To start off, say a little about yourself, your interests, undergraduate degree and what you are doing now.  “I recently graduated from UNB with a Bachelor of Arts degree with Honours in Psychology. I am currently working as a summer student at Liberty Lane, a non-profit that offers second stage housing and outreach programs for women and children who have left family violence. I will soon be heading off to Queen’s University to start the first year of my Master of Science in Clinical Psychology.”

How did you choose to get involved on campus and in the community?  “There are ample opportunities to get involved on UNB campus and in the Fredericton community – so much so that it can be difficult to know where to start! Throughout my undergraduate degree, I was a member of the UNB tennis team, a volunteer with OPAL Family Services, and the President of the Undergraduate Psychology Society. Extracurricular activities are such a great way to meet new people and have some fun outside of school.”

How did you prepare for the application process?  “The application process for graduate studies can certainly be daunting, but it is manageable if you take it one step at a time. I had to hold myself accountable by setting personal deadlines and reaching out for support when I needed it. It is definitely a marathon, not a sprint.”

What’s your most important piece of advice for students wishing to pursue graduate school?  “Although pursuing graduate studies may be the end goal, it is important to be fully present during your undergraduate degree and enjoy the process of preparing for applications. Seek opportunities to get involved in relevant areas, and you will be soon amazed at how you have grown, both personally and professionally.”

How did you gain experience in the field during undergrad in order to better your chances of being a successful applicant?  “To prepare myself for graduate research endeavours, I aimed to accrue experience working with advanced aspects of the research process. I volunteered in three labs within the psychology department at UNB and worked as a research assistant for two summers in positions funded by student grants obtained through the New Brunswick Health Research Foundation. I have had the opportunity to prepare and present two research posters at two national conferences, and I am an author on the manuscripts for both of these projects, which we are currently submitting for publication. Taken together, the experience these opportunities have afforded me is immensely valuable in terms of preparing me to be a junior researcher in a Clinical Psychology MA/PhD program.  My current research interests centre on the relationship between life stress and the development/ progression of depression. This is a slight deviation from my past experiences, in which I focused on the potential for physical exercise to supplement traditional psychotherapeutic methods in the treatment of psychopathology. In addition to my research experience, I have been employed in numerous positions working closely with clinical populations in various capacities. I am trained in administering the Structured Clinical Interview for the DSM-5 (SCID-5) and have conducted a number of SCID-5 assessments as part of a CIHR-funded randomized clinical trial comparing disorder-specific to transdiagnostic CBT. Through my work at a provincial helpline, I gained training in applied suicide intervention, which I employed regularly when collaborating with allied professionals to provide crisis intervention, referrals, and vital health information to residents of New Brunswick. I have also worked as a Family Support Worker, implementing behavioural management strategies and promoting community engagement among youth and adults with intellectual and physical disabilities. In these areas, I was able to apply and practice clinical skills, ultimately growing my confidence in my interpersonal abilities and professional demeanour.”

What are you most excited for in graduate school?  “I am really excited to explore a new city and immerse myself in a new line of research!”

Anna can be reached at agallag1@unb.ca for further questions.