Developing your employability skills

In the Department

Faculty members and researchers in the Department are often looking for volunteers to help with research. If there is a particular research group you would be interested in assisting then you are encouraged to contact them directly to ask if there are any current opportunities.

In the University

York Strengths

Unique to York, York Strengths aims to help you identify your personal strengths and understand how you can make the most of your strengths to achieve your full potential. You will find out more about York Strengths as part of the first year Applied Psychology module and will attend a York Strengths Development Day.

The York Award and skills training

Starting in your second year, the York Award is a formal award of the University that demonstrates to employers that you have taken a proactive approach to life at university, going beyond your academic studies to enhance your own personal and professional development. It is a great addition to your CV, helping you to pull together and reflect on your experiences so far and plan your next steps to make the most of your remaining time at York.

Volunteering

Volunteer projects can be extremely enjoyable. They offer you a chance to develop skills that are useful for psychology and future employment and often give you the chance to undertake activities that you might not be able to obtain through paid work.

Careers' volunteering pages help students to find volunteering projects and opportunities with local organisations. Many projects involve activities which would be useful experience for psychology, education and welfare related careers. Projects can be very flexible in terms of the amount of time you are expected to commit, and cover a wide range of interests from working with children and the elderly to conservation projects and fundraising. The CAVU web pages advertise both group-based and individual volunteering opportunities, plus advice on how to find other opportunities.

YUSU also has a range of volunteering opportunities.

York Students in Schools (YSIS)

Many psychology students choose to take part in the YSIS scheme. Students become classroom assistants in local schools assisting with specific curriculum activities and supporting pupils’ learning.

Student Ambassadors

Students are employed by Admissions & Schools Liaison to act as ambassadors for the University. They lead tours of the University for prospective students and their families, make presentations on student life, get involved with summer schools and run activities in local schools. Vacancies are advertised on Handshake when available.

Active York

Active York encourages staff and students to contribute actively to the University's communities, supporting not-for-profit organisations in York and North Yorkshire. Contact activeyork@york.ac.uk for more information.

In York

York Council for Voluntary Service (CVS)

York Council for Voluntary Service (CVS) offers advice, training, information and support to local voluntary organisations and community groups in order to help them work more effectively. Part of their role is to help local organisations recruit volunteers.

For National Volunteering opportunities try the following web pages: