Mrs Scenetoomuch graduated with a degree in psychology a few years back and has been struggling to find a direction since. She's recently taken an intermediate and advanced course in councelling and would like to pursue it further, doing an advanced diploma (I think). She's starting to apply and is mid-filling out her application form. She doesn't have much confidence and has come unstuck on her personal statement.
I really want her to get this application done because I know she'd be so happy doing the course but I have no idea how to help (I work in a bike shop and I don't think the trade does application forms...). I was hoping that amoung the STW massive there must be people who could help.
So I'm just looking for some pointers for her statement - structure, what she should include/leave out etc.
Like I say any help would be grately appreciated.
Cheers
BACP Accredited counsellor here, (in full time practice) how can I help?
She doesn't have much confidence and has come unstuck on her personal statement.
Perhaps she should see someone about that ?
đŸ˜‰
[Frasier] I'm listening, caller [/Frasier]
scruzer, brilliant.
Well like I say she's applying for Brighton uni as they do the counselling course she's interested in and she has to write her personal statement. What sort of thing do you reckon she should include? Anything to drop in that would give her some brownie points?
Maybe I won't let her see this thread...
Possibly just give her the "highlights"...
She would need to comment on any previously completed qualifications/training in counselling/psychology, relevant previous/current employment, why she is interested in counselling with relevant life experiences etc and perhaps what she intends to do once qualified. Any background knowledge on counselling theory/psychology or knowledge of her chosen theory/theoretical approach. I am assuming she has some knowledge/entry level qualifications already so she won't be a complete beginner. She may like to check the BACP website and the site of the course provider to get some background on the courses being offered etc. Show her your post, then you too will get some brownie points! Hope this lot is a start. Just to bring it back to bikes... what shop ya work in?
Psychology is useful in all manner of fields, from counselling to working in advertising to studying passenger behaviour in transport systems. What's your wife's particular field of interest?
Of all the people I know who've got degrees in psychology, only one or two actually work in counselling/mental health type careers. One friend of mine works Oop North™ in a drugs/alchohol abuse counselling service, works with offenders, so works closely with police, social services etc. Very demanding, and you need to be the right kind of person to be able to do it well. Another friend went off and did a psychology degree because he thought he'd like to be able to sort out people's psychological problems and stuff, but is completely the wrong type of personality for it, and wonders why he can't get a job in counselling or similar. But then others I know work in advertising/marketing and Law type jobs. Many industries need folk who are educated in understanding the Mind.
I'd say maybe she should look at what sort of industries interest her, and look for possibilities within those, see if there's a need for someone with her qualifications.
From what I've read on here, STW could do with a resident Counsellor. Mind you, they'd have to deal with people like me.... đŸ˜¯
I work in a sixth form college and often help with personnal statements.
Tips:
Keep the language simple and propotionate (most start ever since I was an embroye all I have ever wanted to do is be accountant/ nuclear physicist). Thats OTT just say I would like a career in_______ because___
Say why you think you'd be good at it.
Say why you think it you would enjoy it
Try and qualify these with examples from previous experience.
Mention other experience that show you in a good light
e.g. organising things, anything about holding down the job
Even be prepared to say what the challenges will be and how they might be overcome
Hope this helps....
Thanks guys, it's all big help. She's aiming for Brighton as it's got the course she's after. I'm hoping for Brighton for the hills, I'm at Cyclexperience in Wareham in Dorset (edge of the Purbecks) BigGraham is my boss.
Also Mrs Sscenetoomuch says thank you. Scruzer what's your background where did you study?
Cheers everyone
Sorry I'm not anywhere near you. Back ground: started work in education, school based and supporting children and young people. Progressed in various helping and supporting roles to completing qualifications in psychology and later counselling. I now manage and coordinate a counselling service for children, young people and their families. So in short it has been a long and gradual journey, but worth it. Tell ya missus 'good luck'.