How the module works 

The pyschology volunteering module seeks to enhance career exploration and the development of relevant professional experience through voluntary work. It introduces BSc Psychology students to a series of competencies and employability skills that will enhance their career readiness, as well as raise their awareness of career options related to psychology. 

Through their volunteering students gain practical skills to prepare them compete for professional graduate roles. They are then supported in reflecting on their volunteering and articulating this to future employers by preparing a professional CV and learning about how to effectively communicate their relevant skills, experience and motivation in job applications. 

What they’ve said about the experience 

Students reflected positively on the module. One student mentioned the impact it had on their personal development: 

“The most rewarding thing about volunteering was learning about myself. I was able to discover the different ways I like to communicate, and what working environment I would like for my future career.” 

One student highlighted the joy of developing interpersonal relationships with those they were working with, whilst another mentioned their experiences with those they cared for in their role. 

“I like building connections. The placement gave me a place to reflect on what I enjoyed about volunteering and gaining experience for competencies out of it.” “I think the most rewarding part of my placement was working with long-term clients, due to the relationships I built with them, getting to know them as a person and having them trust me.” 

It’s great to see how not only does the experience help their professional development, but it also supports their personal development and interpersonal skills to flourish too. 

How this helps their employability 

Career options within the sphere of psychology are numerous and highly competitive to enter as a graduate. This module is a valuable opportunity for students to obtain voluntary work experience relevant to the different career areas within psychology.  

One student reflected that, “The best bit about doing the placement is that I now have a year's worth of experience and the time to reflect on it at the end of the year to see what transferrable skills I've developed to take forward. I enjoyed networking with clients and professionals, and gaining contacts I can refer to in the NHS as this can be quite hard to get otherwise. And having skills that most psychology students doing the degree alone can't say that they have. Increasingly, psychology-related job descriptions ask for a year of experience, which I now have!”. This story evidences the vital importance of the module in supporting students post-graduation into careers in the psychology sector.  

Another student praised the module for helping her decide her options after graduating: “I was convinced that I wanted to go down the masters route, but having done a clinical placement, I've realised that becoming a psychologist is more obtainable than it seems. Being in this environment and getting feedback from clinical psychologists who said I had the right skills for the role was motivating. This was an invaluable experience that you can't get from being in a lecture theatre.” 

We’re really proud of what our student volunteers have achieved throughout the year on their placement and look forward to supporting next year’s cohort and future years to come!