I Got Hired: Assistant Psychologist

Posted on: 13 December 2023 by Richard Finch in Graduate stories

Joseph Holland is a Class of 2022 Psychology graduate, now working as an Assistant Psychologist at Priory.

I applied to my first graduate position, working in a therapy department of a mental health hospital as an Activity Cpordinator, through LinkedIn. After around 10 months of working in this position I then applied for the role of Assistant Psychologist at the same company, and was able to get the job.

Volunteering during my third year at Liverpool was massively helpful in getting this role, and gave me valuable experience that helped when it came to applying.

I volunteered at a charity called Open Door in Birkenhead, and this provided me with experience in delivering talking therapy. This equipped me to then start working in therapy after I graduated, as an Activity Coordinator (my first position) this was more low-level recreational based therapy, such as art groups. I now work as an assistant psychologist where my groups on the inpatient ward take on a more psychoeducational focus, such as managing anxiety, or developing coping skills.

Your favourite experience as part of my career after graduating has been making a difference to the patients that I support.

The most challenging part of my graduate journey is having to remind myself that I am capable and able to achieve my goals, dealing with self-doubt.

My Top 3 Tips for current students and recent graduates.

1) Seek experience in any form - it is crucial, having volunteer experience will set apart your CV and make you a more attractive candidate.

2) Put yourself out there - looking for jobs after graduating can be really tiring and difficult, but making an effort to apply regularly and do interviews builds experience (even if you don't get the job).

3) Be kind to yourself - opportunities will come, take time away to be mindful and do the things you enjoy doing.