By Sana Rehman, BSc Criminology and Psychology
Team Leader at Wiser Academy and Student Ambassador with the BPS
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sana-r-233aba198/
As a final-year Psychology and Criminology student, the leap from textbooks to the professional arena is thrilling yet daunting. So I've got some valuable tips to give you an insight into how to make it a smooth transition!
My Personal Experiences
I am a Campus Team Leader representing Wiser Academy which is a recruiting company. They have opportunities in IT Services and Consulting, Accounting, Trading, Real Estate, Finance, HR, Management and Retail, represented by companies such as L’oreal, KPMG, Knight Frank, Softcat, Haysmacyntyre, Maven Securities, Frasers Group and Fidelity International. No matter what degree you study, there are opportunities for all: graduate roles, internships, and spring weeks. Add me on LinkedIn to find out more about these opportunities. If you do not have LinkedIn I would suggest getting this as this is how I was recruited by Wiser to apply therefore I would strongly suggest setting up a LinkedIn profile. The Careers Service hold regular LinkedIn Days and can help you to set up your profile.
Alongside this, I am a British Psychological Society Student Ambassador on campus. This role is voluntary, I can volunteer whenever I have free time between my lectures and seminars to represent the benefits of having a student membership with the BPS. I would have not been in this role if it wasn’t for the Careers Service at Royal Holloway posting this position. This is such an insightful role as it connects you with the careers departments of both your university and the BPS. They provide you with free mental health training so it’s worth applying for a role in January 2024 when applications come out. Keep an eye out on the website to apply and find out more about different career paths in psychology.
Here are some insightful tips that I found useful throughout my university journey
Networking: Building Relationships for the Future
You've probably heard this a hundred times, but networking is truly the key to opening doors. I did not think much of it until I started connecting with my lecturers and friends during my second year of university. This is where LinkedIn came into play and allowed me to connect with previous alumni and potential mentors in psychology and criminology.
I wish I had known the power of networking in my first year when I was starting. It's incredible how the right connection can lead to opportunities you might not even know existed: it just takes one message, email, or conversation. Just by sharing your passion for your subject, for me, it was my interest in psychology, with those who have an immense amount of experience, your lecturers, really help because they are there to guide you and help. Every conversation I have had with my professors always guided me closer to the direction I want to go to. It’s worth it.
Get Involved and Gain Experience
One of the best ways to understand the practical aspects of your field is to gain hands-on experience. Don't limit your learning to textbooks and lectures. My personal experiences ranged from education, healthcare, the criminal justice system and research.
If you have an interest in the criminology section of your degree, go out and volunteer within the criminal justice system, as a cadet leader or special constable. If your interest is more psychological, apply for research assistant opportunities, volunteering or paid. The British Psychological Society recruit voluntary student ambassadors to help them promote the careers available in psychology and their amazing student membership scheme. As I am a student ambassador myself, through this, you can connect with professionals within their field.
Apply to everything that comes your way and not just opportunities that relate to your degree, because you can still gain many transferrable and interpersonal skills from any internship, voluntary or part-time work. Be proactive and seek out internships, part-time jobs, and volunteer roles, because as the CEO of Itsu said, ‘Take part in as many internships and opportunities to figure out what you don’t like sooner than later’.
Make the Most of University Resources
Finally, remember that your university is a treasure trove of resources. Your professors, library, research centres, and peers can all contribute to your learning and career development.
Especially what’s helped me the most is the Careers Service at Royal Holloway. They not only checks your CV and help you with mock interviews, but they also help you build your professional LinkedIn profile and give you advice which is how I’ve successfully launched mine. You are not just a student; you are a future professional. With the right mindset and strategies, you can unlock a world of opportunities.
Essential Resources to help build your experience:
- LinkedIn: Beyond connecting with professionals, LinkedIn offers job listings, industry insights, and the opportunity to follow companies of interest. Customise your profile to stand out. Make it your own and professionally message those who have similar interests to you, and you aspire to have similar experiences. For more information, you can connect with me on LinkedIn and ask any questions.
- University Careers Service: Don't underestimate the resources available through your university’s Careers Service. They can help you with CVs, cover letters, and even mock interviews. This is a powerful offer that can help you while you are at university it would be a shame not to use it. Check out the Moodle Careers page too.
Overall, as long as you enjoy your academic journey and make the most of your time at university undertaking every opportunity you are provided, you are already in the right direction.