Research Assistant Review

I enjoyed being empowered and independent when working on the project I was given, I also enjoyed meeting different Psychology researchers from around the globe and visiting a mental health clinic.

I was treated as a staff member rather than a student and I was even invited to staff meals! This allowed me to network with different researchers and learn about their career paths.

I was left to conduct an audit on the service users of a mental health clinic, but I felt that I was able to ask questions at any time. When working on a new project within the university, the researcher I was working with showed me how to use statistical programmes and how to structure a research report. I was also given extra reading material to fuel my interest and knowledge of mental health disorders.

The placement was slow paced to start with, however, this gave me the chance to settle in to my new role and the environment. Later in my placement I was given more responsibilities and new projects to work on. I was encouraged to take breaks and not work on the same task for long periods of time.

I was fully responsible for the auditing of a mental heath clinic. This empowered me and enabled me to work independently.

I am now an author on a research paper for 'Schizophrenia Research', this will be a great addition to my CV. I also developed statistical, analytical and writing skills which will be beneficial for my third year project.

In the office, most of the time was spent working on a computer on databases and research on the internet. However, I was in the same room as another researcher who I was able to talk to about my interests and about the project. I was also able to leave at any time to have a break.

I organised this work placement by approaching a researcher in his lecture and asking if I could work with him during the summer. Therefore, there was work organised for me to do, but it was my responsibility to organise how I was going to go about gathering data.

Alot of time was spent explaining how to conduct a statistical analysis and the background of their research. Meetings were set up for me to speak to different researchers and meet clinicians.

I am convinced that I would enjoy working for the University of Birmingham psychology research department, however, I would need to take on further education at masters and doctorate level. This is something I am considering and I know that the colleagues at my work placement would be willing to have me work as part of their team.

We went out for lunch to various oriental restaurants which was a new experience for me. I was taken out for Dim Sum, a Chinese meal on the last day of my placement.

Meals were not expensive and I lived in my university accommodation so I was not spending any additional money. I had also applied for funding within the university for my placement to pay for my travels to and from the mental health clinics.

I worked in Birmingham, so the night life is great ! However, I worked with a small team of researchers at the university and clubbing wasn't really their scene.

There is loads to do around Birmingham, so I was able to enjoy my summer holidays at the same time as working.