Hello everyone and welcome to this new podcast! Today we are going to talk about psychology, more specifically developmental psychology. We are two students: Thomas, an M1 student and Aurore, an M2 student. We are going to talk about our experience as psychology students! Without further ado, let’s get started!
Aurore: We can start by introducing ourselves. My name is Aurore and I am in my second year of a Master’s degree in developmental psychology at the University of Nantes, where I did all my studies.
Thomas: Hey my name is Thomas, and I studied in the south of Toulouse, at Mirail’s University. The student body and the teaching is a bit communist but it’s a highly dynamic and intercultural university. I very much enjoyed my time there. After 3 years, I chose to move to Nantes for my first year of a Master’s degree in developmental psychology. I’m glad I made this decision because I’ve found good friends and I like the style of teaching.Even if in Nantes I have come to understand the expression “ It’s raining cats and dogs”.
Aurore: Yes, it is true that the weather here is rainy! Can you tell me more about why you chose to study psychology in the first place?
Thomas: I have wanted to be a psychologist since I was 15 years old. Firstly because I wanted to help other people and secondly to understand other people. Since then, I have learnt that while helping others is certainly possible, understanding others is definitely impossible but that maybe listening to others is enough. For me this work makes sense. Indeed, I would have not felt fulfilled in a job in market or management. And you?
Aurore: Originally I wanted to study medicine and become a doctor or a brain surgeon. However, I had a class on consciousness and unconsciousness during philosophy lessons in high school, which sparked my interest in this field. This led to my decision to study psychology at university to discover more. What do you like about this field of study?
Thomas: I like psychology because I like to understand the world around me and for me each person is a universe to discover. I think everyone should learn what I’m learning. Psychology allows us to reduce stereotypes, stigmatisation, and it is the best way to learn.
Aurore: Yes, I can only agree with what you state. I also really like the fact that there are so many different things we can learn. It allows you to understand a lot about the world around you and it provides you with a great knowledge of others and yourself. And why did you decide to go for a developmental master’s degree? Why do you want to especially work with children and adolescents?
Thomas: I decided to do a developmental master’s degree because for me it is the most important period in life. It is the period during which we build ourselves and indeed, many children do not get a lucky start in life. In my first year, I always thought that we didn’t listen to the kids enough and I promised myself that I wouldn’t make that mistake again. Also in my childhood I have encountered some problems but was always able to find support. It’s necessary for me to provide support in turn to children.
Aurore: Ok, I understand. I agree with the fact that during this period, a lot happens which can have major implications long term, and which can persist throughout life. Therefore, working with this group is really interesting and I think can really help children and adolescents to grow and gain the confidence crucial for their adult life. It was also a choice based on my personal experience and my interests. What are your interests in psychology, what are the fields you are most interested about?
Thomas: Wow! It’s not easy to respond! While several fields of psychology interest me, my principal fields are cognitive and behavioural therapy. Specifically, I think mindfulness is the future of psychology. Attachment theory is my second base of knowledge.
Aurore: Those subjects are particularly interesting. To me, psychology is an extremely interesting and limitless topic. There’s so many different subjects to talk about and to discover. Personally, I am very interested in the theory of mind, motherhood and more generally parenthood. I also have an interest in educational counselling.
Thomas: What experiences do you have, if any? For example internships, jobs linked with psychology?
Aurore: I did an internship in a career advice center during the third year of my bachelor’s degree. It was a great experience because I had the chance to work with several different psychologists so I had different views on how to exchange with and to communicate with adolescents, young adults and parents. I also worked as a homework assistant with a child, for a year and a half. It was a great experience that taught me the importance of patience and attentiveness to his problems and learning difficulties. And you?
Thomas: I have a lot of work experience linked to psychology. I did an internship in an inclusion class for disabled children during my third year in my bachelor’s degree. It was a useful experience for my future career. I met a lot of actors in the fields of medical and social work. However, for me, the most interesting and valuable part was meeting the children. I learnt a lot about disability and I created a strong relationship of trust with the children. After my third year of my bachelor’s degree, I decided to find out more about those I’m studying, in a more hands-on way. This is why I worked as an educator in a school for underprivileged children. After this, I began my Civic Service in the IME of Plaisance du Touch for one year. My role was to take care of children during the day and during the transportation home. It was not easy but the IME’s staff were very attentive and gave me a lot of freedom. During this, I created many projects linked with art, music or therapy. Finally, at the moment I am doing an internship in ITEP, a place for children who have disordered behaviour. For most of them, life is not easy.
Aurore: Yes, it is true. And with all those experiences, in which institute do you want to work in the future?
Thomas: I wish to work in child protection also, maybe in MECS or in ITEP. And what about you?
Aurore: I would like to work in a maternity ward, or in any institute where I can work with parents and children, and maybe in child protection too. Okay, I think we examined the topic of our studies from all angles. We can maybe finish by giving some advice for future students?
Thomas: Sure! I’ve two pieces of advice. Firstly, open your mind and observe everywhere; during your internship, in an association, or even at a party with your friends. The more you enlarge your field of vision, the more you will be a good psychologist. Psychology is a theoretical knowledge but it is also, above all, a knowledge of existence. Secondly, learn how to request help. I saw a lot of people in social work who didn’t dare ask for help. This means the work can really exhaust and destroy you.
Aurore: I think those are great pieces of advice! Firstly, it’s a good idea to start looking for your internship early because they’re really difficult to find, particularly if you want to work with children. Equally, work regularly, be curious and independently study any topics you find interesting. Psychology is a vast topic with a lot of different subjects to look for. Thank you for answering all these questions!
Thomas: Thanks! Bye!