Career-ready at Solent: Discover Hannah’s psychology journey

Hannah shares what attracted her to Solent and to study psychology. While the campus may be smaller than other universities, the support she experienced felt much more personal and interactive, making Solent this the right fit for her. 

“I chose Psychology because I've always been fascinated by understanding why people think, feel, and behave the way they do. What particularly attracted me to the subject was how broad it is and the variety of career paths it can lead to. I liked the idea of studying a subject that could open the door to lots of different opportunities while helping me develop skills that are valuable across many professions. While many people immediately think of careers such as Clinical Psychology, Educational Psychology, or Research Psychology, the skills gained through a Psychology degree are also valuable in areas such as healthcare, human resources, marketing, teaching, and many other professions.

I chose Southampton Solent University because of its practical approach to learning and the opportunities it provides to gain real-world experience alongside academic study. During my research into universities, Solent stood out for its supportive environment, smaller class sizes, and the chance to get involved in hands-on research projects. I felt it would be a place where I could develop both academically and personally, and that has definitely been my experience."

Preparing for a career in Clinical Psychology 

Having gained experience and developed a clearer idea of where she wants her career to take her, Hannah is already thinking about her next steps. Through further education, she plans to specialise in her chosen field.

"After graduating, I plan to continue gaining relevant experience while working towards my long-term goal of becoming a Clinical Psychologist. My next step is to complete a Master's degree, followed by a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology.

I am particularly interested in Clinical Neuropsychology and the relationship between the brain, cognition, and behaviour. Through my studies and experiences at Solent, I have become increasingly interested in understanding how neurological conditions affect people's everyday lives and how psychological support can improve well-being and quality of life.

Alongside clinical work, I would also like to remain involved in research. Conducting and presenting research during my degree has shown me how important it is for improving our understanding of psychology and for helping professionals make informed decisions when supporting people. It's something I've really enjoyed, and I'd love to continue contributing to it in the future.

While I know the path to becoming a Clinical Psychologist is competitive, my time at Solent has helped me develop a much clearer understanding of the profession and strengthened my motivation to pursue it."

Building confidence and transferable skills

Hannah has had the opportunity to develop skills beyond her course, building the confidence and transferable skills that will support her throughout her career.

"One of the biggest ways my course has prepared me for my future career is by helping me develop a wide range of transferable skills. Throughout my degree, I've learned how to critically evaluate evidence, communicate complex ideas clearly, work independently, manage my time effectively, and approach problems from multiple perspectives.

The course has also encouraged me to step outside of my comfort zone and take opportunities that I may previously have avoided. Presenting research at conferences, speaking to professionals in the field, and taking on additional experiences alongside my studies initially felt quite daunting. If you had told me when I started university that I would be presenting my research at conferences and actively reaching out to professionals in psychology, I probably wouldn't have believed you! Looking back, those experiences have significantly improved my confidence and communication skills. Opportunities that once felt intimidating are now opportunities I actively seek out because I know how much I learn and grow from them."

Gaining hands-on experience from real-world briefs and work experience

Hannah has gained a range of hands-on experience alongside her studies, helping her put her psychological knowledge into practice and prepare for life after university.

"One of the most valuable opportunities during my degree was through the Applying Psychology to Professional Practice module, which encouraged us to gain relevant experience outside of the classroom.

Alongside my studies, I work as a Support Worker for young people with disabilities, where I have developed skills in communication, adaptability, and person-centred support. I also volunteer with Solent Remind, helping to facilitate Cognitive Stimulation Therapy sessions for people living with dementia, and volunteer with Shout, a 24/7 mental health crisis text service. These experiences have allowed me to apply psychological knowledge in real-world settings while developing practical skills that will be valuable throughout my future career.

I have also gained experience supporting research projects and, as part of my dissertation, conducted my own research using EEG equipment and response inhibition tasks. This involved recruiting participants, collecting and analysing data, and managing a research project from start to finish. Having the opportunity to work with specialist equipment and conduct research firsthand has been an incredibly rewarding experience."

Support every step of the way

Hannah explained the support from lecturers has been detrimental in the whole experience over the three years.

"One of the best parts of studying Psychology at Solent has genuinely been the lecturers. They are incredibly approachable, supportive, and genuinely invested in helping students succeed.

Whether I've needed help with coursework, advice about career options, support during my dissertation, or simply reassurance when tackling something new, the Psychology lecturers have always made time to help. They create an environment where students feel comfortable asking questions and seeking support, which has made a huge difference to my university experience.

They've also been incredibly encouraging when it comes to helping students make the most of opportunities available to them. Throughout my degree, they've celebrated students' achievements, encouraged us to aim high, and made us feel capable of achieving things we might not have thought possible. Their support has played a huge role in both my academic development and my confidence over the last few years."

Making industry connections

Hannah's experience also highlights how professional industry links can help students gain a better understanding of the careers they are working towards.

"Throughout my studies, I have had opportunities to engage with professionals through guest lectures, workshops, and conferences, which have provided valuable insight into different career paths within psychology.

The course has also encouraged me to be proactive in exploring my interests. As I became interested in neuropsychology, I contacted several neuropsychologists in the local area to learn more about their roles and career journeys. Through this, I had the opportunity to meet with professionals working in the field and even spend a day shadowing a neuropsychologist. These experiences gave me a much better understanding of the profession and what a future career in psychology might look like.

I have also had the opportunity to present my own research at both the Solent Psychology Conference and the British Conference of Undergraduate Research in Glasgow. Being able to discuss my work with academics, researchers, and students from other universities was a fantastic experience and gave me valuable insight into the wider psychology community."

Developing confidence for a career in psychology

Alongside gaining academic knowledge, Hannah's experience at Solent has given her the confidence to take on new challenges and make the most of opportunities available to her.

"The most valuable thing I've learned at Solent is confidence in my own abilities.

When I first started university, I had very little confidence in myself and often assumed other people were more capable than I was. Looking back now, after presenting at conferences, conducting research, volunteering, gaining work experience, and putting myself forward for opportunities I would once have avoided, I realise how much I've grown.

I've learned that growth often comes from saying yes to opportunities, even when they feel intimidating at first. You don't need to have everything figured out before you start; a lot of confidence comes from giving things a go and learning as you go along. Developing that confidence has not only helped me academically but has also made me feel much more prepared for the next stage of my career."

Hannah's career-ready takeaway

"Looking back, I honestly feel like a completely different person compared to when I started my degree. University hasn't just given me academic knowledge; it has given me opportunities, experiences, and confidence that I never expected to gain.

Some of the experiences that have had the biggest impact on me are opportunities that I almost talked myself out of because I didn't feel ready at the time. Presenting research at conferences, contacting professionals to learn more about their careers, volunteering, and taking on new challenges all felt slightly outside of my comfort zone when I first started. However, those experiences ended up being some of the most rewarding parts of my degree.

My advice to prospective students would be to make the most of every opportunity available to you, even if it feels a little daunting. Whether that's volunteering, gaining work experience, speaking to professionals, or presenting your work, those experiences can help you grow in ways you might not expect.

My time at Solent has helped me realise that the goals I once thought were out of reach are actually achievable, and that's something I'll take with me long after graduation."

Find out more about Solent's psychology, sociology and education courses.