Psychology Advice

Garmags

Hi guys,I’m a Quantity Surveyor working in Asia, I have never liked the career I choose and have decided now is the time to get out and retrain in something I will actually enjoy. I’m 27 so want to get going. I have no experience in the Psychology field apart from some work experience with St Vincent De Paul a few years back but really feel this career is for me and suites my nature and personality. I have researched post grad conversion courses and I am eligible for the Course in TCD and UCD. There seems to be a lot of competition to gain entry to these courses and work experience really seems to be a must. My plan at moment is to head home at Christmas undertake some volunteer with the Samaritans etc to boost my experience and help my application and hopefully start a conversion course in Sept !!! If I fail to gain entry into the conversion course DBS seem to have a higher Diploma that that is PSI accredited. I am unsure at this stage what specific aspect I want to specialise in after the post grad but thinking Addiction Studies, Child or Counselling. I am a little concerned about the job prospects upon competition I really would prefer not to have to travel again at that stage in search of work!!!Some of my family and friends think I am mad for even considering it!!Does anyone have any advice for me or made a similar career change??? It’s a big decision to leave a good job to start all over again but something I feel I really want to do before its too late!!!Thanks

Jesus Wept

Garmags wrote: »

Hi guys,I’m a Quantity Surveyor working in Asia, I have never liked the career I choose and have decided now is the time to get out and retrain in something I will actually enjoy. I’m 27 so want to get going. I have no experience in the Psychology field apart from some work experience with St Vincent De Paul a few years back but really feel this career is for me and suites my nature and personality. I have researched post grad conversion courses and I am eligible for the Course in TCD and UCD. There seems to be a lot of competition to gain entry to these courses and work experience really seems to be a must. My plan at moment is to head home at Christmas undertake some volunteer with the Samaritans etc to boost my experience and help my application and hopefully start a conversion course in Sept !!! If I fail to gain entry into the conversion course DBS seem to have a higher Diploma that that is PSI accredited. I am unsure at this stage what specific aspect I want to specialise in after the post grad but thinking Addiction Studies, Child or Counselling. I am a little concerned about the job prospects upon competition I really would prefer not to have to travel again at that stage in search of work!!!Some of my family and friends think I am mad for even considering it!!Does anyone have any advice for me or made a similar career change??? It’s a big decision to leave a good job to start all over again but something I feel I really want to do before its too late!!!Thanks

Go for it I reckon.

Nymeria

I just wanted to say that I started a Psychology degree last year at age 27, having spent the previous 10 years travelling and working in a job that I didn't enjoy. I am so glad that I took the chance and went back to education. 27 is not too old to start again, in fact there are plenty of people my age and older in my year, and if you feel that this is the right choice then you will be glad that you took the initiative and changed your life.

Personally, I am fully aware that I will be in my mid to late 30's by the time I have established myself with a career but to be honest, I would prefer that than to be stuck doing something that I don't enjoy for 30 or so more years. Also, luckily with Psychology because its a career that takes so long to get into, they expect people to be a bit older, so you wont feel out of place.

You're right when you say that competition is strong and you would tend to need experience, i'm sure volunteering would help. Maybe you could take the initiative and email the course coordinator for TCD and UCD asking if they had any advice for your situation - that you wanted to apply next year and what specific experience they would be looking for. It would show them that you had a good interest in the course.

Also, just an aside if you had problems getting a place in Dublin, would you maybe think of trying for a place in the UK?

I am studying in Edinburgh and love it, not only because of the course itself but from what I have heard/ read about recently it seems that I have a slightly better chance of getting an AP job or something relevant after my degree than in Ireland where there are so many people are competing for a very small number of places. I know you said that you want to move home, but maybe consider the UK as not so far away from home but possibly with more opportunities.

Good luck.

Odysseus

If this is what you want why not? The only concern I would have is the fact that you are giving up paid work. Would you be able to get paid work back in Ireland to support you whilst training?

It is a very long road you are looking at going down; so I wouldn't worry about what area you would like to work. You will experience lot of different areas through out your studies.

castaway_lady

Here's a great option, online degree recognised by the BPS

http://www.bps.org.uk/bpslegacy/ac?frmAction=showCourse&Course_IDs_Selected=1383&CourseType=UG&Search_Type=NC