Laura S.

Trainee Clinical Psychologist
Happy to mentor
Happy to be contacted

About me

Laura S.
Psychology
BSc in Psychology
Undergraduate
James
2016
United Kingdom

My employment

Trainee Clinical Psychologist
NHS
United Kingdom
Healthcare
Large business (250+ employees)
2016

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A day in the life of a Trainee Clinical Psychologist in the United Kingdom

How I found out about the job

Through the integrated York/Hull Clinical Psychology Doctorate

The recruitment process

The recruitment process is done through the Psychology departments at York and Hull. Firstly, you can only apply if you've got on to the Third Year Clinical Psychology modules. Applications for the DClinPsy are then done in May, and if you've been shortlisted you'll be invited for an interview in July. On the interview day you'll be interviewed by two panels - one with clinical psychologists & university representatives and the other with service users.

What has helped my career to progress

Having experience in a health care setting is really important to get on any clinical psychology doctorate. There are no hard or fast rules about what you do. I volunteered as a team leader for Minds in Motion ( a university-led project helping those with dementia), volunteered at Bootham Park Psychiatric Hospital and shadowed a Primary Health Care Worker.

Where I hope to be in 5 years

Hopefully I will be a qualified clinical psychologist specialising in older adults with dementia and/or health psychology.

My advice to students considering work

Whilst having a lot of experience in the voluntary sector is great for any work in clinical psychology, it's usually not about how much you've done but what you've learnt from your experience.

What I do

Trainee Clinical Psychologist

What I like most

The variation of the role. No two days are the same. One day you'll be at university focusing on theory, and the next you can be working at a charity and getting to know the local community.

What I like least

Honestly, there is nothing I dislike about this role. It's very rewarding and enjoyable.

What surprised me most

That the step from undergraduate to doctorate wasn't as big as I had expected. I think this is because the staff on the course are aware of the gap and ensure you're eased into a doctorate programme steadily.

Next steps...

If you like the look of Laura’s profile, the next steps are down to you! You can send Laura a message to find out more about their career journey. If you feel you would benefit from more in-depth conversations, ask Laura to be your mentor.

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