Psychology Work Experience!

SONIC2008

Hi!

I have a 2:2 honours degree in psychology accredited by the Psychological Society of Ireland, which I obtained in June 2006. Unfortunately there was no placement offered in my college. :mad:

I have been looking for work experience paid or unpaid in psychology for the past 2 years but to no avail. I need to find something which would help me enter a post graduate course.
I have tried the Health Service Executive (HSE), Brothers of charity, many social work jobs, the prisons which have psychologists, drug rehab centres and im still looking.

If I had known it would be this hard to get a job I would have never done this course :mad:.

Can any body suggest any companies or charities nationwide who might be interested in taking on someone to train in psychology or social work related areas. I'm in Clare but looking for work anywhere at this point!

I know I shouldnt turn down anything, but we were led to believe in college that jobs such as answering phones with the ISPCC or Samaritians would not be relevant experience...

I would appreciate any advice or suggestions....

Thanks

ps...

Myksyk

The BOC in Clare definitely have a volunteer programme which would count as relevant experience. You may have tried this already. I know recently they may have had to pause recruiting on that project for various logistical reasons but may be worth clarifying.

SONIC2008

Yes I tried the brothers of charity twice but unfortunately got no response from them... I'm not sure where else to try now!

eth0_

With a 2:2 you're unlikely to get onto a postgrad, i'm afraid. Would you consider going to the UK to do a masters? It would be possible then to get into a phd which you'll never get into with a 2:2. And lets face it, chances of getting a job as a psychologist in this country without a phd are slim.

SONIC2008

Yes I would consider doing a masters in the UK, I just dont have the finance to support that yet, I figured I would have a better chance of getting into a masters in the UK with work experience. I knew I wouldnt get straight into a phd but i thought i would still have more of a chance of getting into a masters with work experience. There is a course in NUIG in applied behaviour analysis (ABA) which I was thinking of applying for next year. It lasts for 2 years and has 1 day a week in lectures and 4 days in work placement. I think this would help me towards gaining a position on a course in the UK but it seems like such a long way to go about it. Maybe i'd be better to just save for a course in the UK and forget applying for the Galway course....

DawnMc

If ur interested in working with kids/teens, you'll get some hours in a residential home but be wary that it's very difficult work

mc-panda

You will find it very difficult to find any work directly alongside a psychologist. Confidentiality and other Duty of Care safeguarding principles in Ireland make this a very difficult task.

Your best bet is to check out:

www.activelink.ie

In the Community Exchange section of this website, keep you eye out for residential work. Residential childcare for instance is always in need of dynamic, energetic and flexible individuals to work with young people within the care system.

Also, careers in healthcare is a good bet too. Keep your eye open for jobs in the Special Care arena as they're always available. They're difficult and you will be abused daily. But it's very rewarding and excellent on a c.v.

Also look at training opportunities on community exchange.
Specific focus on:

Suicide intervention training
First aid.
Child protection.
Report writing.
Rape/child sexual abuse.

Do the certificate in conflict resolution in Glencree. It's one week, but it's excellent.

Do short courses with DBS in areas where you feel postgrad would interest you. They do a ten week introduction to Forensic Psychology. This will stand to you.

Check out the Samaritans, Aware, Bodywhys, Schizophrenia Ireland for unpaid voluntary work on their telephone helplines. You will recieve extra training here also.

Never assume a 2.2. is not good enough. Make it better. There is no need to redo the year. True: you will not get a postgrad at the moment without experience. Someone with a 2.1 or 1.1 will. However, when they finish they will have to gain experience also. You will have done so, earlier. Employers don't care about 2.2s or 2.1s. They mean very little when it comes to working directly with vulnerable people. You need commitment, social skills and an ability to be flexible, resourceful and dynamic. Lateral thinking, time managment blah blah blah.

Sell yourself.

SONIC2008

Thanks very much for your advice. I had not come across that website before so I appreciate your help and suggestions.

mc-panda

You're very welcome.

Let me know how you get on.