Alumni Spotlight: Hamdah Alam - BSc Psychology 2022
Hamdah Alam, a BSc Psychology graduate speaks about what inspired her to study at Queen Mary and how her degree has shaped her career path.
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What inspired you to study Psychology at Queen Mary, and how did the course shape your career path up to this point?
The study of the mind and behaviour interested me due to its relevance in a variety of contexts, from education to workplaces, and I wanted to increase my knowledge of the subject to have a positive impact on others.
During my time studying Psychology at Queen Mary, I gained experience as an Administrative Assistant Intern at Mind Charity, which prompted me to join Mind Charity as an Employment Advisor after I had graduated. Through this role, I was able to help people with mental health challenges to find and retain meaningful work and manage their wellbeing in the workplace. The knowledge gained through this course and my awareness of mental health issues enabled me to succeed in this role and help my clients effectively.
I then sought a position in Workforce Consulting, in HR Technology and Transformation at PwC, helping organisations achieve their strategic goals and meet their distinct workforce needs. Studying Psychology has been extremely impactful in this role, helping clients to understand the needs of their people and navigate transformations with sensitivity.
Can you share a memorable experience from your time at Queen Mary—whether it was a research project, or a particular lecturer who had a big impact on you?
Studying the Business Psychology module with Dr Paraskevi Argyriou had a significant impact on me as it opened my mind to the varying career paths available to me. This led me to seek opportunities related to organisational psychology and human resources and ultimately, begin a career in Workforce Consulting.
How did your time at Queen Mary prepare you for your current role?
Throughout my time at Queen Mary, working independently on coursework while also working with colleagues on group projects strongly prepared me for my current role. My current role involves project work, which is often varied, and tasks can change from individual to collaborative. Cultivating this ability to own pieces of work while also being able to work closely with others during my time at university better enabled me to transition into the world of work.
What advice would you give to prospective students considering studying Psychology at Queen Mary?
It would be useful for prospective students to stay informed on current literature within the field of Psychology, and build their area of interest, as this will be beneficial for when they begin conducting research for their final year projects. I would also advise prospective students considering studying Psychology to explore the career opportunities available to Psychology graduates, and which opportunities align with their interests. I would encourage them to seek internships and part-time work opportunities prior to and during their time at university to develop their experience and skills.
What was your favourite thing about Queen Mary?
I really enjoyed how diverse Queen Mary was and still is. With multiple societies for students to get involved in and the safe spaces available for them to interact with each other, the university is a true reflection of the diversity in London that I am proud of.