College places, scholarships, bursaries and job vacancies are becoming more and more competitive to secure and more often than not there is very little to choose between candidates. During my time as a lecturer in the UK there were always more student applications than places available on the degree course. Invariably, therefore, the difference between the successful and the unsuccessful candidates was that successful candidates could offer something that made them stand out from the crowd. The tips listed here are designed to allow you do just that.
(Photo Credit: Phil Whitehouse) If you get the chance to present a paper or a poster at a psychology conference make sure you take the opportunity to do so. As an undergraduate I did a presentation on my final year research project at the British Psychological Society Annual conference (student section).
I can honestly say that I have never been so terrified in my life, but everybody was incredibly supportive, and when I presented at subsequent conferences it was much less intimidating now I knew what to expect. However, the biggest benefit to come from presenting as a student was that it helped me secure a bursary for my Masters course. When I was told that I had secured this much needed funding, the bursary panel noted that the fact I had already presented research findings to my peers was a major factor in the decision.
(Photo Credit: Yuan2003) Building a portfolio of work experience is invaluable on so many levels, personal, educational, professional etc. As you progress as a student you may decide to pursue a particular psychological discipline e.g., forensic, educational, clinical etc. At this stage it would be worth seeking out related work experience i.e. a student interested in forensic psychology doing voluntary work in a prison. Listed below are some of the places psychology students may be able to gain work experience.
· Charities
· Care Homes
· Welfare Agencies
· Drug Action Teams
· Youth Centers/Play Groups
· Advice lines
· Probation Service
· Schools
· Victim Support
· Police & Prison Service · Citizens’ Advice Bureau · Special Hospitals
· Homeless Refuges · Bail Hostels
· Victim Support
· Women’s Refuges
(Photo Credit: Lotte Grønkjær) There's is no better way of learning more about a topic than engaging with people who share your enthusiasm and there are lots of ways for you do this e.g., psychology facebook pages, student forums etc. This isn't about showing people you know more than them; it's about been helpful, friendly, constructive and insightful. For starters, why not become a guest author on the All About Psychology Website. Getting involved couldn’t be easier and you can write about absolutely anything as long as it's related to the wonderful world of psychology. Here are a few ideas to get you thinking.
§ Favorite Psychology Class
§ Life as a Psychology Student
§ Psychology Career Goals
§ Your Psychology Research Project