Student Spotlight: Ruby's educational psychology internship

3 June 2025

 

What initially inspired you to pursue an internship with the Tower Hamlets Educational Psychology Service?  

As a former teacher and student counsellor in Hong Kong, I have always had a passion for supporting students' mental health. I wanted to gain practical experience in educational psychology within a UK setting, and my current neighbourhood, Tower Hamlets, was the perfect place to start. The application process involved submitting my CV and personal statement, followed by an interview with two EPs. I was thrilled to receive an offer shortly after and felt truly flattered. 

Can you share a specific moment or challenge during your internship that was particularly impactful for you?

During a parent support meeting, a father initially reluctant to engage due to his dislike of labels gradually became more involved after my supervisor acknowledged his viewpoints. This highlighted the power of active listening in encouraging participation. I realised that the role of an EP is to listen, build rapport, and offer support, but not to change minds. It was rewarding to see the parents feel more confident after learning about strategies to improve their child’s behaviours.

How did the experience of delivering a seminar at QMUL alongside the Tower Hamlets team contribute to your confidence and career aspirations?

This experience boosted my confidence in public speaking. It was my first time speaking for a seminar, and seeing the dedication of the Tower Hamlets team in supporting aspiring psychologists really inspired me. Their commitment to helping students learn more about the field made me realise the importance of sharing knowledge. It is something I hope to do in the future when I am in a position to offer advice and support to students pursuing a similar path as me. 

Delivering a seminar on Observational Studies at QMUL alongside the team was a particularly fruitful experience. It helped me develop my presentation skills and reinforced my desire to pursue a career as an EP. 

I also had the opportunity to engage in an Explore and Connect session, assist in a parent sleep workshop, and attend regular team meetings. These activities deepened my appreciation of how EPs work holistically with families and schools to support children's development and wellbeing. 

What advice would you give to other psychology students who are considering a similar internship? 

Be confident! When I first saw the job ad on the SBBS Students' Career Support announcement, I worried about not being selected due to the large pool of psychology candidates and my status as an international student. However, I decided to approach the interview with confidence, genuinely expressing how much I valued the opportunity and my passion for the field. It proved that it is definitely possible if you are determined. Take the chance before you second-guess yourself! 

There is truly no better way for a psychology student to learn about the EP role than by working directly within the service itself. The hands-on experiences — from research and resource development to workshops and real-world interactions — are invaluable. 

Now that you’ve completed the internship, how has your perspective on the role of an Educational Psychologist evolved, and what are your next steps towards achieving this career goal? 

Completing the internship has broadened my understanding of the EP role. It is not just about conducting assessments for SEN students, but also about supporting families, teachers, and parents. I have learnt the importance of being person-centred and the complexities of the role, including challenges I may face. Moving forward, I will reflect on myself and apply what I have learnt to school settings and when working with children. I will remind myself to use descriptive language with children and ensure I use appropriate phrasing in reports. 

Throughout my time in the service, I developed key skills in communication, presentation, data analysis, and teamwork — all of which are essential for advancing my professional journey. This opportunity has truly fuelled my passion to become an Educational Psychologist, and I am incredibly grateful for everything I have learned and the connections I have made during this internship.