Philippa (academic)

Philippa is a Research Assistant in the department of Psychology. She works for the NHS as a Community Psychiatric Nurse and applied for the research assistant post in order to broaden her experience. The post requires good organisation skills, self motivation and the ability create rapport with a variety of people in order to obtain information.

Job search

Advertised on noticeboard at place of work

Application

• Sent CV
• Informal interview

Keys to success

• Knowledge of the field
• Communication skills
• Ability to listen
• Work on own initiative
• Well organised
• Can make decisions

Benefits of PhD

Philippa is not a PhD graduate yet, but her prior experience in this field had given her the skills necessary for a successful application.

Future options

Philippa would eventually like to lecture in nursing, for which she will need:

• Clinical practice experience
• Academic experience
• Possibility of researching for a PhD