Designing for reciprocal benefit: Developing the professional identity of undergraduates through...
Channel: AusPLAT Conferences and Roundtables
Date: 2022-04-12

Undergraduate psychology curriculum has struggled to develop a coherent professional identify for 3-year Bachelor students, however the importance of this alternative identity has been recognised by many authors (see Cranney & Dunn, 2011; Hamilton et al 2018). The curriculum to develop professional identities of these students must consider their likely career destinations, how these roles will apply psychological knowledge, and the skills required. This session will discuss the efforts of a work integrated learning team at QUT to develop such curriculum in partnership with the potential employers of 3-year Bachelor degree graduates.  The pilot of a unit inviting students to develop a sense of professional identity will be presented. This unit encourages students to reflect on and utilise their transferable skills, including writing grants for external partners. The interactive session will culminate with a brief activity in which attendees will be invited to consider the relevant professional identities for their graduates.