Glory
Children are easy victims. Self-harming thoughts, abuse, violent tendencies, anxiety...these are just a sampling of the ailments you might have to tackle. As a clinical child psychologist, you must get past suspicion, shyness, and fear to convince your patient that he or she can trust you, and that he or she deserves happiness.
It is incredibly rewarding to figure out the reason behind Karen's night terrors, or to develop a plan to help Ian's parents calm his raging tantrums. Mental health isn't an easy fix, but your daily efforts will improve the lives of your patients, and give them the tools to build healthy relationships in the future.
And what of the brave researchers who boldly go where no psychologist has gone before? (Or at least, try to prove the last guy wrong?) There is plenty of room for a bright young thing like you. Maybe you'll find a surefire way to monster-proof a room, or discover what makes fart jokes so gosh-darned hilarious to second-graders. Either way, be sure to stick your name on that ground-breaking theory, so it can be published in textbooks.
Looking to network? You should definitely join one of The American Psychological Association's specialty divisions, both to hobnob with your people, and to get access to all the lovely awards offered by each. Recognitions include cash prizes, lifetime achievement awards, "Good Job on That Paper" awards, and grants so you can finally fund that study about gold-plated pacifiers.