Bhubaneswar, Aug. 17: Graduate students of the department of psychology at Utkal University are getting involved in various projects such as counselling patients with HIV and helping students fight study-related stress.

“Over 40 per cent of our students have been hired by the Orissa State AIDS Control Society as counsellors. They are required to counsel HIV patients, educate them about the disease and encourage them to take medicines on time,” said P.K. Rath, head of the department psychology at Utkal University.

“The growing complexity of life has pushed stress levels higher among the younger generation. Of late, a number of engineering colleges and medical colleges looking to hire professional counsellors for their students are also coming here in search of professional counsellors. Also, private companies looking for human resource professionals and for corporate social responsibility activities are seeking students,” said Rath.

Until lately, students of psychology had to choose between teaching and administrative services. But the situation has altered in the past two years.

“We are certainly luckier than our predecessors. Today, we have multiple options to choose from and the best part is that we do not have to leave the state in search of jobs that match our qualifications. They are available here,” said Anurjaya Das, a student

“We have four-year work experience which adds a great deal to our experience. Students get the opportunity to work in medical colleges, NGOs and schools,” said Rashmita Jena, a student.

Looking at the growing demands, the department has decided to change the thrust from academics to organisational behaviour and human resource management applied to the industrial and organisational set up. “Industries have been counting on our USP. In comparison to students from other branches, our students have additional knowhow of statistics and computers. The major plus point is the empathy factor, which is absent in students from any other field. These are qualities that even students of social work lack,” said Rath.

However, the concern among faculty members is that not many students choose to be professional psychologists. While there are 24 seats for specialisation in HR and counselling each, students are opting for HR. “Specialising in counselling requires seriousness and responsibility which we find lacking among students,” he said.