News | Tuesday, 20th February 2024
Kenzye Lou Roberts' Graduate story
Kenzye Lou Roberts works as a Peer Researcher with the charity 42nd Street after graduating in 2022 from her Psychology with Counselling and Psychotherapy course at Manchester Met.
What did you study at Manchester Met and why?
Psychology with counselling and psychotherapy; because I want to make a change to the systems so other young people struggling have a healthier experience than I did.
Did you enjoy your time at Manchester Met? What was your favourite part of your experience?
Yes, making lifelong friends and getting amazing support from the tutors.
What journey did you take whilst looking for a job once finishing University?
I was looking on Indeed, NHS, and council websites. I originally thought I wanted to work in a school, but my old psychologist saw this job and notified me and I went for it and got it! It was quite off-putting and disappointing as I was declined for 2 jobs before this (working in a school) but I’m now so glad I was!
What is it like working in your field?
I love it! It’s so empowering and has exceeded my expectations. I work in a team of 3 but spend time with all colleagues. We were doing interviews and focus groups and presentations, now we are analysing the data and getting ready to configure a report and potentially more.
What skills or experience did you learn at Manchester Met that are key to your work life?
Knowledge from my degree but a lot is from having my confidence boosted by the staff, proving to myself that I am able. My dissertation also prepared me for this role of doing research.
What advice would you give students looking to get into your field of work?
Be yourself. Your difficulties never have to hold you back, you deserve to be in the room and have an awful lot to offer! Be patient and know that the right thing will come along, instead of just looking at how you might work for the company, think about how working there would work for you.
Do you think you could have done anything differently during your course which could have better prepared you for working life after graduation?
I think the course prepped me pretty well and the extra bits I did too like extra placement hours and looking into jobs and enhancing skills.
If you could give one piece of advice for those starting their career journey, what would you say?
It seems terrifyingly impossible now but I can promise by keeping determined and looking after YOU by not putting too much pressure on yourself you will get where you want to be!
