Student advisor – future psychologist
1. About the Advisor
Student advisor– future psychologist was created with the aim of comprehensive support for higher education applicants at all stages of their professional development in the field of psychology. The materials of the guide are designed to help you navigate the specifics of the organization of the educational process at the Department of Psychology, gain a deeper understanding of the content and requirements of future professional activity, and form a responsible, conscious attitude towards your own professional and personal development.
The advisor contributes to the development of the future psychologist's professional identity, the formation of an ethical position, self-reflection skills, and readiness for practical activity in the face of modern social challenges. Particular attention is paid to the combination of theoretical training with practical experience, adherence to the principles of academic integrity and professional responsibility.
The materials of the guide are addressed to applicants of the first (bachelor's), second (master's) and third (educational and scientific) levels of higher education, as well as to applicants and everyone who is just planning to connect their professional life with psychology and is at the stage of professional self-determination.
2. I am a psychology student.
Studying psychology is not only the mastery of theoretical approaches, methods and psychotechnologies, but also a long and multidimensional process of personal and professional development. During the course of study, a student of education in the specialty "Psychology" gradually forms a professional identity, acquires a culture of psychological thinking, develops the ability to self-reflection, responsible decision-making and ethical analysis of professional situations.
From the first years of training, it is important to realize that the profession of a psychologist requires a high level of personal maturity, emotional sensitivity, empathy, and critical thinking. A future psychologist learns to work with the experiences of other people, so constant work on one's own personality, awareness of one's own limits, values, and resources is an integral part of professional training.
A psychologist is a specialist who carries out professional activities not only on the basis of acquired knowledge and skills, but also relying on their own personality as a key tool of assistance, which requires a responsible attitude, development, and support throughout the entire period of professional development.
3. Studying at the Department of Psychology
The educational process at the Department of Psychology is built on the principle of combining fundamental theoretical training with practice-oriented training, which meets modern standards of higher education and professional requirements for the training of psychologists. Training is aimed at forming a holistic understanding of psychological patterns, developing professional thinking and readiness for practical activity.
During the training process, higher education students master basic and specialized academic disciplines, actively participate in practical classes, trainings, seminars, interactive forms of learning, and supervisory discussions. This approach ensures a gradual transition from theoretical assimilation of the material to the formation of practical skills of professional interaction, analysis of psychological cases, and reflection on their own experience.
The educational process involves an active position of the applicant, systematic independent work, a responsible attitude to educational tasks and a readiness for intellectual search. An important component is participation in professional discussions, the development of critical thinking, the ability for reasoned analysis and continuous professional and personal self-development, which is a necessary condition for becoming a competent and ethically responsible psychologist.
4. Practical training
Practical training is a key component of the professional development of a future psychologist, as it ensures the integration of theoretical knowledge with the real conditions of professional activity. During the practice, higher education students have the opportunity to apply the acquired knowledge in practice, develop skills in professional interaction, observation, analysis of psychological situations, and a responsible attitude towards the people with whom they work.
During the internship, the student learns to adhere to professional boundaries, principles of confidentiality, ethical standards of psychological activity, and rules of safe interaction with clients. An important element of practical training is work under supervision, which provides professional support, the opportunity to reflect on one's own experience, and the gradual formation of professional competence.
Practice is not viewed as a space for achieving ideal results, but as a learning process within which the applicant has the right to questions, mistakes, and professional search. It is in this environment that a conscious attitude towards the profession of a psychologist, responsibility for one's own actions, and readiness for further professional development are formed.
5. Ethics and responsibility
Professional ethics are the fundamental basis of a psychologist's activities and an integral part of his professional training. Already at the stage of study, a higher education student in the specialty "Psychology" must adhere to the basic ethical principles of psychological activity, in particular the principles of confidentiality, voluntary participation, respect for the dignity and autonomy of the individual, as well as a clear awareness of the limits of one's own competence.
Particular attention is paid to the formation of a responsible attitude towards the use of psychological knowledge and methods. Independent psychological counseling or intervention without proper professional training and supervision, disclosure of personal information of clients, as well as any forms of manipulative influence using psychological tools are unacceptable.
Adherence to professional ethics during training forms a culture of professional responsibility in the future psychologist, ensures the safety of the persons with whom they interact, and is a necessary condition for trust in the specialist and the quality of psychological assistance in further professional activities.
6. The psychologist and his personality
The personality of a psychologist is a key professional resource and a tool for psychological assistance, the quality of professional activity directly depends on its condition. In the process of training, students of psychological education not only master theoretical knowledge and methods, but also encounter the activation of their own experiences, internal conflicts and emotional reactions. Such experience is a natural component of professional development and requires conscious support.
Supervision plays an important role in this process, creating a safe professional space for discussing difficult cases, one's own reactions, doubts and difficulties that arise in the process of learning and practical training. Working under supervision contributes to the formation of professional reflection, awareness of the limits of responsibility, prevention of countertransference and preservation of professional clarity.
An equally important component of the training of a future psychologist is the prevention of professional burnout, which begins at the training stage. The development of self-regulation skills, emotional stability, psychological hygiene and the ability to seek support in a timely manner is a necessary condition for maintaining the psychological well-being of a specialist. Appealing to teachers, mentors, supervisors or participating in personal therapy is considered a sign of professional responsibility and maturity.
The integration of personal development, supervisory support, and burnout prevention ensures the formation of a holistic professional position of a psychologist capable of long-term, ethical, and effective activity in conditions of increased emotional stress and modern social challenges.
7. Academic integrity
Academic integrity is an integral part of high-quality higher education and an important prerequisite for the formation of the professional culture of a future psychologist. It is based on the principles of honesty, responsibility, transparency, and respect for the intellectual work of other authors and researchers.
Adherence to academic integrity involves independent performance of educational and scientific work, correct use and proper presentation of sources, prevention of plagiarism, self-plagiarism, fabrication or falsification of research results. For students, this is not only a formal requirement, but also a component of professional ethics and scientific responsibility.
The formation of academic integrity skills during training contributes to the development of critical thinking, research culture, and a conscious attitude towards one's own professional activities. Adherence to these principles ensures trust in the results of training and research, increases the authority of the specialist, and is a necessary condition for the further professional and scientific realization of a psychologist.
8. Student's scientific activity
Scientific activity is an important component of the training of a future psychologist, as it contributes to the development of analytical thinking, research skills, and a deeper understanding of psychological phenomena and patterns. Engaging in scientific research forms the ability to critically analyze information, work with scientific sources, formulate hypotheses, and justify one's own conclusions.
During their studies, higher education students are involved in writing course and qualification papers, participating in scientific conferences, student scientific circles, seminars, and research projects of the department. Such activities contribute to the formation of scientific culture, academic integrity, and a responsible attitude towards the results of their own research.
Participation in scientific work creates the basis for the further professional and academic development of a psychologist, in particular for continuing education at the third (educational and scientific) level of higher education, participation in interdisciplinary projects, and the implementation of scientifically based approaches in practical activities.
9. Professional development
The professional development of a psychologist is not limited solely to the educational program and continues throughout the entire period of professional formation and further activity. Important components of this process are participation in professional trainings, seminars, master classes, conferences, as well as involvement in volunteer, social and interdisciplinary initiatives that contribute to the acquisition of practical experience and the expansion of professional worldview.
A special role in professional growth is played by the formation of an individual professional portfolio, which reflects educational achievements, practical experience, participation in projects, certifications and scientific activities. In parallel, higher education students develop key soft skills, in particular the skills of effective communication, critical thinking, teamwork, self-presentation and responsible decision-making, which are necessary for the successful professional realization of a psychologist.
Active and conscious position of the education seekerin one's own professional development contributes to the formation of a competitive, mobile and socially responsible specialist, able to adapt to changes, respond to modern challenges and provide high-quality psychological assistance in various areas of practice.
10. Career guidelines
The profession of a psychologist opens up a wide range of opportunities for professional realization in various spheres of public life. Graduates of the specialty "Psychology" can carry out professional activities in educational, medical, social and rehabilitation institutions, public and charitable organizations, in the field of psychological assistance to the population, scientific and research activities, as well as develop their own professional trajectory in the format of private practice in accordance with current legislation.
The formation of a psychologist's career path is a gradual and conscious process that requires a realistic vision of one's own capabilities, professional interests, and resources. It is important to take into account the level of education obtained, existing competencies, practical experience, the requirements of professional standards, and the regulatory and legal conditions for carrying out psychological activities.
Gradual professional growth, combining training with practice, participation in supervision and continuous professional development allow the future psychologist to form a stable professional position, choose an appropriate direction of activity, and ensure responsible, ethical, and effective work in the chosen field.
11. Psychologist in the digital space
The modern psychologist is increasingly active in the digital environment, using online formats of communication, training, counseling, and professional interaction. Digital tools expand access to psychological help, but at the same time require increased responsibility and adherence to professional standards.
Special attention needs to be paid to maintaining professional boundaries in social networks and public spaces. Psychology students and practitioners should be responsible for the content of publications, comments, and professional statements, and avoid disseminating unverified information, simplified interpretations of psychological phenomena, and content that may be misleading or undermine the credibility of the profession.
It is unacceptable to replace professional psychological activities with popularization without proper professional training, use psychological knowledge for manipulative purposes, or create an image of expertise without appropriate education and practical experience. A psychologist's online presence must comply with the ethical standards of the profession, the principles of responsibility, confidentiality, and respect for human dignity.
The formation of a conscious digital professional position is an important component of modern psychologist training and contributes to the preservation of professional reputation, public trust, and the quality of psychological care.
12. Advice from the department's teachers
Dear higher education students!
The Department of Psychology welcomes you on the path of professional development in the field of psychology - a field that combines scientific knowledge, practical responsibility and deep work with the human personality. Studying in the specialty "Psychology" is not only the acquisition of knowledge and methods, but also the process of forming a professional identity, ethical position and personal maturity.
We encourage you to be open to learning, professional dialogue, and new experiences, not be afraid to ask questions, acknowledge difficulties and mistakes, and gradually seek your own professional style. The department's learning space is designed as a safe environment for development, reflection, and professional growth.
The formation of a psychologist occurs gradually - through a combination of theoretical training, practical work, supervisory support, self-reflection and responsibility for one's own professional decisions. Important components of this process are adherence to ethical principles, academic integrity and readiness for continuous professional development.
The Department of Psychology supports you at all stages of your studies and encourages active, conscious participation in the educational process. We believe that teamwork, openness, and mutual responsibility will become a reliable foundation for the formation of competent, ethically responsible, and professionally mature psychologists.
We wish you success in your studies, professional inspiration, and sustainable development.