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A Life of the Mind For sports psychologists, the training is rigorous as well, though not as hard as for medical doctors. And competition is tough, though the field is growing. The American Psychological Association(APA) estimated in2012 that about 20 topuniversities hired their own psychologists for their athletes, while up to 100 more worked with outside sports psychologists. Pro teams also sometimes bring in psychologists as needed. Positions are also available with individual athletes. Some parents are hiring psychologists to help their children do better in sports. Sports psychologists often open their own practice and seek out a variety of clients. Dr. Charlie Brown opened a company calledGet Your Head in the Game, and he sees artistic performers and business leaders as well as athletes. The skills he uses to help athletes apply to anyone who faces pressure, especially in competitive situations. Dr. Sean Richardson told Careers in Psychology that sports psychologists might spend almost all of their time working with athletes for a while, then find that work drops off and they need to seek other clients. They need to be entrepreneurs , Richardson said. “If you hope to go look at a job board and get your dream career, that just probably won’t happen in this field.”

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R ealities of the W orkplace