You and Your Career

In this edition of DigiPsych, we interview our Careers and Employability Lead tutor, Dr Rachel Bromnick.

How did you first get started as our Careers tutor for Psychology?

I have always been interested in human development and human potential. I find the transitions and turning points throughout the life course really fascinating. I have a particular interest in so-called ‘Adulthood’. The transition to work from full time study is one of the important markers of this time for all our personal life stories. I also recognise that many students have chosen Psychology not just to better their own life, but are motivated to help others when they graduate and I want to do all I can to help them on their journey.

What can we do with a Psychology degree?

There are three routes you can take. Firstly, there are careers for which a Psychology degree is essential. These are the BPS routes to Chartership and include professions such a Clinical Psychology, Forensic Psychology, Educational Psychology and Occupational Psychology. There is a really good interactive tool to look at them all on the BPS website. Secondly, you can consider careers for which your Psychology degree is a useful background. In particular, many of our students go into NHS professional training routes e.g. Nursing (especially mental health nursing), Occupational Therapy, and Speech Therapy. These all have postgraduate accelerated routes. Teaching is also a popular choice. Thirdly, there are careers that are open to any graduate – everything from accountancy to zoology! Employers increasingly recognise what Psychology graduates can bring to their organisation, so our students stand a good chance on general graduate schemes.

We’ve all heard that getting onto a Psychology doctoral postgraduate programme is highly competitive, what advice to you have?

There is no denying that the field of psychology is highly competitive – but why shouldn’t it be you? Our graduates have a good track record of being accepted onto postgraduate courses. Don’t let anyone rain on your parade!

What advice to you have for people who don’t know what they want to do when they graduate?

My advice – don’t worry! Work as hard as you can on your degree and pursue other interests as well, either through volunteering or paid work. Doing the Lincoln Award is highly recommended; not only do you gain a further certificate, but the programme itself can help students identify their key skills, qualities and work-related values. People can also make an appointment with a careers adviser for one-to-one guidance.

Any final words for us?

You often hear people say that you need more than just a degree, and it’s true. Keep in mind that your grades aren’t everything – be as active and proactive as you can during your time at Lincoln. But everything in balance – you need to work, rest and play!