• Question: What are the best steps to take as a teenager looking to conduct helpful research throughout my career as a psychologist, and are there any specific steps eg certain types of work experience that will give me a head start in this?

    Asked by anon-361555 on 28 Mar 2023.
    • Photo: Eileen Xu

      Eileen Xu answered on 28 Mar 2023:

      It’s brilliant that you’re planning ahead already! From my experience, most professors or research groups are always happy to hear from people wanting to get research experience. If they don’t have the time to help you come up with a project, they’ll usually point you to someone who can help. I’d suggest having a search for people doing interesting research in universities near you, then just send them an email asking! Depending on their/your time, you might be able to do some research of your own or get to help develop a project. All great things for the CV!

    • Photo: Hannah Fawcett

      Hannah Fawcett answered on 28 Mar 2023:

      I always say that experience as a participant makes you a better researcher, so look out for opportunities to take part in research. Lots of universities advertise for participants on their websites, posters around campus etc. taking part in research helps you to understand the participant experience – this can only make you a more sensitive, ethical and detail-oriented researcher.

    • Photo: Birsu Kandemirci

      Birsu Kandemirci answered on 28 Mar 2023:

      It’s great that you have the motivation to gain experience in conducting research this early on! One thing I feel like I tell my students a lot (and probably repeat myself constantly :)) is to have an idea about different areas of Psychology. I always find it surprising that sometimes my undergraduate students who have deliberately chosen this course don’t know enough about different areas of psychology, so this would definitely give you a head start. I know that your interests might change in time, but starting with a focus might make it easier to know what kind of work experience would actually be relevant and helpful for you. Have a look at BPS’s webpages https://www.bps.org.uk/career-options-psychology and https://www.bps.org.uk/getting-started for some initial ideas 🙂 Good luck!

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