Psychology careers case studies, Lecture notes of Psychology

Download Psychology careers case studies and more Lecture notes Psychology in PDF only on Docsity! The Open University is incorporated by Royal Charter (RC 000391), an exempt charity in England & Wales and a charity registered in Scotland (SC 038302). The Open University is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Psychology careers Case studies We’re all interested in what makes people tick, how they think, act and interact with others. That’s why studying undergraduate Psychology – the science of human behaviour – is interesting in its own right. Studying a degree in Psychology will enable you to develop a wide range of sought after transferable skills. The knowledge and skills gained allows you to take advantage of a variety of job opportunities in areas such as education, human resources, commercial industry, management, advertising and marketing, research, the health professions, counselling and social services. (Some of these require further professional and/or specialised training). Here are some case studies from OU Psychology graduates which demonstrates the value of OU study, both in enabling a career change and the opportunity to become a professional psychologist. Mary C Younger • BSc (Hons) Psych, PG Dip Couns., MSc, C.Psychol, AFBPsS • Chartered Psychologist • HPC Registered Practitioner Psychologist and Counselling Psychologist • BPS Registered Psychotherapist and EuroPsych It was the year 2000 when I very proudly received my Open University BSc (Hons) Psych at the Birmingham Symphony Hall. This was the springboard into the career that I really wanted and led me into an MSc and Post Masters qualification for Chartership, working as an Associate Psychologist and researcher with a local university before setting up a private practice. It is now five years since I provided my case study for the OU, how the time really does fly. Throughout my studies and professional practice, my deep regard for the OU and pride at having been a part of such an academy has never waned. Indeed, I believe that in the current climate the OU is needed more than ever. My private practice: MY Counselling & Psychology Services has been running for 8 years now. A strong network of providers and colleagues has developed during this time, which helps greatly in terms of support and practically in coping with the waiting list that I have to manage. I have been involved with bringing together a group of professional, highly trained and experienced mind and body therapists at a holistic centre in Essex and this has become a thriving and busy community. In 2010 I decided to undertake a Professional Doctorate in which I am exploring the cultivation and integration of self-compassion into personal and professional practice. One of my supervisors recently reminded me about the work of Mead and I found myself diving into my OU course books – which I won’t part with – it was a happy reunion. I have also trained as a teacher in Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction and Mindful Self- compassion, which has deeply enriched how I work and what I can offer to my clients. My work and continuing education has taken me all over the UK, Europe and in November 2014 to Boston in the US to present the initial stages of my Doctoral research. Self-care is central to being able to do my job and keeping well and so I make sure that this is a priority not a luxury. I take time to rest, play, go on silent retreats and lots of hill walking. I also facilitate a meditation and contemplative practice group with a group of people in the healthcare sector. I took a break from studying in 2012/13 and it was so beneficial because when I re-registered for the 2013/14 year I had renewed energy. My commitment to the OU and lifelong learning will continue as long as I do! I have lost count of the number of clients I have worked with over the years who I have wholeheartedly pointed in the direction of the OU. Long may it continue and thrive. Psychology careers case studies 2015 Page 2 of 6 David Dean • BSc (Hons) Psychology • MSc Occupational Psychology OU graduate David is now an independent work & coaching Psychologist, supporting business executives & MBA clients with career & personal performance progression. Following 20 successful years in the printing and paper industries working in research and development, technical services and learning and development world-wide, I decided to study for some proper qualifications having left school with nothing. Fortunately, I chose to embark upon my studies with The Open University for a BSc Honours degree in Psychology. Needless to say, study was tough having absolutely no idea what university discipline was about and what was needed to complete each module. However, after four hard-working years of fabulous support from the tutors and fellow students, I passed with a 2:1 degree. I have since graduated from Leicester University with an MSc in Occupational Psychology. Moreover, the study skills learnt from the OU created the framework necessary for postgraduate education and subsequent important dissertation. Following the Msc in Occupational Psychology, I secured a role as a work psychologist at a prominent disability charity to design, develop and deliver their Welfare to Work coaching and learning programmes for disabled and long term unemployed clients. I have also been a visiting lecturer at the University of Westminster business school and volunteer to help local young people with their career choices and presentation skills. Currently, I am a self-employed work and coaching psychologist, supporting businesses and private clients with learning and development, professional performance, career planning and transitions. I am also a Manchester Business School MBA student development coach and help clients overcome personal and professional development issues. Finally, without the OU I would not have been able to go on to gain an MSc and a rewarding new career. Moreover, and potentially the most valuable aspect of my studies with The Open University, is that employers value the transferable skills, self-determination, time management, goal-setting and drive necessary to gain a distance learning degree. Thus showcasing all the necessary business, career skills &and abilities for any role or career transition. The Open University has changed my working life. The OU supports people to achieve their aspirations and makes their career day dreams become a reality. Psychology careers case studies 2015 Page 5 of 6 Useful information Psychology Forum Each year there is an online Psychology Careers Forum, which can be found on the Q07 Psychology and Counselling qualification site. Once a forum has finished it remains accessible as a read-only resource until the next forum takes place. A wide range of topics are discussed including issues of age, work experience and postgraduate study. Work experience for careers linked to psychology The OU Careers Advisory Service has developed an online eBook for psychology students called “Work experience for careers linked to psychology”. The Guide is for students and is available via the OU study and your career Psychology section of the Careers Advisory Service website. It aims to help students considering areas of professional psychology to identify appropriate types and sources of relevant experience that will help them move towards their goal of gaining a place in professional psychology. Psychology Employability Guide The Higher Education Academy Psychology Network has produced a guide to employability for psychology students and graduates. The Open University Careers Advisory Service www2.open.ac.uk/students/careers The Service offers a range of professional career services including: • Exploring your career options - links to online tools for generating possible career ideas. • Career guidance interviews – you can contact a careers adviser for more in depth help by email, phone, Skype or face to face. • Job seeking; Employer Showcase; Online vacancy service - Jobzone • Online advice via Careers Forums and Webinars : Visit the website for details of planned forums and webinars and click through to existing read-only forums and recorded webinars. • Publications: Career planning and Job seeking workbook available for current students. Covers all areas of planning your next steps and includes a range of activities to help you move forward. 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