Can we still talk about a calling in psychology?

The word "vocation" often evokes an idealized vision of the profession of a psychologist: helping others, healing wounds, listening with kindness. But in a time when careers are evolving, paths are diversifying, and working conditions can sometimes be difficult, does this notion still make sense? Can we still say that one becomes a psychologist out of vocation? Or should we think about this career choice differently?

A vocation… but not a gift

Many psychology students explain their choice of study by a desire to help, to understand human behavior, and to contribute. This is very often the first answer students give during motivation and selection interviews for psychology programs.

This deep motivation can be described as a vocation. But beware of turning it into a sacrificial myth. Being a psychologist is not about “having a gift”; it’s about acquiring psychological skills, completing a rigorous training, and adhering to ethical and professional standards.

A vocation in psychology without training is not enough; training without motivation is not enough either.

A calling in psychology ?

An Evolving Commitment

A vocation is not something that is declared once and for all. It is built over time, through internships, encounters, and field experience. You may enter psychology with one idea and leave “transformed”: some discover their path in neuropsychology, others in human resources, and others still in teaching or research. Nothing is fixed neither during your studies nor later in your professional career.

What matters most is the meaning you give to what you do. Vocation then becomes a guiding thread rather than a constraint.

Responding to the Needs of the World

In the face of the rise in mental health disorders, social distress, and the erosion of human connection, the role of psychologists is more crucial than ever. Vocation can also be expressed as a desire for usefulness, impact, and civic engagement. Emerging careers in psychology are rooted in concrete realities such as mental health, inclusion, ecology, education, and work, for example.

Choosing psychology also means responding to collective needs.

Conclusion:

We could have spent four hours debating the topic and developing arguments for and against it… but in conclusion, yes, we can still speak of vocation provided we understand it as a dynamic process, a lucid commitment, and a desire to contribute supported by solid skills.

At ESPÉ, we encourage students to connect their desire to take action with the demands of the profession, in order to transform their vocation into a sustainable and embodied project throughout their journey.