Inside the Life of a Psychology Student – Darlene & Alexia (#12)
Today we’re interviewing two psychology students for yourselves. The first is from Canada and a university student, and the second is from the UK and a sixth form student (between highschool and university). The university student is called Darlene, and is studying Psychology in the form of a four year Honours Bachelor of Arts degree at Trent University. She takes a 1 mandatory 1st year Psych course, and Astronomy, Latin, Philosophy (knowledge and reality), Forensic Science, Crime Scene Investigation and Canadian Justice. The sixth form student is Alexia, who is studying Psychology, History and Extended Science at A level standard and hopes to go to Bristol University to continue on Psychology. She has just finished her first year.
We’ll ask them individually about their courses, then about their career aims, and finally for any advice they have around studying and psychology.
First up, let’s ask them about their courses.
Us: How’s the program like and cost?
DK: The cost for this year is $7,801.11. Next year might be different. Tuition will rise every year for a few, and then hold for a few, but the pattern is spontaneous.
Us: How’s the education?
DK: Trent education is very reputable. People have come from all around Canada, even around the world, to obtain an education there. Statistics show that over 90% of Trent students obtain a job in their chosen field in their first year out of school.
Us: Have you had much career advice or training in your programme?
DK: No. Aside from the usual “study hard” spiel, I haven’t had any advice, and as I haven’t started yet, no training either.
Us: How’s the program like and cost?
AW: The sixth form I attend is great and is able to attend to any problems I have on any of my courses. As for my Psychology program, it’s phenomenal! We create our own studies and evaluate them, as well as looking in depth at other studies and looking into their ethical issues, ect ect. Luckily, I don’t have to pay for my education as I am still in the age range to continue on my free education in the UK.
Us: How’s the education?
AW: With the help of fantastic teachers, the education department attends to any issues I have about the course. As well as helping student expand their knowledge and potential.
Us: Have you had much career advice or training in your programme?
AW: My teachers offer great career advice, as well as the trained career advisors in my sixth form.
Next, we asked them about their career aims and how they would go about achieving them.
Us: What’s your goals in terms of career?
DK: Either a Lawyer or a Psychologist. It all depends on which one is going to be a more financially stable career for me based on where I choose to live. My choice will be made in my first semester of my last year of my degree.
Us: What do you look to do after your degree, further study or work, or something else?
DK: After this degree I will be working part time where I can, and continuing with with my Masters and PhD or going to Law school.
Us: What, outside of your degree, have you done to further your interest or career in psychology?
DK: I read the occasional psychology paper, or blog, or article etc.
Us: What’s your goals in terms of career?
AW: I am to become a Clinical Psychologist, and if not that then a CBT Therapist. My aim is to ensure I’ve at least improved one persons life, so they’re able to see the beauty of the world.
Us: What do you look to do after your degree, further study or work, or something else
AW: After my degree in Psychology, I look to do a Masters in CBT ( Cognitive Behavioural Therapy). After this, I then aim to work with the NHS for a few years to gain experience which will then lead me on to go onto private therapy.
Us: What, outside of your degree, have you done to further your interest or career in psychology?
AW: I’ve been doing some reading on different areas of psychology. For example, I had recently finished reading a book about Psychoanalysis and how it works.
Finally, we asked both the students for their invaluable advice for you guys.
Us: Whats one thing a student should know about studying psychology?
DK: Make sure that the branch you go into is one that your interested in. It will make studying so much more interesting.
Us: And whats one thing a student should know about studying at University?
DK: It’s daunting having that much freedom, especially if you right out of high school, but you can’t let it overwhelm you. Remember to focus on your studies, but balence it with a social life. Too much of either one will ruin you.
Us: Whats one thing a student should know about studying psychology?
AW: There is a lot to know about psychology, ranging from the studies to the statistics. You need to make sure that if you are going to study Psychology then your heart has to definitely be in it. It’s rich in detail and that’s what makes the subject so beautiful and sometimes a bit of a pain. However, it’s a subject that allows you to know more about the way we do things and why.
Us: And whats one thing a student should know about studying at University?
AW: From friends that have gone to University, the main thing I know is not to disregard your priorities, your education. There will be many distractions but you need to be adult enough to know that there is a time and a place. Your education will always be more important than some random guy’s dorm party.
Tune in next time for more interviews!
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