STUDENT VIEW

WISHING TO SUPPORT THOSE STRUGGLING WITH THEIR MENTAL HEALTH IN THE UK, QUALIFIED COUNSELLOR ALI ROBINSON CHOSE TO ENHANCE HER CAREER WITH AN MA IN MENTAL HEALTH AT LJMU.

When deciding what she wanted to do in her future career, Ali decided to return to education as a mature student to further her career prospects and challenge herself to step outside her comfort zone. “I chose a postgraduate qualification ultimately for myself to prove that I could do it, but also to enhance my career prospects in an ever-competitive job market,” she explains. “I felt that the knowledge I would gain through completing the course would complement my current career”.

While studying her masters qualification part-time, Ali worked alongside her studies as a qualified counsellor, putting everything she learnt into practice. Although she had her studies, work and family life to balance, Ali used the support services to make sure that she still got the most out of her time at LJMU. “Balancing studies with family life is hard, however the tutors have been so amazingly supportive and I have felt very comfortable about coming forward and asking for help. This has been hugely important in helping me not only manage well but flourish on my course”. After studying her masters, Ali has found that the opportunities available to her are endless. “Initially, I decided to study the postgraduate course to enhance my counselling career but since being on the course I’ve learned that I could use it for other career paths,” she explains. “Now, I have a lot of choice over my future and career. It’s an exciting position to be in.” Ali considers the step up to postgraduate study to be a positive decision and urges others in her position to do the same. “You’re never too old to change careers or learn something new. Don’t let fear get in the way of yours dreams and aspirations. I would never in a million years have thought that I’d be in the position I am today with so many amazing opportunities ahead of me”.