Interview with Michelle Urrutia Williams - Panama
Tell us about your journey
Since I started studying, I tried to get involved in different activities to better understand the needs of the population and to get to know psychology in a different way from what they teach us in the classroom. This helped me learn about its different branches and feel more confident when choosing my specialization.
The most enriching part of my journey has been my professional internships in the Human Resources area within a multinational company and working as a teacher for 2- and 3-year-old children for 11 months, as it gave me practical knowledge and I was able to learn to relate to them, which is different from relating to adults.
Another very memorable experience from which I was able to gain a lot of knowledge, not only in theory, but in learning to work in a group and develop leadership qualities, was developing projects for my university's Psychology fair. Every year the fair is held and there are competitions in the different categories and thanks to my team's great effort, we won first prize in our categories for 3 years (stand, workshops). These experiences are very important opportunities to get to know yourself and give free rein to the creativity and curiosity we have as psychologists.
What motivated you to study Psychology?
At first I was very drawn to forensic psychology, the instinct to help others and knowing how the human mind worked. After my years of study my inclination has changed, but the curiosity and the desire to help remain.
What satisfactions has this career given you? And what disappointments?
This career has changed my life, helping me see everything in a different way, to read between the lines and to discover the wonder that is the human mind. Although it has brought me more joys than sorrows, I must mention that it makes me sad and very angry to know that there are many psychologists who do not follow the code of ethics. This may be because in my country there is no strict enough "filter" for those who are going to study the career. As a result of the work of unsuitable individuals, we have skeptical people who "do not believe in psychologists." Not to mention those who feed the stereotype that you have to be crazy to go to a psychologist, which is far from reality. Certainly, it is like going to the dentist or the pediatrician, everyone needs it.
What do you think is most important to succeed as a Psychologist?
Definitely love for the degree and curiosity.
As a professional in Psychology, what advice could you give to someone who is thinking about studying this degree?
That you need a desire to serve but it is much more than that. Read a lot about the degree and if possible do an internship or something similar so you get to know the day to day of a psychologist in different branches. If you find yourself doing it out of obligation, maybe it is not your passion.
Would you say you chose a career that allows you to travel the world?
It depends on the branch and the work you want to do. There are research psychologists who have traveled the world to research and have developed good theories thanks to this. But if I want to do work for my country, it is best that I have to spend a lot of time here. In addition, eligibility is generally needed to practice it and one would have to research the regulations of each country to issue it.
How do you think the Internet affected your work?
A great deal. The Internet has invaluable resources for self-learning. You just need to know how to distinguish legitimate sources.
Was it expensive for you to study?
No, it had an average cost. What is a bit expensive are books and tests.
Young people ask us about job opportunities. Has it been hard for you to find work? How did you manage it?
I am currently looking for work. This depends on the area in which you want to work. Many times it is necessary to "knock on doors" to find opportunities.
About annual salaries and pay, in what range would a Psychologist with 5 years of experience be?
In Panama, from 10,000 to 20,000 US Dollars. It also depends on the specialization.
Anything you would like to add?
Do not just stay with what they teach you at the university, always look beyond. May curiosity never die nor lose your way.
Warm regards,
