There are many ways to evidence commitment

A few months ago, an interesting and inspiring article featured in The Psychologist, led by Elena Coria, highlighting folks who had joined the career later in life. This was music to my ears: I'd love for my 'second career' to be as a clinical psychologist, and many of my friends and family say I'd be good at it. 

I've even already got a doctorate in psychology (only the wrong kind!) However, despite the case studies featured in the article, I question the degree to which the profession is really committed to encouraging mid-lifers like me into the profession. In particular, the 'clinical experience' requirement is a killer.

And I challenge whether this barrier is helpful. Let's be honest: how 'clinical' is that first grotty NHS job, really? I'd bet it's mostly admin, booking appointments, basic interactions with service users. Even if you land the one Assistant Psychologist job on offer in the country – is it really that vital to becoming a psychologist? Sitting in silence in the room and taking notes while the grown-ups talk – is that really necessary? And all for a chance, by no means certain, of getting on a PhD programme.

Even as a comparatively well-off person, it's just not doable.

What I suspect the profession is really filtering for is commitment and experience working in a large institution with lots of policies and processes and problems, and the ability to engage with clients in an empathetic manner. There are many ways to evidence these things. And until the profession re-thinks its entry requirements, it is going to struggle to recruit folks from diverse backgrounds.

Marty Bonus