How do I gain work experience for the clinical psychology doctorate (D.Clin.Psy)?

So you’ve decided that clinical psychology is for you, you have a good grade in your undergraduate degree or are confident you will get one, but you know you need some relevant work experience. This section gives you information on sources of relevant work experience, some ideas about what the employer may be looking for in those jobs, and some good tips for your interview when you secure one.

Healthcare Assistant/Support Worker

The best way to find work as a Healthcare Assistant or a Support Worker is the NHS website:

 http://www.nhscareers.nhs.uk/explore-by-career/wider-healthcare-team/careers-in-the-wider-healthcare-team/clinical-support-staff/healthcare-assistant/

Working as a Healthcare Assistant can be hard work; some duties may not be pleasant and you will need to be comfortable working closely with people. It is important that you consider this before your interview. Certainly give some thought as to the best way to communicate your willingness and ability to undertake in appropriate tasks. Working for the NHS as a Healthcare Assistant can lead to further higher education in Nursing if you decide you prefer the care aspect of the job. Of course, if your primary goal is to secure a position on a clinical psychology doctorate be sure to mention this as it shows that you have a  committed attitude to the NHS.


Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner (PWP)

Again the best source of information for this job position is the NHS job website.  This position has two routes into it; graduate and non-graduate. Regardless of the entry route training consists of 4 days on the job training to 1 day academic training per week. In addition to the NHS website you may also find jobs advertised on charity websites like MIND, Rethink and Turning Point.

Working as a PWP is less hands on than working as a Healthcare Assistant and focuses more on letting clients have access to psychological interventions. As a postgraduate psychology student it is likely you already have a reflective attitude to your previous academic studies and interests. You may already have areas of interest within the academic field.  It is a good idea to establish the areas of support the job position is most involved in, and be sure to communicate your interest and knowledge to the interviewer if it is relevant.
  

Assistant (Clinical) Psychologist

In addition to the NHS jobs website, the British Psychology Society website is a good place to search for Assistant Psychologist positions.

If you have a good degree in psychology and you are keen to further your education and career, especially on the clinical psychology doctorate, this is ideal work experience as it puts you side by side with those working in the profession you will train for.  Bear in mind that even if you have a strong application competition for this position is likely to be extremely high so make sure you have a back-up plan.  Before your interview, make sure you are familiar with the process of carrying our neuropsychological assessments - this means knowledge of tests, the implication of subtests, scoring, analysing data and writing a report.  You will need to be confident in note taking, keeping records, and communication. Plan for this to come across during your interview.


Special Needs Teaching Assistant

Local education authorities and individual schools may have their own requirements for the position of Special Needs Teaching Assistant. You may have to volunteer in some areas first to get a foot in the door. As a Special Needs Teaching Assistant working with children with behavioural, physical or learning difficulties will be a big part of your job.  If you have previously volunteered in this capacity this will be a real help to your chances at interview. If you have time during your undergraduate, you could try to put one afternoon a week aside to volunteer at a local special needs school. As a close contact to the children, parents may value your opinion as to how their child is faring, so as with all these positions, good communication skills will be a real boost to your application. The National Careers website is a good place to start looking for Special Needs Teaching Assistant jobs:

 https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/advice/planning/jobprofiles/Pages/specialneedsteachingassistant.aspx

Research Assistant (RA)

As a psychology graduate you should be familiar with opportunities within your institution to work as a research assistant. Talk to your personal tutor, or any lecturer or researcher you have a good relationship with about research experience.  If you have yet to graduate there are usually positions available in the summer months. This may not be enough in itself to secure your postgraduate course, but it will show future employers that you are serious and committed, which will help when your try to get that paid experience later for the doctorate.

Interview techniques

With job competition so fierce in today’s economy, you probably will not get an interview for every job you apply for. Because of this you will need to make sure the interview goes your way.  Here are some tips:
  • looking smart and being on time - this goes without saying!
  • If you are offered water, accept it and drink it throughout the interview – both to stay hydrated and to allow time to think between questions
  • Think about your body language
    •  an upright posture gives the impression that you are energetic and focused
    •  Eye contact will make you appear confident, but don’t overdo it!
    • Don’t keep your hands under the table of in your pockets, move them, but again don’t overdo it, don’t make yourself look like a politician!
  • Project your voice, but pause often so that your interviewer can absorb what you’re saying and give you’re self time to think clearly
  •  Above all be confident that you have done your research well and that you know the area
  •  If you can, find a friend to practise with, this will really help in articulating your answers

The National Careers website has a good section on interview techniques that is fairly comprehensive:

 https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/advice/getajob/interviews/Pages/default.aspx

 Workshop

 Practising for your interview makes real sense, practise with friends and family is great, but sometimes you may want to call in the professionals. Dclinpsy.com other interview workshops based in London and are run by a group of qualified clinical psychologists. If you’re particularly worried about the interview, it may be money well spent especially considering the cost of your higher education to date! 

http://dclinpsy.com/interview-skills-training-workshops/

























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