Chartered Clinical Psychologist at Childhood Matters and Stillmind. Adjunct Clinical Lecturer in University College Cork.

As part of my placement module, I had the opportunity to work with Axiom Law, where I supported a team in implementing and evaluating the firm’s internal training and incident management system. This role involved extensive survey development, implementation, and analysis, allowing me to apply the research and methodological skills I had developed during my undergraduate studies. The experience not only broadened my perspective on career paths beyond psychology but also helped me develop practical employability skills such as time management, teamwork, and navigating competing organisational demands—skills that have been invaluable in my professional journey.

During the summers of my second and third years, I worked as a research assistant on the Music in Mind project at the School of Nursing and Midwifery. This experience further deepened my interest in research and ultimately led me to pursue a PhD under the supervision of Dr. Mark Linden. My doctoral research focused on traumatic brain injury among offending populations, drawing on many of the psychological theories and concepts I had explored during my undergraduate degree.

Following my PhD, I worked as an assistant psychologist with the NHS before completing a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at University College Cork, where my thesis examined stress and burnout among physicians. I now work as a Chartered Clinical Psychologist in a specialist attachment-focused parent and infant service within Childhood Matters and also conduct child and adolescent assessments with Stillmind.

Looking back on my studies, I found Queen’s to be an incredibly welcoming and supportive environment, offering excellent opportunities for both research and practical placements—experiences that proved invaluable when applying for roles after graduation. I was also fortunate to have highly supportive supervisors in both the School of Psychology and the School of Nursing and Midwifery, whose guidance was invaluable in supporting my career development.

Clinical psychology is a long and highly competitive path, so my advice to undergraduates is to seek out mentors early—supportive lecturers and supervisors who can help guide you. Take full advantage of the opportunities available through the school and the university as a whole, as these experiences can make all the difference in your career journey.

Profile submitted April 2025.