William : Good morning Lucie, thank you for taking time for this little interview.
Lucie : Hi William! It’s a pleasure !
William : So let’s begin with background ! What was your university career ? Have you always wanted to study social psychology ?
Lucie : I started my studies in art history, then in modern letters. And I understood that I had to reorient myself towards an area that would mix the study of individuals with more scientifically valid theories. So, I chose psychology, and especially social psychology because it focuses on social relationships and that’s what interests me the most, and was closest to the philosophical theories I studied before.
And you, Why did you choose to study IO Psychology rather than the other fields ?
William : Since I started studying psychology, I’ve learned about developmental, clinical, cognitive and social psychology theories. It gives me a theoritical background about the human psychology in general. I had be very fascinating by environmental and social effects on the human behavior. Furthemore, I choose to study IO psychology because of my professional project, and to act as a social psychologist in organizations.
So which field of social psychology do you prefer ?
Lucie : Uh .. The field I like the most in social psychology.. I’m really interested in theories on social beliefs and representations. I really like the idea of defining collective thoughts, and the way individuals construct a common thought, depending on the particularities of a given society. I also love psychology of religion, but unfortunately there are relatively few French publications on the subject. Oh, and I also love environmental psychology ! I think it’s really hard to pick a single domain from all that exists.
William : And do you remember one particular author or theory and why ?
Lucie : Hum, I particularly like Lewin’s ideas, which highlights the importance of research-action ! I find that limiting oneself to the theoretical aspects is cleaving, and prevents having a more complete access to reality. I agree with Lewin that research must be proactive, and that psychology cannot be understood without going into the field.
What do you think about the fact that the master of Nantes now combines research and professional practice?
William : During my formation, I learnt theorical concept about the different fields of psychology. I also gain some scientific rigor thanks to methodology courses. Furthemore, I had some work to realize, wich introduce myself to the research domain. So I think the fact that the master now combines research and professional practice is a good thing. It is in the continuity of the formation, teaches us how a research works, and also, gives to future psychologist (like us) a global view about the future job. Furthermore, if we want it, it gives the opportunity to continue in the research field after the master.
About it, Do you want to realize a thesis ?
Lucie : At the beginning of my studies, I absolutely wanted to do a thesis. And the more years pass, and the less I keep this idea in mind. The five years that allow the obtaining of the title are long and very theoretical, and even if the idea of a thesis remains interesting, I believe that it is time to go put a foot on the ground and to integrate a company.
William What are your professional projects ?
Lucie : I have different ideas and I’m counting on my future internship to guide me. Ideally, I really would like to work in individual coaching, for example in helping with conversion and skills assessments. However, I also have the idea to work more as a social psychologist, for instance on the fight against discrimination, or to do consulting in environmental psychology. In general, I know that I want to use the different aspects of my degree, but I do not know yet on which specific area to fix myself.
And you, what is your professional project ?
William : I’d like to work as a social psychologist, in missions related to well-being and health at work. I’ll probably work as a consultant, and intervene occasionally in organizations, in order to provide some answers and help workers to work in better conditions.
Lucie : What qualities do you think you have that fit this project ?
William : I had some different works during my studies. They were from differents domains.I think behind my young age and as a future professional, I have some experience and knowledge about the reality of work. I also have good analysis and adapatation capacities. Furthermore, my discretion and empathy could help me to intervene in organizations and interact with workers.
And you, did you have some Jobs ?
Lucie : I had a lot of student jobs during my studies. I worked as a cashier, I was tutor for the first year students, I did studies on the insertion of the students, I worked on a market, and at the moment, I’m animating trainings at the library.
William : What about your Internship ?
Lucie : I did two internships at the university’s research laboratory. The first one was on invisible discriminations, and the second one was in environmental psychology. I really liked both, especially the one in environmental psychology because it allowed me to meet people affected by coastal risks, which was very interesting. On the other hand, I have been disappointed by the elitist aspect of the research field. I think that we do not sufficiently popularize the discoveries made. I find it a shame not to open scientific research and to explain more the results to the general public. I would like the research to take the trouble to open up more and not remain a closed universe.
William : Can you describe your ideal future work environment ?
Lucie : In an ideal perspective, I would like to be autonomous, but being in very frequent contact with people. I consider the role of a psychologist as being above all focused on constructive exchange with individuals in demand, whether they are collectives or isolated individuals. So…I think that my ideal work environment is therefore between independence and exchange.
William : Ok, and what about your dreams ?
Lucie : Huh… I would like to write a book I think ! But you were talking about a dream that has nothing to do with psychology, and I’d really like to write about it … So I think another dream, less professional, would be to go everywhere around the world. It’s a bit classic…
And you, what are your dreams ? If you had to choose an alternative career, which one would you choose and why ?
William : To stay in something classic, I’d like to travel too. More specifically in Thailand, where I’d like to learn the traditionnal thaï massage.
Lucie : Great
William : If I had to choose an alternative job, maybe I would choose to be a teacher. I have a good feeling with children, and I like to transmit knowledge, like I do when I help with homeworks, as a student job.
Lucie : Great ! And, to conclude in a less professional way, what are your hobbies ?
William : I practice guitar since I’m fourteen. I also like to do long bike ride alone, sometimes with friends, and discover new places.
Lucie : Well ! Thank you for your answers !
William : Yes, thank you Lucie, goodbye !
Lucie : Bye !