IoPPN Careers Guide
Resources Below are a few key resources that should help you get started with your post-degree plans, whether you’re looking to continue your study to doctorate level or enter the world of work. Though useful, this list is by no means comprehensive, and we would encourage you to make an appointment with a Careers Consultant and look out for our IoPPN-related leaflets that are on display in the careers area on the first floor of the Weston Education Centre.
NHS
Clearing House for Postgraduate Training Courses in Clinical Psychology The CHPCCP manage the application and funding process for the majority of doctorate programmes in the UK. Their website contains information about course providers, funding options and the application process. Deadline for applications is 1st December
ClinPsy ClinPsy.org.uk is an online community aimed at anyone with an interest in clinical psychology. The online forum has advice on the application process for the Doctorate of Clinical Psychology, and additional careers advice beyond this.
FindAPhD www.findaphd.com Contains a database of PhD opportunities which can be searched by subject, as well as information on how to find and fund a PhD, opportunities for scholarships, advice on how to write a PhD proposal and a discussion forum. A very useful site if you’re intending to progress to being a Postgraduate Researcher. Deadlines can vary but many funding decisions happen during December-January 2 | IoPPN Careers Guide
Case Study What do you do now? After completing my MSc, I started my own dating events business, aimed at expats and global nomads like myself. I grew up moving around, living in four different countries, and I wanted to create a community for others who felt multicultural. I started this business midway through my Master’s, and one year on I’m potentially selling this business. I’ve also started my own coaching business, having qualified with The Coaching Academy in London. What do you think you might go onto do next? I love what I do so it’ll be about consolidating my learning. This can be achieved through practicing, taking risks in terms of using new techniques, networking, and meeting new high-performers that I can coach. I’d also potentially move on to doing some motivational talks for university students and high school students. I’d love to be a mentor for other women in the future, and would also be interested in teaching coaching in 5-10 years’ time. Finally, I’d love to create a way for more people to experience the ability to reach their goals and unleash their potential. The development of an app or website, where they could get this at a more reasonable rate, is how I’d go about achieving this.
Olivia Charlet, Small Business Owner Organisational Psychology and Psychiatry (MSc.)
The NHS’ main job site, where all vacancies within the service are advertised. Another useful resource is NHS Careers, which offers descriptions of the 350+ job roles within the NHS. The A-Z list includes titles such as Art therapist through to Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner.
Jobs.ac.uk www.jobs.ac.uk contains research based vacancies that would be suitable for both recent graduates at assistant level up to more senior academic positions, as well as support roles within higher education.
Pfizer neuroscience resources www.pfizerneuroscience.com/external-resources A collection of useful sites that relate to careers in neuroscience, including societies, forums, industry sites and online tools.
Careers Tagged In addition to the resources listed above, you’ll be able to find a whole host more on Careers Tagged, an online careers library run by staff from The Careers Group, University of London. Take note of the deadlines above, and remember the main application period for graduate schemes is between October – December.
Case Study Jassi Kaur Grewal, Assistant Psychologist and Researcher in Forensic Mental Health
What did you do at the IoPPN? Upon completion of my BSc (Hons) in Psychology, I gained an MSc in Neuroscience (with a specialism in Functional Neuroimaging and Tractography) from King’s College London. How did you come to work in this area? Being a student at KCL enabled me to gain vital work experience in the mental health sector as the university is partnered with the renowned South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust. From conducting research in the Department of Psychosis Studies at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), I went onto working in the community, whereby I assisted with the coordination and facilitation of a psychosis support group in Brixton. What advice would you give to students looking to go into this area? When I began my current job I was told that my research skills made me particularly stand out as a candidate, so my advice for a graduate hoping to secure their first assistant psychologist position would be to try and build upon the research skills they’ll have gained while doing their course, in order to give them the edge on other candidates. A good way of doing this is to try and get some work as a research assistant or volunteer in the charity sector, at Mind or TimeBank for example. What do you think you might go on to do next? My career ambition is to become a clinical psychologist and academic in the study of psychosis. My time at the IoPPN has taught me the importance of evidence-based practice and the leading experts have inspired me to pursue the scientist-practitioner role.
Case Study How/why did you decide to get into this role? I wanted to pursue a career in research as I am fascinated by Developmental Psychopathology, and wanted to gain an understanding of how early life events can ‘get under the skin’ and influence biological and psychological development. I was lucky enough to be accepted onto the course and gain funding from the ESRC. Top tip/s for successfully moving into this role? Research the universities that offer relevant PhDs. Communicate your enthusiasm and passion for the subject and clearly show that you have done your research and are knowledgeable in the area. Gain research experience (i.e. as a research assistant) in a relevant area, as this will demonstrate your enthusiasm and strengthen your skills in research design and practice.
Jessie Baldwin, 1st Year PhD Researcher in Social Genetic & Developmental Psychiatry
This guide only represents a small proportion of the help which is available to you from King’s Careers & Employability. Make sure you complement this information with a visit to the careers service.
www.kcl.ac.uk/careers | 3
Your careers service If you need help with any aspect of your career whilst here at King’s, there is a vast amount of support available at King’s Careers & Employability.
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Book a 20 minute Career Guidance appointment to see a Careers Consultant about applications, interview techniques, career ideas - or any other career issue you might have.
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