, academic research, forensic or occupational specialisms, education, HR, mental health support. But many of these paths are highly competitive, underfunded, and/or require further study. It’s not failure, it’s reality. And it often leaves students questioning their next move.
That was me. I didn’t know what I wanted to do, and I didn’t know where to turn. It was only through a growing interest in data analysis that things began to shift. I discovered how many of my psychology skills, critical thinking, pattern recognition, empathy, were directly transferable. Suddenly, I saw a new path forming. One that challenged me, aligned with my strengths, and offered real opportunity.
From Psychology to Data
Psychology taught me to ask meaningful questions. Data gave me the tools to answer them.
Today, as a Trainee Data Consultant at Cloud Perspective, I help businesses uncover insights that drive smarter decisions. Whether it’s improving customer journeys or forecasting trends, I use data to make sense of human behaviour, just through a different lens.
Seeing Data Through a Human Lens
My background didn’t become irrelevant; it became my edge. I interpret data with empathy, always thinking about the people behind the numbers. In a field dominated by technical skills, emotional intelligence and curiosity are just as valuable.
Psychology, AI, and Purpose
During my psychology degree, I explored how AI is shaping the future, and how it needs input from people who understand human behaviour. Psychology brings vital insight to tech that interacts with people, and I believe it should be part of every multidisciplinary team building AI. While I’m still learning, I’m excited by the purpose this work brings: helping people make informed decisions and feel confident in their data.
Advice for Career Changers and Future Students
If you’re considering a pivot, especially from psychology, know this: your training isn’t wasted. It shaped how you think and solve problems. That’s gold in the data world.
But here’s something I wish I’d known earlier, this path into data should be visible before you even apply for your degree. If more students understood the opportunities in analytics and tech, some might choose it from the start. In my course, 90% of students were women. That makes you wonder: are we doing enough to educate women about careers in data science?
I recently had the pleasure of giving a careers talk at Liverpool University, speaking to master’s students in Research Methods in Psychology who are just starting to explore their career paths. Their enthusiasm was inspiring. They asked thoughtful, relevant questions that sparked lively discussions. Many of them seemed reassured to discover that data offers exciting opportunities where their skills can thrive. A career in this space means staying at the forefront of a fast-moving field, while also gaining plenty of personal and professional growth along the way. If you enjoy data, analytics, or coding, this is a space worth exploring. The earlier you know, the more empowered your choices become.
So if you’re at a crossroads, switch lanes. You might just find your purpose where you least expected it.
Related blogs you may also like:
My Journey into Data Consultancy: A Summer with Cloud Perspective – Cloud Perspective
Career Curveballs & Why I Switched Lanes – Cloud Perspective
