Clinical psychologist Megan returns to college to inspire future careers

A paediatric clinical psychologist at the trust has returned to the college where she first studied psychology, to help inspire students who may be considering a future career in the profession.

Dr Megan Rowley recently visited Bridgwater College, where she studied psychology as a teenager, to talk to students about her journey into clinical psychology and what the role is really like day-to-day.

Megan says the idea came about after one of her former lecturers got in touch and asked if she would be willing to come back to speak to current students.

“I actually went to Bridgwater College myself, and I studied psychology there,” she says. “At the time, I was really interested in clinical psychology, but I didn’t actually know what a clinical psychologist did.”

Megan explains that while she knew it was the direction she wanted to go in, she would have valued hearing directly from someone working in the role.

“I remember thinking I wanted to do clinical psychology, but I didn’t have the experience of somebody coming in to talk about what the job is like,” she says.

“I felt that would have been really helpful, so when my old lecturer reached out, I thought it was a great opportunity.

During the session, Megan talked students through her route from college to university and into her current NHS role, as well as giving a “day in the life” overview of working as a paediatric clinical psychologist.

“I wanted to give them a realistic picture of what the role involves,” she says. “Hopefully it gives them an idea of what a clinical psychologist actually does, rather than it feeling quite vague or abstract.”

Megan has now run the session twice, two years apart, and says the response has been really positive both times.

“There are students who are starting to think about university, and others who are at the point of finalising their UCAS applications,” she says.

“It’s quite a timely point for them, and they really value the chance to ask questions and think about whether this is the right path for them.

“Students are often keen to understand how a career in psychology develops over time, and what it might look like beyond education.

“The feedback has always been that it’s helpful to see how I’ve gone from being in college to where I am now in my NHS role, and how that could look for them in their own careers.”

Megan says being open and honest about her experiences is an important part of the conversation. “I talked about the fact that I had a bit of a love‑hate relationship with research methods,” she says. “Research is an important part of psychology, and I did struggle with it at times, but I think it’s helpful for students to hear this, and that you can grow into parts of the subject you find challenging.”

One student told Megan that hearing her talk had helped them visualise what life might be like as a clinical psychologist, and how that progression could look for them in the future.

For Megan, the visits are also about giving something back. “It’s nice to support young people who are thinking about going into psychological professions,” she says.

“And it’s not just those interested in psychology, as there are students thinking about a wider health route who can see how psychology links into other work and with other professionals”

She also shared information with students about work experience opportunities at the trust and where to find out more about different health professions.

“I’m glad that I’m able to give something back to the college that supported me,” Megan adds. “And if it encourages even a few students to think about a career in psychology, then that feels really worthwhile.”

Students at Bridgwater College said Megan’s visit gave them a valuable insight into what a career in clinical psychology can look like in practice.

During the session, Megan talked through her journey from studying psychology at the college to completing her undergraduate, master’s and doctoral training at the University of Exeter, sharing her experiences of working in the field and the research involved along the way.

Students were given the opportunity to ask questions at the end of the talk, including about training routes, day‑to‑day work and balancing the academic and practical demands of the profession.

A second‑year psychology student at the college, fed back: “I found the talk really interesting because I could see what life might be like for a real clinical psychologist. It was great to see Megan’s progression and how that could look for me.”

Jason Gunningham, Principal of Bridgwater College, adds: "Our A Level students found Megan’s visit incredibly inspiring, and it was fantastic to welcome her back to Bridgwater College.

“Hearing directly from a former student who has gone on to become a clinical psychologist not only gives a real insight into the range of careers psychology can lead to, but also makes those futures feel genuinely achievable.

“When students can see someone who once sat where they sit now, and hear honestly about the journey, challenges and rewards, it builds their confidence that they can take those steps too.

“Sessions like this are invaluable in raising aspirations and helping our young people visualise what their own next chapters might look like."