Hi Vicky,
I'd endorse this. I got into training quite a few years ago coming along
a completely different path from the 'traditional' one. Courses do vary
considerably in certain respects.
The only thing I would really add is to be careful with assistants
groups. They seem to struggle to avoid being all about the training
schemes and what you have to do or be to get onto the various ones. The
interviewers may be much more likely to wake up if confronted with
evidence of independent thought going on.
Dr John McGowan
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-----Original Message-----
From: The UK Community Psychology Discussion List
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of nicky hartigan
Sent: 09 October 2008 10:29
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [COMMUNITYPSYCHUK] advice
Hi Vicky,
just following from the post below, I got into CP training first
application without a reference from a CP, or having ever worked with or
even near one! And I'd never heard of any of the assistant groups,
websites or been a member of the BPS. I don't think these things are
necessary, particularly with courses beginning to look for different
things from potential trainees as Joel says below. From talking to
others who had been involved with such things, they seemed at times
supportive, but also a little anxiety/competition provoking. Being
yourself and clear in your own mind why you want to do the training
(which it sounds like you are) is probably the most important thing.
Good luck.
Nicky
________________________________
> Date: Wed, 8 Oct 2008 15:21:27 +0100
> From: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: [COMMUNITYPSYCHUK] advice
> To: [log in to unmask]
>
> Hi Vicky,
> Your post seems to have sparked some very interesting debate!
>
> In terms of your initial question about whether it would be worth
> applying for the doctorate , my response would be an emphatic yes! I
> think your experience and qualifications would make your application
> stand out in a positive way to the 90% of others with 2:1s and AP
> posts. I'm on the Surrey and people have got on straight from
> undergraduate, being an NHS manager and best of all international
> journalist, without AP experience. I myself worked as a primary care
> mental health worker prior to training-these posts may be a bit easier
> to get into, but provide many experiences similar to being an AP. I
> think it is important to remember that courses are looking for
> potential and this is about being able to demonstrate what you have
learnt, rather than merely having acquired certain experiences.
>
> Some courses are more open minded than others about in what they are
> looking for in trainees, Exeter for instance would probably be a good
> fit for your experience-there is an alternative handbook about the
> courses that would be useful for you to get hold of. I think it is
> easy to get disheartened by applying for AP jobs, with often hundreds
> of people applying for 1 or 2 jobs, whereas applying for training your
> odds are a lot better. In terms of your application it is important to
> have a CP as a reference, so if you don't have anyone in mind this
> would be something to think about asap. In terms of further
> information and advice are you familiar with
> http://www.psyclick.org.uk/ this site is an invaluable resource in
> terms of applying for both AP and research posts and also in terms of
> applying for training-although be warned the forum can descend into
mass hysteria at times.
>
> The very best of luck-it sounds like you would bring some much needed
> perspectives to any cohort you joined.
> Joel
>
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___________________________________ COMMUNITYPSYCHUK - The discussion
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COMMUNITYPSYCHUK - The discussion list for community psychology in the UK.
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