Jobs helpful for a career in Clin / Couns Psychology?

Jimmy Bottlehead

Hi all.

Currently studying in DBS doing the H.Dip in Psychology part-time course. Currently in first year out of the two year course.

I've worked in marketing / social media the past four years but have my sights set on a move to counselling or clinical psychology after my H.Dip finishes. In the meantime, I'm considering a move into a job that would both be more enjoyable and also relevant to my future career goals.
I've been accepted to the Samaritans course, but it runs the same time as college so that's not possible for the forseeable. I'm also doing any PSI courses and workshops I can to help boost my CV and experience.

I'm a bit clueless on what and where to look for jobs though, so if anyone can give me an idea, I'd appreciate it greatly. I'm checking the websites of various charities to see what jobs are available, but beyond that I'm a little lost.

What would you recommend?

The Black Oil

This is a common enough topic for this forum. Read around and you'll see. Sometimes also checking Linkedin profiles gives you an idea of what graduates are doing.

I've not been down this route myself, but from the career talks given in the department I was in you've to tick a lot of boxes, basically. They usually want candidates to have to research and clinical experience, across a range of roles, showing you've had to use more than one skill, across differing populations and have been supervised by a qualified peer, for example.

Active Link is a good spot for the non-profit/volunteering sector.

http://www.activelink.ie

Valmont

You could try volunteering with the Samaritans, it's opened a good few doors for me.

Jimmy Bottlehead

The Black Oil wrote: »

This is a common enough topic for this forum. Read around and you'll see. Sometimes also checking Linkedin profiles gives you an idea of what graduates are doing.

I've not been done this route myself, but from the career talks given in the department I was in you've to tick a lot of boxes, basically. They usually want candidates to have to research and clinical experience, across a range of roles, showing you've had to use more than one skill, across differing populations and have been supervised by a qualified peer, for example.

Active Link is a good spot for the non-profit/volunteering sector.

http://www.activelink.ie

Thanks for that, I've been scouring Active Link since

Valmont wrote: »

You could try volunteering with the Samaritans, it's opened a good few doors for me.

Thanks Valmont.

I mentioned in my original post that I've applied to and been accepted by Samaritans; the problem is their training course falls the same nights as my college course, so I can't do it while in college (and they only run their courses during the academic year).

JuliusCaesar

You could try volunteering with one of the established self-help organisations which have good induction courses for volunteers. Some are mentioned in the 'How to find Help' sticky.

There's also a google group I think of people trying to get into Clin Psych, trying to get Assistant Psychologist internships etc. which might be helpful to you.

The Black Oil

http://www.clinpsy.org.uk/forum/

Valmont

Sorry, Jimmy, can you tell I skim-read your post? Another option is to simply fire off some letters to psychologists or psychiatrists (or departments if you don't have any names) asking for work. Even two or three days a month experience directly under a clinical psychologist would be very valuable in getting onto a professional training course. I sent out ten letters eight months ago and with one response I now have a voluntary position as a sort-of assistant psychologist. The last person who volunteered in this department got onto the D.Clin.Psy after only nine months! Failing that, look at jobs that might at least give you some contact with psychologists, care-home work, prison work, child services. Anything that might open a door, really!

Jimmy Bottlehead

Valmont wrote: »

Sorry, Jimmy, can you tell I skim-read your post? Another option is to simply fire off some letters to psychologists or psychiatrists (or departments if you don't have any names) asking for work. Even two or three days a month experience directly under a clinical psychologist would be very valuable in getting onto a professional training course. I sent out ten letters eight months ago and with one response I now have a voluntary position as a sort-of assistant psychologist. The last person who volunteered in this department got onto the D.Clin.Psy after only nine months! Failing that, look at jobs that might at least give you some contact with psychologists, care-home work, prison work, child services. Anything that might open a door, really!

I assumed I needed my H.Dip before I could do any work as an assistant psychologist though?

Valmont

If you're currently doing your H.Dip you could still volunteer in an assistant psych-type-capacity. I had a placement with an educational psychologist during my undergrad.