Barbara Mansen

Psychology

Barbara is the first one in her family to go to university and has been working towards a degree in psychology. She feels she’s learnt many transferable skills from her course and gained confidence in exploring new co-curricular activities, such as belly dancing.

What do you hope to go on and do when you graduate from the University of Leeds?

I would like to gain more experience in my field by working as an Assistant Psychologist or something else related to the field of Psychology.

What skills and attributes do you think you've developed as part of your course?

I have learnt to write to a high standard in a foreign language. I have also developed qualities such as persistence, patience, organisational skills and problem solving skills.

What skills and attributes do you think you've developed from co-curricular activities?

Participating in co-curricular activities has developed my skills such as listening skills and empathy. I have also socialised with different social groups which is important for my future career in psychology.

How will these skills and attributes help you achieve what you want to do when you graduate?

With regards to co-curricular activities I will have a good idea about which client groups I might be working with in the future. With regards to my course, I think I get lots of transferable skills such as organising myself, problem solving skills, writing a report or an essay to a good standard and of course the curiosity and passion for my subject will help me to find something in a psychology related field.

What has been your proudest moment while studying at Leeds?

My proudest moment at Leeds was being awarded with a bursary by the Nuffield Foundation for my summer project this year.

How do you think you have benefited from studying at Leeds?

I have benefited from the cultural experience; I’ve met really nice people who have supported me and found new friends. I did things I wouldn’t have thought about doing such as belly dancing and I found a course I feel really passionate about.