Alexandra Taylor, BSc Psychology 2017

Full Name: Alexandra Taylor
Graduation Year: 2017
Course Studied: Bachelor of Science Psychology
Nationality: British
Job Title: Info and Admin Assistant
Employer/Organisation Name: SNAP (Special Needs and Parents)
What are you doing now you have graduated from the University of Lincoln?: After my degree at the University of Lincoln I did a Master’s degree somewhere closer to home. I volunteered at the Charity I work at now, starting as a Services Support Assistant in 2019 and changed jobs there to Info and Admin assistant in 2021.
How did your time at the University of Lincoln support your career?: Most of the degree, I would say, relates to my job now. For example biopsychology to understand parts of the brain and what additional needs can happen. Social Psychology for example helps when advising and talking to parents as it taught me to listen. Research Methods was very useful as has helped me with the database we use and admin. Dissertation helps when it comes to finding reputable info to give parents for support. Besides the course I did, the social aspects at university whether that be at university or external has helped with confidence to talk to strangers and just dive in, which you need in my job.
What are the best parts of your job?: Supporting parents get the correct information they need to support their children 0-25 years with any additional need or disability. Sometimes my job involves going into a play session so getting to play with the children and seeing their smiles is a great joy and reiterates the work we do as a charity is so worthwhile. I also work with lots of lovely colleagues so I enjoy the job (most days).
What inspired you to study at the University of Lincoln (or one of its predecessor institutions)?: When looking around universities it was one of the universities my family looked at for my brother so they suggested we had another look for myself. After seeing it, I loved the history the town had with the Cathedral and cobbled streets so put it as my first choice. The psychology department and equipment on offer looked great but also I ended up using the library a lot so it was a good asset.
What was your favourite thing about being a student at the University of Lincoln (or one of its predecessor institutions)?: Being right in the centre of town as well on the pretty water front. The University of Lincoln is not that far from countryside so sometimes it was nice to drive somewhere a little more rural for a nice walk. Accommodation on campus was nice because I had my own room with an ensuite and not too far from amenities. I have also made friends who I am still friends with now.
If you could give our current students any top tip for after graduation and their careers, what would it be?: Do whatever makes you happy. If that is continuing study at University of Lincoln or elsewhere don’t be afraid to do it. Also don’t be afraid if you have to start at the bottom and don’t feel that everything you learnt is used immediately because you can work your way up and I promise the skills you learnt from University will come into play in multiple ways.