A Guide for Psychedelic Job Seekers
The psychedelic industry has seen immense growth recently, with researchers, non-profits, and consumer for-profits sprouting up and expanding in just a few years. As a result, there are several organizations looking to build their teams with talented professionals passionate about the power of plant-medicines. If you’re a job-seeker looking to work in psychedelics, it’s a great time to unite your skills with your vocation and consider joining the space.
I’ve created this Guide as an introductory roadmap for anyone looking to explore the prospect of working in psychedelics.
In this Guide for Job Seekers, we’ll explore some of the broad categories of psychedelic companies, the most common job opportunities at these organizations, and my top five tips for finding opportunities.
Types Of Companies In Psychedelics
To start, I recommend anyone interested in working in psychedelics take a look at who and what’s out there by exploring the current landscape of organizations and companies. Here are the three most common types of groups in psychedelics today:
Psychedelic Therapy and Wellness Companies
Typically for-profit, consumer therapy companies, these organizations combine psychedelic medicine with some combination of therapy, coaching, or holistic wellness support. Some common examples of these groups include telehealth companies, clinics, and retreat centers. In the US today, these organizations are most often prescribing ketamine and providing mental health support. However, other compounds, such as MDMA, could be utilized pending forthcoming regulatory approval. There are a variety of job opportunities at these companies, including clinical and business roles. Check out the next section Common Opportunities in Psychedelics to learn more about types of roles you’re likely to find.
Psychedelic Research and Development Organizations
These organizations are either research institutions or companies that explore the efficacy of psychedelics at treating specific indications, such as treatment-resistant depression. Sometimes, these groups develop novel compounds or derivatives of psychedelics in an attempt to make them more safe or last a shorter duration. On the clinical side, these groups are looking for clinical researchers, psychotherapists, and research coordinators to join their team. Entry-level jobs might require some previous research experience, while more senior positions usually require a deep background in clinical studies and drug development.
Non-profit Community and Advocacy Groups
These organizations are generally looking to promote safety around substances, facilitate community connection, educate and/or influence drug policy reform at local, state, or national levels. The scope of each group varies, but they are often not-for-profit. Opportunities in this space are growing, particularly as these groups operate with small budgets and an eagerness to bring on volunteers and interns. These groups might look for team members with previous experience in harm-reduction, media, politics and/or fundraising.
Please note that there are many other organizations doing work in the space, such as media and education companies. The three types covered in this article are the ones with the most regular, relevant job postings in psychedelics.
If you’re looking for a comprehensive review of psychedelic companies, I’ve built out an Industry Map of over 180 organizations to help job seekers explore the breadth and depth of what’s out there.
Common Opportunities in Psychedelics
Job openings in psychedelics are posted regularly, and what a company looks for in a role depends on a variety of factors. That said, there are some general trends in types of job openings, and I’ve written out some of the most common ones here:
Therapists
Therapists working in psychedelics are typically responsible for delivering therapy and wellness services in conjunction with psychedelics and/or advising on therapeutic program design and delivery. Most clinics/companies will look for therapists with relevant licensure and a completed Master’s degree in applied social services (e.g., Clinical Psychology, Counseling Psychology, Social Work). Additionally, some companies value specific education or experience in KAP (ketamine-assisted psychotherapy).
Coaches
Life coaches with relevant experience supporting clients around altered states of consciousness, such as psychedelic integration coaches, will find opportunities at a variety of consumer wellness companies in telehealth, clinics, and retreats. While distinct from therapy, coaching/guiding provides a modality that supports clients on their wellness journeys, and it carries some unique advantages for companies and clients. Since coaching isn’t regulated by one authority, each organization uses their unique discretion for screening, interviewing, and vetting guides. It’s common for companies to require some sort of experiential training relevant to altered states.
Marketing
Marketing is a key practice for any organization in psychedelics that cares about their growth and branding (which is virtually all of them). Marketing professionals, from content marketers to social media managers, will find opportunities at groups looking to expand rapidly. Bonus Tip: Teams with small budgets might look to bring on marketing support on a part-time or contract basis, even if they don’t have an opening listed on their job board.
Customer Service
For-profits and nonprofits alike consider a positive customer experience crucial for their success. As a result, the need for customer service professionals is on the rise. Some of the most common entry-level customer service tasks include answering customer inquiries, coordinating patient care, and resolving customer service issues. Mid-level and senior-level managers have opportunities too.
Operations
To build upon Customer Service, operations opportunities more broadly are in demand as teams look for talent that can build out and optimize their functions, from logistical coordination to long-term strategy. Many groups will look for a track-record of success in a previous operations role, though there are sometimes entry-level positions available. More senior positions might involve advising on company strategy, optimizing CRM pipelines, managing company functions, or overseeing customer care teams.
Research and Development
Drug and clinical research groups are exploring a wide variety of questions about psychedelics. Some are even leading discovery and development of novel compounds and ushering them along clinical trials for approval. These groups are often looking for individuals with strong science and research backgrounds to join them, though there can be opportunities for entry-level and mid-level research coordinators and assistants.
Finance and Accounting
You’d be hard-pressed to find one organization that doesn’t prioritize their books, which makes the prospects for financial and accounting professionals consistent. Applicants with relevant technical experience and qualifications (e.g., CPA) and a passion for bringing their experience to this emerging field, will stand out among otherwise under-qualified or under-enthusiastic peers.
Product
Psychedelic companies with a technology component to their business might look for people with product experience to join their team. The need for product professionals can vary greatly by company, but some common opportunities exist for engineers/developers, UX/UI designers, and product managers alike. These roles can be highly competitive, so having relevant professional experience is essential for landing a job in product.
People
Last but not least, companies need someone to lead hiring for these roles. Some organizations have full-time or part-time recruiters and HR professionals to accomplish these ends. As more and more companies scale and progress through funding, the need for talent acquisition and HR professionals increases.
Tips For Breaking Into The Psychedelic Space
Once you’ve identified some types of organizations and career paths that interest you, it’s time to start your journey in the industry. For most people, this looks like either gaining relevant experience or putting yourself out there as an applicant and searching for your first full-time or part-time job.
Here are my top five tips for breaking into the psychedelic space:
1. Connect Your Experience 🔗
Psychedelic companies are looking to hire applicants that are both aligned with their mission and highly qualified for the role they need filled.
It’s critical that applicants communicate their passion and values as they align with the mission of the organization, from initial outreach to every stage of the interview process. Additionally, job seekers should make it clear their qualifications closely match the job description. You can do this well by optimizing your resume, application, cover letter, and LinkedIn profile to be both accurate and relevant to the role to which you’re applying.
Application optimization is one facet of career coaching that can help job seekers looking to make a great first impression.
2. Connect With Others 🤝
When exploring job opportunities, applicants should try to build relationships with hiring managers and team members at the companies they’d like to work. Networking is a smart move in almost every professional circle, and psychedelics are no exception. Search the web to find and join virtual and local communities centered around psychedelics. These groups are a great way to meet like-minded people and learn more about the industry. Also, try connecting with people via LinkedIn and ask if they would share their experience working in the space.
3. Be Persistent ☂️
Landing a job in psychedelics can take time. Even as the industry grows rapidly, psychedelic companies with tight budgets and small teams will likely only make a few hires per quarter. Applicants who are persistent in locating jobs, building connections, and refining their skillset will stand out among the competitive applicant pool. Take every opportunity to meet with people in the space and your networking efforts will eventually pay off.
4. Be Flexible 🧘♀️
To continue off of Tip #3 Be Persistent, staying flexible is equally as valuable in landing you your first opportunity in the space. Like many professional circles today, psychedelic companies for better or worse like to see previous industry experience. It’s not always the case, but often companies prioritize applicants with previous work experience in psychedelics. This is why getting your “foot-in-the-door” is key. Applicants coming from other sectors might have an easier time landing a part-time or contract role at a company to start their work in psychedelics. If you’re looking to keep your current job, you can consider volunteering at a non-profit to gain relevant industry experience and then pivot into a career position.
5. Have A System 📝
One of the best ways to achieve your goal of finding a job in psychedelics is to have a system for your career search. Nearly every aspect of the application process, from exploring your values and goals to optimizing your resume to building relationships, will become easier when you stay organized and keep yourself accountable. This is one of the major advantages of working with a career coach who has psychedelic industry-specific knowledge and tools in place to help you.
The psychedelic industry is blossoming, and job seekers passionate about the future of psychedelics might enjoy a career in the space. Whether you’re a therapist, coach, customer service representative, project manager, or marketing lead, there are several roles popping up in this exciting industry that could be relevant to you. With the right guidance and support, applicants can develop and follow an effective plan for achieving their career goals.
If you’re serious about changing careers and entering the psychedelic field, check out my career coaching offerings to help you move towards your goals.
