Use your psychology degree to coach performance and leadership

The human mind and body are capable of amazing things.

But sometimes a lack of confidence or cognitive challenges get in the way, and our greatest capabilities are never fully explored. That’s where psychology comes in.

Psychologists who understand performance and leadership have the ability to coach others to help them realize their full potential. With a deep knowledge of how the mind works and how human behavior shapes interactions, they understand what motivates individuals, groups, and teams to achieve success. Their skills are beneficial in sports, business, and social/human services settings. Here are some common positions in the field of leadership and performance development:

Business-focused leadership

What psychologists in this area do: Improve performance, motivation, and company morale. Apply psychological best practices to drive productivity and enhance employee satisfaction.

• Related job titles to explore*:
  
• Manager or director of human resources
  
• Manager or director of labor relations
• Director of training and development
• Organizational consultant
• Adjunct, part-time, or full-time faculty

Related employment settings:

• Corporation/business
  
• Consulting firm
• Nonprofit organization
• College/university
• Military

Degrees to explore:

• Master of Science in Psychology, Industrial/Organizational Psychology Specialization
  
• PhD in Psychology, Industrial/Organizational Psychology Specialization

 

Sport-focused Leadership

What psychologists in this area do: Provide motivation and build confidence for clients who seek to reach peak performance or restore performance post-injury. Guide individuals through challenges associated with sports, physical therapy, or even business ventures.

Related job titles to explore*:

• Athletic program manager
  
• Coach
• Sport development manager
• Sport psychology assistant
• Fitness center manager
• Personal trainer

Related employment settings:

• Fitness club
  
• Parks and recreation organization
• College/university
• Sport organization

Degree to explore:

• Master of Science in Psychology, Sport Psychology Specialization
  

 

Social/Human Services-focused leadership

What psychologists in this area do: Lead, collaborate, and advocate to find solutions to human problems and support meaningful change for people, organizations, and communities.

Related job titles to explore*:

• Family advocate
  
• Learning center manager
• Psychiatric assistant
• Rehabilitation supervisor
• Social services supervisor
• Adjunct, part- time or full-time faculty
• Program director

Related employment settings:

• Social service agencies
  
• College/university
• Federal, state, and county government

Degrees to explore:

• PhD in Advanced Studies in Human Behavior
  
• PhD in Psychology, Industrial/Organizational Psychology Specialization

Interested in working in leadership and performance enhancement? Learn more about online psychology degree programs.

*These are examples intended to serve as a general guide. Some positions may prefer or even require previous experience, licensure, certifications, and/or other designations along with a degree. Because many factors determine what position an individual may attain, Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific job title, a promotion, salary increase, or other career outcome. We encourage you to research requirements for your job target and career goals.