Erica Hepper BSc Psychology, MSc Research Methods in Psychology, PhD in PsychologyBSc (2003), MSc (2004), PhD (2007)

My studies at Southampton have enabled me to develop skills in a whole host of areas, given me confidence in implementing these skills, and taught me to multi-task—essential in an academic job!

Q: Why did you choose to undertake your studies at the University of Southampton?

I first chose to study Psychology simply because I found the subject fascinating. I’ve always wondered what makes people tick, and how we can understand ourselves and others better – and I’m still just as fascinated! Studying for the BSc at Southampton taught me that scientific methods can help us find answers to these questions, and I particularly enjoyed the research elements of the course. This led me to do an MSc followed by a PhD, focusing on the links between attachment styles in adult relationships and the maintenance of high or low self-esteem.

Q: What additional activities did you get involved with alongside your course?

During my time as a postgraduate, I was able to gain a range of valuable experiences. I worked as a part-time research assistant, which was a great opportunity to work with a different team on different social psychology topics. I presented my research at a conference in Crete and gained funding to do an advanced statistics course while there. I also worked as a teaching assistant, running tutorials on several undergraduate modules and delivering guest lectures.

Q: How did the course assist your future career?

Through my research assistant job, I learned of an upcoming one-year postdoctoral Research Fellow position funded by an Economic and Social Research Council grant. I was keen to stay at Southampton because it’s one of the top centres for social psychology in the UK, so I applied for the job and started it after my PhD. I was able to develop my own research during that year and now continue to collaborate with this team, applying for further funding from the ESRC and charities to support my research. My current role includes a balance of research, teaching on the BSc and MSc courses, and admin (e.g., I run a Voluntary Research Assistant scheme for undergraduates).

Q: What do you enjoy about your current job?

One thing I love about my job is the variety. I collaborate with colleagues so it’s a sociable job, and travel around the world to present our findings. I also find it rewarding to contribute to the next generation of psychologists by teaching and supervising students. The job is flexible and self-directed—not only can I choose what direction to take my research in, but I can also often choose what to work on each day.

Q: What do you feel you have achieved as a result of studying here?

My studies at Southampton have enabled me to develop skills in a whole host of areas, given me confidence in implementing these skills, and taught me to multi-task—essential in an academic job! My advice to students who might be interested in an academic career would be to seek out a range of experiences. Work on slightly different research topics with different people in your area, travel to conferences or other institutions, and gain teaching experience. This will give you a sense of what a future job will be like, and build up contacts, which are essential when job-hunting. Fixed-term “postdoc” positions are a common step in the UK between finishing a PhD and getting a permanent academic job as a lecturer. They will give you the opportunity to develop a good record of research publications which is essential if you want a job in a research-oriented institution.