Graduate Profile - Bachelor of Psychology

Name: Belinda Wyld
Degree Awarded: Bachelor of Psychology (Honours)
Position Gained: Research Projects Officer
Organisation: CSIRO
Commencement Date: 12th January 2004

Could you give us a description of what your position involves?

I am a support person to the key research scientists at CSIRO, which means I am actively involved in all aspects of the research process from phone calls, to participant recruitment, data collection and report writing. I work on several different projects at the one time and can be utilised throughout the Health & Nutrition division according to workload. My job also entails a good mixture of office work, field-work and commercial interaction.

With your experiences in securing employment what advice would you give to students who are in their first, second, and final year of study?

For those in first and second year - don't become focused on one direction that you wish to take. The skills and experience of university can open so many doorways that you could potentially go anywhere and do anything. By narrowing your vision to one employment or study option, you are also narrowing your career development and the minimising the real benefits from your university studies.

Many employers presenting employment information sessions have commented on the importance of students undertaking extra curricular activities during their time at university. Could you comment on this?

The reason it is so important is because graduates are up against a tough field these days for limited employment places. Without experience, your university degree (and hard work) is undermined. Extra-curricular activities provide you with the opportunity to explore community sectors, gain experience and skills that you would not otherwise get from university studies, but it more importantly enables you to establish networks.

How did you go about finding graduate employment?

I did everything - 3 recruitment agencies, The Advertiser, The Australian, Flinders University Careers and Employer Liaison Centre, seek.com, volunteer work, cold canvassing etc

Can you briefly describe the application process relevant to your position?

The first stage was the completion of your responses to selection criteria and the submission of your resume/CV. Experience has taught me the importance of selling yourself in the selection criteria. Be clear, concise and get as much feedback as possible (even if you don't get an interview). I was then called for an interview with a panel of 3 members to discuss the position. I found using the resources and tips for interview preparation on seek.com and monster.com were perfect in preparing me for almost all questions. I was then contacted verbally and offered the position. At this stage, a formal letter of offer and contract was posted to me to read and sign.

What did you do to prepare for the interview? What questions were you asked?

I spent much time on preparing for all my interviews. I researched the companies/organisations thoroughly, wrote example responses to the most common interview questions (found on seek and monster.com) and practiced different ways of highlighting my skills and experience.

In all 10 interviews, the most common questions were:

• Tell me about yourself
• What do you think your strengths are?
• Where do you see yourself in ten years time?

However, I found the interview process to be much less daunting than I thought. All panel members are generally aware of nerves etc and are more than accommodating. If they offer you a glass of water - take it! Its amazing how clammy a throat can get when asked roughly 10 questions in a short space of time!

In your opinion, what factors enabled you to be successful in obtaining employment?

Belief in my university studies - subjects, grades and the reputation of Flinders. Applying for positions that I was qualified for - looking at selection criteria and answering "yes" to 99.9% of their standards. Support of family and friends - to keep me motivated, my self-esteem high, and to ride the tide with me. The belief in myself - my abilities and experience and my adaptability to change.

Do you have any further helpful hints for graduates?

Don't think you're alone in the quest for employment. Even the year after graduating you have access to so many resources and professionals (both through Flinders and on-line) that are there to guide you, provide you with feedback, and offer you direction. Don't be afraid to seek their help. Never doubt yourself.