Does year 12 work experience matter?

2

i have 2 choices for my work experience one psychology based (which i possibly want to do at uni) or one sports based (i also possibly want to do sports psychology) i was wondering whether i should choose the one i’ll enjoy more or one that would be considered more academic

Reply 1

DerDracologe

Study Forum Helper

20

For uni applications, the only way in which work experience matters is if you will write about it on your personal statement. With this in mind, think about which one will link better with your other interests within that subject. For example, if your interest in psychology is about developmental psychology and the psych one is working with children whereas if your interest in sports was rehabilitation but your interest in sports is more to do with training then go with psych (sorry if thats incoherent, my knowledge of sports is incredibly poor!)

Reply 2

EdgeHillStudent1

Official Rep

11

Original post

by poppydvyy

i have 2 choices for my work experience one psychology based (which i possibly want to do at uni) or one sports based (i also possibly want to do sports psychology) i was wondering whether i should choose the one i’ll enjoy more or one that would be considered more academic

Hi @poppydvyy ,

It’s great that you’re looking to gain some relevant work experience. Universities aren’t looking for the perfect placement, so it’s best to choose an option you think you’ll genuinely enjoy. The key thing is being able to reflect on your experience and discuss the skills and insights you’ve gained.

If you choose something you’re interested in, you’re more likely to engage fully with it and have more to say in your personal statement. Both options could offer valuable experience. While the psychology-based placement may link more directly to what you want to study at university, the sports-based option could still provide transferable skills and experiences that you can reflect on.

If I were in your position, I’d choose the option that sounds the most interesting and enjoyable.

Good luck with your work experience!
Eloise
Third year Psychology student

Reply 3

gbates1

1

Could I ask what your sports psychology work experience would be? I’m planning on studying psychology at uni next year and really want to find some work experience in sport psychology!

Reply 4

Scotland Yard

Universities Forum Helper

20

Original post

by poppydvyy

i have 2 choices for my work experience one psychology based (which i possibly want to do at uni) or one sports based (i also possibly want to do sports psychology) i was wondering whether i should choose the one i’ll enjoy more or one that would be considered more academic

It's exceedingly rare to be able to find specific psychology work experience if you're under 18. I know a grand total of 2 people in my psychology cohort (of roughly ~130 people) that actually had some sort of psychological job experience, and both of these people got these experiences after they turned 18 and in gap years before starting university. Other people applied with 0 experience or just did any other regular job in which you just came in contact with people (cashier, care worker, tutoring, etc). So with that in mind, I don't think it matters too much and as long as you can link the sports experience with psychology, you should be absolutely fine and can go ahead and do the work experience you'd like to do the most.

Reply 5

Kingston Sarah

Official Rep

14

Original post

by poppydvyy

i have 2 choices for my work experience one psychology based (which i possibly want to do at uni) or one sports based (i also possibly want to do sports psychology) i was wondering whether i should choose the one i’ll enjoy more or one that would be considered more academic

Hello,

Normally, work experiences are not required as an entry requirement for psychology as it is an academic-based degree, so it's fine as long as you meet the entry requirements. So definitely choose the work experience you'll enjoy more.
All the best🤗

-Sarah (Kingston Rep)

Does year 12 work experience matter?

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