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July 20, 2021, by indybamra1

Studying for My Masters: The World Is My Oyster

By, Ifigenia Constantinou, MSc Occupational Psychology

Why did you decide to undertake a masters?

After finishing my BSc in Psychology, I was still unsure of what I wanted to do in the future. Admittedly, I did not feel ready for the “real world.” I first heard about occupational psychology as part of an event hosted by the Careers and Employability Service, and I quickly became interested in the subject. I was inspired by how I could make an impact through being devoted to optimising working conditions for employees so that they can be productive, fulfilled, and enjoy working, whilst the organisation they work for is flourishing. Eventually, I was excited by the career prospects and decided that occupational psychology would be an interest worth exploring with further study.

What did the application process involve?

The application process was short and straightforward. It involved uploading my transcripts and a reference letter, along with a personal statement that included information about my motives for studying occupational psychology and my related skills.

What have been the highlights of the course so far? Any low moments?

Learning more about a topic that really interests me has been quite enjoyable, especially seeing how the theory would apply to real-life conditions. The knowledge and skills I am developing now will be integral to my career in the future. There are countless opportunities to develop transferable skills and so many activities to get involved in. From being an academic representative to volunteering and participating in the Nottingham Postgraduate Advantage Award, I am grateful for it all! Staying on top of work across different modules, extracurricular activities, and other commitments can be challenging, which is why it is important to have clear priorities and an established support network from the get-go.

What advice would you give other students thinking about studying for a masters?

Studying for a masters is demanding and should be carefully considered. Still, learning about a subject you are passionate about can be enjoyable. Everyone will be in the same situation as you, so try not to be shy. Instead, talk to your peers and build your support network early on. Your journey will likely be better if you share it with others!

What would you like to do next?

Occupational psychology is so diverse that I truly feel like the world is my oyster. It would be difficult to choose from organisational change, consulting, or learning and development. I aspire to be an occupational psychologist.

How did the Careers team support you?

It has been a blessing knowing that I can reach out to the incredible professionals within the Careers and Employability Service at any time. Indeed, I have occasionally done so, when seeking CV or application advice. I also enjoyed participating in numerous talks and Spotlight On events hosted by this service, which I highly recommend! They are a great opportunity to network and broaden your horizons – I first heard about my masters course in one of them!

If you need information and advice on applying for a postgraduate course, visit our further study section. Our advisers are available to help you with making decisions about your next step and reviewing your personal statement

Posted in Careers AdviceFurther studyGraduating in 2021Postgraduate Taught Students