This study shows the profile of psychology students who have degrees in other areas, while at the same time retrieves elements which assist in the identification of the underlying motives for choosing psychology. In order to accomplish this, two components were utilised. One was of a descriptive nature (n=112) in which information was gathered about the group and the other was interpretative (n=17), which sought to identify some of the determining factors in their choice of in the psychology course as well as their experiences throughout their course from these students' perceptions. The students' profile shows a high socio-economic level. This together with other characteristics explain the possibility of a search for a 'new perspective.' From subjective aspects, the importance of personal experiences associated with the use of psychological services is highlighted as a determining factor in the choice of the course of study. Parallel to this is the adaptation to a graduate level course, which forces students to face several difficulties, but which does not supersede the positive aspects experienced by the group.
psychology; professional orientation; profession