Transformation of the semantic layer of the vision of professional activity during the studies at the V. Ya. Kikot' Moscow University of the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs

Introduction. The author considers the inner world of a professional and problems of transformation of man during his work. The objective was to define the dynamics of the transformation of the semantic layer of the vision of activity during the studies at an educational organization of the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs. Materials and methods. The research employed such specialized semantic differentials as “Professional” (“Psychologist in law enforcement agencies” taken for a stimulus), “Profession” (“The Profession of a Psychologist in law enforcement agencies” taken for a stimulus) and “Life Style” (“Your Life Style” taken for a stimulus). The survey included cadets and trainees (66 respondents aged from 18 to 23; 15 males and 51 females) as well as psychologists from law enforcement agencies of more than 2 years in office (45 respondents aged from 24 to 45; 12 males and 33 females). The data was processed according to normal distribution and factor analysis. Results and Discussion. It is possible to examine the regular dynamics of transformation of the semantic layers during the studies at the university. Entering the university the cadets have an excessively idealized view about themselves and their future profession, which is not conducive to adequate response to typical professional and life situations. Third-year cadets showed the crisis of indicators of the semantic layer of the vision, which is manifested in the decreased optimism concerning the working conditions and professional challenges. By the fifth course the trainees have got perception of their future professional activity more adequate in comparison with other courses. This can be accounted for the specifics of studying at the university, pre-graduation practice, oncoming change of the professional status and possible self-actualization in work, but at the same time their expectations of the future psychologist career are slightly steep, that can negatively affect further regulation of the behaviour. Conclusions. Five years' learning law enforcement psychology at the university transforms the concept of future psychologist work in favor of its adequate functioning. The vision developed in the course of studies is getting more focused on the work in the departments of the system of the Ministry of Internal Affairs on the whole than on the work of a psychologist in this system.