Phil Murray earned his Undergraduate degree in Psychology, at Queen’s University Belfast in 2012. Since then, Phil has embarked on a rewarding career path that goes beyond the traditional boundaries of psychology. Phil began his graduate career as a Business Development and Support officer at Ormeau Business Park and then achieved a Master's in Business Development and Innovation, with Distinction at Ulster University. Moreover, Phil successfully applied and got selected for the Washington-Ireland program during his university years. He believes this enriching experience helped enhance his perspective and provided a solid foundation for his career. Phil now works with the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce, within the Policy and Public Affairs team, working closely with Northern Irish businesses to better inform policy. His career trajectory thus far is a testament to the wealth of opportunities available to psychology graduates, demonstrating the potential of the degree beyond conventional psychology-related careers.

Can you share a little bit about why you chose to study psychology at Queen's University Belfast and your academic journey in general?
I was always fascinated by people and their behaviours. This curiosity was rooted in personal experience, as I grew up with a younger brother with learning difficulties. Additionally, I had a passion for business and entrepreneurship. This led me to an interest in psychology, specifically to explore the intricacies of the human mind and what drives people to become entrepreneurs. Hence, my choice to study psychology at Queen's University Belfast was driven by my fascination with understanding people's behaviours and motivations. The psychology program at Queen's offered a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills that appealed to me. My academic journey has been enriched by a variety of experiences, including my successful application to the Washington-Ireland program in 2012, a service and leadership program to help prepare a new generation of leaders dedicated to peace and prosperity on the island of Ireland. I had the opportunity to leverage my learnings from psychology, specifically on shared identities, which greatly helped my application and proved beneficial throughout the program.

What was your first graduate role and what are you up to now?
During my time at Queen’s, I had a part-time role in the Student’s Union, which allowed me to work with various stakeholders in the local community. This helped me expand my network and develop connections with local businesses and allowed me to explore opportunities for work after my studies.
After graduating, I started upon a career path that took me beyond traditional psychology roles. I found myself in a role that was more business-oriented, working with local start-up businesses within Northern Ireland at the Ormeau Business Park. Overtime, building my skills and knowledge to help develop business plans for emerging businesses in the South Belfast area. 
Currently, I operate in the areas of Policy and Public Affairs within the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce. In my role, I consult with members and guide policy development to recommend policy positions which represent the business view. I engage with people from various positions and profiles, aiming to better understand and communicate empathetically with the businesses in our membership. I am particularly focused on developing policy to support a skilled and inclusive workforce within Northern Ireland, as part of our three core pillars for growth. 

What transferable skills did you acquire during your psychology studies that have been instrumental in your current role in policy and public affairs? 
Apart from having a deeper understanding of human behaviour, my psychology studies imparted vital competencies in critical thinking, communication, problem-solving, and research skills. These have proven to be immensely valuable in grasping and effectively tackling the intricate demands posed by engaging with a diverse range of businesses.

What is your happiest memory from your time at Queen's?
One of the happiest memories that stands out is meeting and interacting with diverse people. Be it fellow psychology students, mature students, or people from various societies, learning from their unique experiences was truly enriching. Moreover, during university I had the opportunity to exchange ideas, insights, and discussions with my peers both inside and outside of the classroom, broadening my horizons by presenting me with diverse perspectives. 

What advice would you give yourself if you went back to the start of your time at Queen's?
If I could go back and advise my younger self, I would emphasize the importance of pushing boundaries. I would urge myself to make the most of the student experience, be it through clubs, societies, volunteering, or even starting a business. The university years are not only about academics but also about personal growth and development. Some of the best times I experienced were through extra-curricular activities. For example, I remember serving as President of Enactus (formerly known as SIFE), a student society that aims to deliver social, economic, and sustainable enterprise projects locally and internationally, as one of my favourite times as a Queen’s student!

Profile submitted August, 2023