Abi K.
About me
| Abi K. | |
| Psychology | |
| BSc Psychology | |
| Undergraduate | |
| Constantine | |
| 2024 | |
| United Kingdom |
My employment
| Trainee Clinical Psychologist | |
| NHS Humber Teaching Foundation Trust | |
| United Kingdom | |
| Healthcare | |
| Large business (250+ employees) | |
| 2024 |
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A day in the life of a Trainee Clinical Psychologist in the United Kingdom
I love the joint aspects of constantly learning and being able to help people
Briefly describe the organisation you work for
I work for the NHS across different clinical placements while studying at the University of Hull to complete my doctorate and become qualified as a clinical psychologist.
What do you do?
I am studying and working to complete the fast-track DClinPsy (doctorate in clinical psychology) at the University of Hull.
Reflecting upon your past employment and education, what led you to your current career choice?
I have always wanted to help people and loved psychology at undergraduate. I started to think I'd like to go into clinical or counselling after personal experiences so I chose the degree and took clinical modules in my third year. I loved all the discussions, content and thinking style and took my chance applying for the fast track. I also volunteered throughout my time at York in clinically relevant roles and enjoyed being challenged and being able to help people in this way. Ultimately, I love the joint aspects of constantly learning and being able to help people and that led to my choice to apply.
Is your current job sector different from what you thought you would enter when you graduated?
No
Describe your most memorable day at work
Starting is such a learning curve but so exciting!
What extracurricular activities did you undertake at university and what transferable skills did you develop through these?
I was a STYC in my second and third year for my college which I really loved and helped with teamwork, organisational and general people skills and provided different opportunities to learn how to set boundaries and signpost, I would really recommend getting involved. I also volunteered with listings through the psychology job board with a company called TellMi (online support). I also worked in my third year as a MindMate ambassador which has helped me work more behind the scenes for mental health support, while practising leadership and digital skills. I'd recommend doing activities you enjoy as well as ones that help you develop skills. For clinical psychology being able to build a rich array of skills that you can connect and reflect on is really important.
What top tips do you have for York students preparing for today’s job market and life after graduation?
Don't panic! Practice self-care and enjoy the time, don't compare your position to other people! With applying for jobs and interviews it's important to show your personality as well as the skills and qualifications you have built up. Look at things you care about and are passionate about - that drive and passion and genuinely enjoying something can help motivate you during applications and further and also show you to be a good fit for positions. You can still use connections and services from York for careers but don't forget to celebrate all your hard work, there will be so many opportunities. For clinical psychology specifically, the Hull fast track is a long process so make sure you take care of yourself. Showing warmth and compassion and how you talk about your experience vs what your experience is/how many you have is more important. But the doctorate isn't the only route, looking at any experiences where you can help people or relate to transferable skills will be helpful.
What topics from students are you happy to answer questions on?
I'm happy to answer any questions surrounding work experience, doing the clinical modules, applying to the doctorate, taking the interview and what it's like on the course. I'm happy to try to answer anything about the course and more general clinical psychology questions :)
Next steps...
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