Within weeks of finishing his studies at the University of Tasmania, psychologist James Thomas secured employment. James, from Hobart, credits his education at the University of Tasmania with opening more doors to employment.
“The highlight of the University of Tasmania psychology course is the opportunity students have to undertake work placements,” James said.
“One of my placements was with Tasmania Police. It was for two days per week for about five months. The experience working with vulnerable people was invaluable and helped me very much to secure work as a psychologist.”
When James was deciding what to do after Year 12, he was torn between studying psychology and physiotherapy. He enrolled in a Bachelor of Behavioural Science at the University of Tasmania in 2012, studying full-time and on-campus, with the intention of ‘giving it a year’ to see how it went.
Now, having achieved a Bachelor of Behavioural Science with Honours and a Master of Professional Psychology, James is certain he made the right decision.
“Within the first year, I realised I enjoyed the theory behind psychology,” James said.
“I enjoy that psychology is a ‘young’ science and I find it interesting to apply the theory to better understand those around you.”
James still has close connections to the University of Tasmania, keeping regular contact with his former lecturers, which have since become his professional mentors.
What I most appreciated at the University of Tasmania was the quality of the teaching staff and the relevance of the course.
Working as a psychologist can be demanding, but James says his university education prepared him for the challenges of the profession.
“Many lecturers work as private practitioners, so they have a strong understanding of the realities of the job.
“Because of this, I felt well prepared when I left university to immediately work in my chosen field.”
James hopes to open a private practice in the future, but says his current role, assisting those with physical or personal disability find sustainable employment, is very gratifying.
“To be able to help someone who suffers anxiety so badly they can’t leave the house and then see them transition into employment is really satisfying.
“It’s a great feeling to see them walk back in the door and to see how much they’ve developed their confidence.”