psychology work experience

im interested in clinical psychology especially and im a year 12 looking for experience does anyone have good suggestions on what to do? or any online qualifications

Reply 1

tiapsyc707

you could contact your local hospital and see if they have any work experience schemes where you could shadow someone, if not then the only thing i can think of is volunteering with mental health services such as shout or mind, which you can apply for on their website :smile:

Reply 2

Uni of Southampton Students

Official Rep

Original post by bella...345

im interested in clinical psychology especially and im a year 12 looking for experience does anyone have good suggestions on what to do? or any online qualifications

Hello @bella...345,

That’s great to hear that you are interested in clinical psychology!

When I was in college, I focused on completing super curricular activities to add to my personal statement. There is a useful guide for these here. Some things that I did involved reading psychology books from my local library, listening to relevant podcasts and watching documentaries. It might be useful to ask your teachers, if you currently study psychology, if they have any suggestions.

It’s also good to try and relate any extra curricular activities, volunteering work, jobs, etc that you have done to psychology - especially if these involved working with people! It might be useful to look into whether there are any opportunities at your sixth form/college too. For example, my old college had a program where students supported other students with their wellbeing.

Hope this helped and let me know if you have any other questions!

Poppy, 2nd Year Psychology Student

Reply 3

Autumn223

Original post by bella...345

im interested in clinical psychology especially and im a year 12 looking for experience does anyone have good suggestions on what to do? or any online qualifications

Aim for some experience with vulnerable groups, be that elderly, children, people with mental health problems. You could do some work with children with special needs for example, or volunteer with charities like Shout (although I believe you need to be 18 for that one).
I graduated with a Clinical Psychology BSc last year 😊 I have changed my pathway to Forensic Psychology MSc now, but up until 3rd year I was set on Clinical Psychology.

(edited 1 month ago)

Reply 4

University of Salford Student Rep

Official Rep

Original post by bella...345

im interested in clinical psychology especially and im a year 12 looking for experience does anyone have good suggestions on what to do? or any online qualifications

Hii!

Second year Psychology and Criminology student here!
Great that you’re thinking about work experience and the areas of psychology that interest you!

Psychology can be a bit trickier to find subject specific experience, due to the most relevant environments needing you to be 18+. Fortunately, universities also know this too 😊

What is really important is to show you have a real interest in the subject and have made an effort to engage and get thinking about it yourself. You mention you already have an interest in clinical psychology which is fab, whilst you are unlikely to find work experience in that area you could try find some relevant books to read to give you some more info about the field. Ask at your college/sixth form library for any relevant resources, have a browse and see what you can find! Additionally, any books (fiction or non-fiction), Ted Talks, documentaries, news articles or any psychology-related resources in general can be great to get you reflecting on the topic – and give you some things to talk about in your university application!

For clinical psychology, as it is so relevant to mental health you could try to find some autobiographies, books and documentaries in this area to get thinking about the field you would be working in. Although of course be mindful that the content you are taking in could be difficult and look after yourself 💝

In terms of online qualifications, again these often need to be 18+ and can be a bit pricey to pay for yourself. Plus, I’m sure you’re quite busy studying already! I was very lucky to take part in a Mental Health First Aid short course at my college, so it could be worth asking your own college/sixth form if they have any psychology-related extras available, however I wouldn’t say this is essential. Keeping an eye out for any free webinars or conferences online or in your area could be a great option for now!

For actual work experience, any employment or voluntary work you can do has value and instead focus more on what skills you will have gained. Weekend jobs like café work could demonstrate listening, customer interaction and problem-solving. A paper round could demonstrate self-organisation and time management. To up the psychology-involvement points – any face-to-face role is a winner! Volunteering at a local school club or community club could get you interacting with different people, assisting with afterschool clubs or homework clubs would get you interacting with young people and could get you thinking about learning and behaviour, or local charities may even have some opportunities to get involved with. I personally helped out with a local gardening club for the elderly and had lots of interesting people to talk to 🌻

Ultimately, taking an interest is the key first step so it’s fab that you’re thinking about it now 😄 good luck!

Becky
University of Salford Student Rep

(edited 1 month ago)

Reply 5

ValeriaBU

Official Rep

Original post by bella...345

im interested in clinical psychology especially and im a year 12 looking for experience does anyone have good suggestions on what to do? or any online qualifications

Hi bella...345,
I am a current Psychology student at Bournemouth University and I've got a few suggestions for you 🙂
As work experience, I did this course on Springpod: Psychology Online Work Experience and it really helped as it gave me insight into many different areas of psychology. It doesn't take long to do but it is so useful, I used it for my personal statement. Hope that helps!
As an example, I also led the debate club at my school and fundraised for mental health charities to show my interest in psychology.
I am happy to answer more questions if you have any.
Good luck!
Kind regards,

Valeria, BSc(Hons)Psychology Student at Bournemouth University