Being a student, I haven’t had much experience applying my knowledge outside of university. Within university, assessment is the primary outlet for my skill expression.

Essay and report writing has required me to deeply understand what it is I am writing about, and to explain complex psychological theories and evidence based interventions in a succinct and comprehensive way. This skill is valuable in all facets of life, because being able to explain something to others is a skill in itself.

Gathering information for assessment pieces is an additional skill that took a while to understand. Being able to locate the correct information, interpret it accurately, and then explain or elucidate on it in research reports helped me develop the skills to find the information I need in order to support my claims.

Classes such as Developmental Psychology, Counselling Psychology, Meaning Centered Interventions, and Clinical Health Psychology, all had either group work or mock case studies that we used as part of our assessment. These were invaluable as they gave me the practice I need to be able to feel comfortable assuming the role of a psychologist, and behave in a manner that is conducive to positive change.

Group exercises have allowed me to discover a respect for the people in the psychology community. Working in a community that is comprised of people from many different cultures across the world really helped me understand the importance of being culturally appropriate and sensitive to the diversity of individuals. Reflective activities helped me to develop reflective skills and demonstrate personal and professional integrity and increase my self-awareness.

The most notable assessment that allowed to me to apply my knowledge was PSY3060. I first developed a behavioural modification plan, and once approved I implemented it by using positive reinforcement to establish a new behaviour. I then wrote a comprehensive report about the results.

Aside from assessment, the general experience of studying has also had me apply learned skills and knowledge in order to maintain my own personal wellbeing and navigate through challenges in my life.