Jess Green
Early Years Educator
My degree has been really relevant in my work.
I did modules in educational psychology and developmental psychology, I use the theorists, theories and research on a daily basis, particularly the work by Vygotsky and Bowlby.
I also worked alongside some of my lecturers whilst they have been researching healthy eating in the early years and early physical development.
The skills I gained during my degree really help with report writing, analysing and applying recent research to my practice, alongside understanding statutory and non-statutory documents.
Post 16 Education: AS level English Literature; A Level Sociology, Psychology, PE & GS
Higher Education: BSc Social Psychology
Why did you choose Psychology?
I loved Psychology and Sociology at A Level and especially enjoyed being able to apply the theories and what I was learning to the world around me. Social Psychology for me was the perfect remedy for learning about how and why people behave as they do.
Jess' advice
There is often a lot of pressure to know what you want your career to be when you are in year 12. Spend your higher education pursuing what you are really passionate about.
Find out what you love and what you are not so keen on, then keep working towards what you love and let it develop.
A Levels can be difficult but just keep in mind where you are planning on being next. Put the work in now, it will be worth it!
Jess’ experience as a student
I loved studying at university, I really enjoyed the detailed focus on one topic with many different modules.
I chose Loughborough for the student experience, and for the high quality, personable teaching, it was clear that the lecturers knew their students well and were really approachable. On my first open day I got a great feeling for the campus and got a sense of the uniqueness of Loughborough, especially the halls experience, as well as the clubs, societies and opportunities that were available outside my degree. For me Loughborough offered so much more than just a formal education.
I was really involved with Action, the volunteering section at the students union and enjoyed being a volunteer, halls representative and project leader. I spent a lot of time volunteering and met some incredible people and made friends for life.
Jess’ Career
I am currently an early years educator.
I started volunteering through Action* at the University nursery in my first year and loved my time spent there. I then completed my placement year in a nursery working with children from birth to five. In my final year of studying for my degree I was the project leader for the campus nursery and worked there part time, working with the children and with volunteers.
I knew I wanted to work with children after working in a primary school and I returned to the campus nursery where I am now working. I’m about to embark on my early years teacher training PGCE.
* Each year Action offer students the opportunity to get involved in a diverse range of volunteering projects, from environmental activities to assisting in local schools. Find out more at https://lsu.co.uk/getinvolved/action
Loughborough University offer undergraduate BSc (Hons) degrees in:
Psychology, Psychology with Criminology, Psychology in Education, Sport and Exercise Psychology
Please note: Degrees and their titles change over time. Some of these graduates may have studied degrees that have evolved and changed in response to changes in demand from employers.