Ivett Interviewed Ansah Yakub (BSc Psychology Graduate) this week. Anash has graduated this year and she is getting some fantastic interviews in the first stages of trying to get on in the graduate job market.
1. How did you get into Psychology?
I actually started off by doing psychology as an A level as it was a subject that I had always taken an interest in. However, I soon realised that this only skimmed the surface and I wanted to know about the subject more in depth. Therefore, I decided to take it further by studying the subject at university.
2. Who is your favourite Psychologist and why?
Henri Tajfel (1979) – The Social Identity Theory. I think this theory is still very relevant and current regarding issues in the media which can be applied to identity and in-groups and out-groups.
3. What psychological concept/topic/issue are you most passionate about?
Media representation as it a topic that I can relate to in regards to my ethnicity/religion.
4. What makes Psychology Department at Salford unique?
The University of Salford has a lot of useful resources specifically for the psychology students, for example, the labs, computers with the SPSS program and many useful psychology books. Also, many of the lecturers are always on hand to help with any specific issues that you may have throughout your years and are always willing to go the extra mile.
5. If you could work anywhere, where would you pick and why?
London! There are always more opportunities down south regarding psychology. Also, the environment is very fast paced so it would be interesting to see how the work differs.
6. What was the most fascinating research/project you were involved in/conducted?
My dissertation – as it was my own project, I had the opportunity to research anything that I took a particular interest in. This project takes up a lot of time in your final year so it is essential that you enjoy the topic that you are researching.
7. What are you doing at the moment?
I am currently trying to find a job or even some voluntary work to get a bit of experience behind me. I have been attending job fairs and recruitment days to see what is out there and how I can utilise my skills that I have gained through university to mould to specific job roles.
8. If you could choose another Profession, what would it be?
Physiotherapist, but I have never been good at science! So health sciences it was.
9. Do you have a favourite quote?
“It is literature which for me opened the mysterious and decisive doors of imagination and understanding. To see the way others see. To think the way others think. And, above all, to feel.” – Salman Rushdie
10. Facebook or Twitter?
Facebook.
11. Which book is a must have for Psychology students?
Research Methods and Statistics in Psychology – Hugh Coolican
12. What advice would you give to SalfordPsych students?
There is always room to improve, use the resources around you to help you improve your skills whether it may be written or verbal. It is important to read the feedback that the lecturers give to you on assignments or presentations as this could help you essentially get better marks. As well as talking to lecturers, talk to other students as you can always help each other out!
13. What do you hope for Psychology in the future?
Psychology is regularly undermined but I think people need to realise that this subject provides a wide variety of options and it all depends on how people use their degree. I would love for people to see how psychology can open so many doors and how much you can gain from such a degree.