EVENT TITLE: Becoming a Psychologist: First step into the world of Minds
DATE: 10th July 2025
DURATION: 1 hour
VENUE: B2 – S Block, SRM Ramapuram campus.
EVENT CONVENER: Dr. M. Kamaraj
EVENT COORDINATORS: Mrs.S.Vinitha
NO. OF PARTICIPANTS: 49

SUMMARY OF THE EVENT:
The orientation expert talk, led by Mrs. Ashwini Rao, an M.Phil.-qualified psychologist, aimed to
inspire and inform first-year psychology students about the realities and opportunities within the
field. With over seven years of experience in counselling, the speaker used an engaging, relatable,
and myth-busting approach to:

  • Dispel common misconceptions about psychology.
  • Introduce foundational psychological domains like human development, mental health,
    cognition, and behavioural science.
  • Highlight diverse career paths including clinical, counselling, organizational, and research
    roles.
  • Provide personal strategies for becoming a competent psychologist, including reflection,
    volunteering, and emotional self-care.
  • Emphasize the importance of standing out in a competitive field through skills like deep
    listening, observation, and early professional exposure.

OUTCOMES OF THE PROGRAM:
The expert talk session successfully achieved the following outcomes for both first and second-year
B.Sc. Psychology students:
1. Enhanced Conceptual Understanding:

  • Students developed a clear and realistic understanding of the scope of psychology, its
    scientific basis, and its diverse applications in personal, clinical, and organizational
    settings.
  • Myths surrounding psychology (e.g., psychologists can read minds, therapy is for the
    mentally ill, etc.) were effectively debunked, helping students distinguish fact from
    fiction.

2. Career Orientation and Clarity:

  • Students gained insights into various psychology career paths, including clinical,
    counselling, industrial-organizational, academic, and research domains.
  • They learned about the academic journey and practical competencies required for each
    career path, which helped in setting informed academic and professional goals.

3. Development of Self-Awareness and Skills:

  • Emphasis on journaling, reflective thinking, observation, and deep listening inspired
    students to engage in habits that build emotional intelligence and psychological
    insight.
  • Students recognized the importance of building emotional stamina and maintaining
    professional boundaries are critical for future practice in mental health fields.

4. Motivation to Engage Practically:

  • The talk encouraged students to pursue early internships, volunteer opportunities, and
    experiential learning in NGOs, schools, and healthcare settings.
  • Second-year students, in particular, resonated with the guidance on applying
    theoretical knowledge in real-world contexts.

5. Improved Peer Interaction and Identity Formation:

  • The interactive activities and relatable delivery style fostered a sense of belonging and
    excitement among students.
  • Students began reflecting on their role and identity as future psychologists,
    recognizing the need for ethical practice, ongoing learning, and personal growth.

6. Bridging First-Year Transition Gaps:

  • First-year students received a motivational and structured roadmap to begin their
    psychology journey with clarity and confidence.
  • The session helped ease academic transition anxiety and fostered enthusiasm for the
    subject.