For him, being offered a scholarship to study a MSc in Developmental Psychopathology at Durham University, has been one of his greatest achievements to date. 

Jonathan credits the University of Sunderland for preparing him for a career in psychology and the challenges the profession can bring. For him, taking the first steps onto the job market and the transition from being a full-time student to being full-time employed, has been one of his biggest challenges to date. 

He said: “Applying for jobs was daunting but I feel that my experience at Sunderland really prepared me for this.” 

Jonathan was initially attracted to the University of Sunderland because of the range of modules that were offered across the three years. He remembers fondly Dr Helen Knight, who influenced his career choices. 

He added: “Dr Helen Knight particularly influenced me during my three years at Sunderland and her teaching on the Addiction module really inspired me to want to pursue a career in Clinical Psychology. I often think back to some of her lectures and think about how her passion for her subject of expertise has resonated with me and how I feel about my own areas of interest.” 

According to Jonathan, persevering is the key for Psychology graduates entering the job market.  

He said: “Psychology is a particularly competitive field and I know I didn’t get the job I wanted the first time. Always think about your interests and how these can be transferrable to the role you want. That way you know you will always do something you love.” 

Talking about his plans, he concluded: “I have recently applied for the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy) which is a three-year training programme resulting in the qualification of a Clinical Psychologist.”