Meet our students: Frances Elliott - Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours), 3rd year

What drew you to studying psychology?

My decision to study psychology was not a difficult one. Understanding human behaviour is something that I have always had an interest in. My first experience in psychology was in year 12 when I completed my Personal Interest Project based on the conflict females, and males have towards another of the same gender and what the possible influencing factors may drive intra-sexual rivalry. As a teenage girl, I experienced time and again rivalry and conflict with predominantly other females my age. I was very interested in understanding why such conflicts have always existed and was there any scope for change. This project was the initial spark that lit my love of psychology. Studying psychology has been so valuable to not only understanding human behaviour but also myself

Why did you choose UQ to study psychology?

UQ is one of the only universities in Australia to offer such a broad range of psychology courses, both in undergrad and postgrad. This is one of the many stand out features of choosing UQ to study psychology as it has allowed me to explore a broad range of topics. On top of this, UQ offers some of the best teaching staff who not only provide incredible guidance for students but also have contributed greatly to the research literature. As a student at UQ it has been incredibly inspiring to be taught and learn from some of the most well-known names in the psychology literature.

What’s the most unexpected thing you’ve learnt while studying psychology at UQ?

Before studying at UQ I had always thought of psychology as a profession concerning the distinct role of improving individuals’ mental wellbeing in a one-on-one clinical setting (like you see in movies). However, upon studying psychology, I was quickly exposed to the numerous roles that Psychologists play in many applied settings. Whether a sporting team is trying to increase athlete performance and wellbeing, an animal trainer is trying to understand learning behaviour, or an organisation is trying to increase productivity, psychologists play a significant role. I am beyond excited to be a part of a profession that has such a significant part to play in so many different settings.

What have you enjoyed most about your program?

Something I have found enjoyable about studying psychology is the broad range of subjects that are involved within the program. I have been so inspired and found so much value in learning about neuroscience, statistics, research, social and sports psychology to name a few. On top of this, the community within the psychology cohort is something I have found extremely valuable. The UQ psychology association does an incredible job at coordinating numerous events to keep the psychology community at UQ as connected as possible. The annual Psychology ball, mental health week events and seminars throughout the year to name a few. On top of this the school of psychology offers numerous networking opportunities. For example, I have recently started to attend a weekly networking event wherein professors, students and researchers come together and discuss recent developments in the sports psychology industry. The importance of networking and coming together as likeminded people within the psychology program is one of the many reasons, I have enjoyed studying psychology at UQ

What does a day in the life of a psychology student look like?

There is an incredible support network within the school of psychology. Course coordinators, tutors and peers all understand the importance of, and encourage one another to maintain a healthy balance between work and life commitments while still allowing space to achieve amazing things academically.

Typically, then, the day-to-day life of a psychology student is usually a balance between studying, working and of course allowing time for friends, hobbies and family.

Even throughout the period of COVID-19 lockdowns, I found my schedule as a student of psychology to be consistent and enjoyable wherein there were many zoom seminars offered to us to maintain social contact with one another.

What have you learnt about yourself since you began to study psychology at UQ?

I think a better question here would be “what haven’t you learnt about yourself since you began to study psychology at UQ?”. Something unique about studying psychology is that everything you learn is something that can be applied to understanding yourself. It has been incredibly eye opening being able to learn about my own motivations, behaviours, and thoughts. Something specific that I have learnt about myself throughout my degree is that I am incredibly curious. This trait is something that has served me well, always asking why something is the way it is rather than taking it at face value is at the core of psychology and understanding others and oneself. I have loved learning, not only about how others behaviours are formulated but also my own.

What has been the most challenging aspect of studying psychology?

Something I have found challenging in my studies is finding my critical thinking skills.

Psychology is largely dependent on interpretation, evaluation and critical thinking. This was a big change from the spoon fed learning I was so accustomed to in high school. However, throughout my studies I have been able to develop the skill of critical thinking and have found it of much value to my learning

What are the most valuable skills you’ve learnt while studying psychology?

Studying psychology has provided me with the opportunity to develop many valuable life skills. One of these being to not take things at face value. Before studying psychology I may have learned something without questioning why or how. However, I now ask why things may be the way they are or how they came to be. I have been able to transfer this skill to many situations wherein I have been able to navigate many difficult social and personal situations with a high level of understanding and empathy.

How have your teachers had a positive impact on your studies?

The teachers and academics within the School of Psychology have been incredibly influential in my future aspirations. Specifically, coming into psychology I felt lost and confused about where I wanted my career to go, however throughout my studies the academics at UQ have provided me with the guidance and confidence needed to learn and to explore my interests in this field.

Where do you want to go or what do you want to do in your psychology career?

Something I love about psychology is the many options available to me in regard to my career. While I hope to begin my career in research, I also hope to work within the field of sports psychology wherein my main hope is to work with professional athletes in improving both their performance and wellbeing.

How do you feel your studies have best prepared you for your future career, or further study?

Something that I have found valuable in my preparation for a future in the field of psychology is the process of allowing students to build foundational knowledge throughout their participation with first-year courses, and then expose them to more applied courses throughout their second- and third years of undergrad. I found this valuable as I was not only exposed to the various fields of psychology but also I was provided insight into the types of settings and environments I can expect to work in. On top of this, the incredible network of psychology students, academics and tutors throughout UQ has allowed me to feel genuinely supported in my future endeavours within the field of psychology.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to study psychology?

Know that you’re not limited, sometimes its daunting to commit your entire career to doing one thing, and I think this is what leads people to hesitate in their commitment to study something like psychology. However, something I love about psychology is how broad it is, studying psychology at UQ has allowed me to explore numerous pathways and numerous interesting areas within the field.

Do you have any plans for next year?

Next year I will begin my honours year in psychology. In order to cater for the varied career paths offered to psychologists, there are two honours pathways offered psychology undergrads. One being research based and the other being placement based. While I have recently found a passion for research within social psychology, I hope to take the workplace option which will hopefully see me in placements in line with my interest in developmental psychology. I also hope to continue researching over the next year, whether that be under an academic at the school of psychology or in my spare time