Summary
Written by two scholars at the forefront of conducting research on the psychology of consumers and mentoring those new to the field, Becoming a Consumer Psychologist provides a guide to what it takes to become a consumer psychologist, and achieve success in this area.
Monga and Bagchi lay out the varied experiences that lead one to be a consumer psychologist in academia, marketing, or public policy. The book discusses the academic route in detail, guiding you on how to apply to schools, including for a Ph.D., what courses to take, and what to expect during your educational experience and after. It also discusses other routes that lead to diverse non-academic career paths in which practitioners apply their knowledge about consumer psychology.
The authors' guidance is backed by their own experiences as consumer psychology researchers, mentors, and journal Associate Editors; and the insights that the authors have gathered exclusively for this book from 23 other leading academics and practitioners. This book is essential reading for anyone looking to start their career in consumer psychology, and for mentors and advisors who are guiding students about career choices.
Table of Contents
Preface
About the Authors
Chapter 1. The Field of Consumer Psychology
Who is a consumer psychologist?
Diverse Profiles of Consumer Psychologists
Chapter 2. Studying to Become a Consumer Psychologist
Diversity in Educational Pathways
Graduate Degrees in Consumer Psychology
Coursework Related to Consumer Psychology
Chapter 3. What Consumer Psychologists Do
Consumer Psychologists at Universities
Consumer Psychologists Outside of Academia
Chapter 4. Graduate Students in Consumer Psychology
Choosing Graduate Schools to Apply to
Getting into a Graduate School of Choice
Doing Well in Graduate School
Chapter 5. The Destination of Consumer Psychologists
Applying to a Faculty Position
Securing a Job as a Faculty Member
Doing Well as a Faculty Member
Non-Academic Destinations
Chapter 6. Continuing on the Consumer Psychology Journey
Positives and Negatives of the Journey
Words of Advice from a Few Consumer Psychologists
Conclusion
Appendix: Verbatim Responses of Several Consumer Psychologists
A. Why I Think of Myself as a Consumer Psychologist
B. How I Became a Consumer Psychologist
C. What I Like and Dislike about Being a Consumer Psychologist
D. What Advice I Have for Those Considering Consumer Psychology
E. How I See the Field of Consumer Psychology Evolving
References
Index
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