Future guide: from studying psychology to becoming a psychologist
Are you studying psychology at university? If so, it is a good idea to start thinking now about the kind of psychologist you want to become and what you need to do to get there.
Four steps to your future as a psychologist
Step 1: Explore different fields of work
Psychologists work in many different places. During your studies, start exploring the fields that interest you. Keep an open mind.
Step 2: Enrol in a postgraduate programme
When you graduate from university, you have a solid academic foundation, but little practical experience. Pursuing a postgraduate programme is an excellent way to build your professional skills.
Step 3: Register
With a postgraduate degree, you can register with a professional association. This professional registration demonstrates to employers and/or clients that you meet certain educational requirements, but also that you are committed to the standards of the profession.
Step 4: Work according to the standards of your professional group
When practising your profession, you are expected to be aware of the shared norms and values of the professional group, which together form the professional standard.
The NIP and SPS-NIP
For more than 80 years, the Dutch Institute of Psychologists (NIP) has been the largest professional association of psychologists in the Netherlands, with around 17,000 members. The NIP is committed to psychologists as professionals and to psychology as a discipline. Psychology students gather in the SPS-NIP section. They are committed to the professional and personal development of psychology students.
For just a few tens of pounds a year, you can become a member as a student. This allows you to build or expand your network. You also get the opportunity to meet psychologists working in different fields, for example by attending meetings or becoming active in the board of one of the sections. In addition, there are various NIP working groups that you can join. This will help you prepare for your future in the best possible way. More than 3,000 students have already joined!