Mischa Resnick is studying a MSc Psychoanalytic Developmental Psychology at UCL Division of Psychology and Language Sciences.
1. What is your educational background?
I came to UCL as a mature student, having studied BA Communication & Cultural Studies back in Western Australia, where I grew up. I worked for nearly ten years in education and the performing arts before deciding to apply for this course. I continue to work part-time as a teaching assistant in a primary school as well as studying.
2. What are your motivations for pursuing a graduate-level qualification?
I felt limited in my position as a teaching assistant and wanted to develop my knowledge and skills in working with children. I want to pursue a career in child and adolescent psychotherapy and my MSc is a stepping-stone towards that, but the course itself has been hugely valuable in my current work with children and my understanding of child development and psychoanalysis.
3. Why did you apply to UCL for graduate study?
UCL and the Anna Freud Centre have a fantastic reputation. I have had friends who have studied at UCL in the past and they all said good things about it. It really is a world-class university with interesting and inspiring people coming from all over the world to work, study and carry out research.
4. What is the best thing about your course?
The people: staff, students and researchers I have met on my course have been great to work with. I have learnt so much from them and really value the discussions we have had. I've made life-long friendships with people from all over the world.
5. What do you find interesting about your field of study and what inspires you?
Developmental psychology is such a vital area of study and research. It has given me a whole new perspective on working with children. I find the discussions and debates about how the mind develops fascinating and I'm inspired by how much there is still to learn and understand about the developing minds of children.
6. What are your career plans once you’ve completed your current programme of study at UCL?
I plan to apply for the Doctorate in Psychotherapy (Child and Adolescent Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy) through UCL/Anna Freud Centre/Independent Psychoanalytic Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy Association. I would like to be involved with the clinical work and research at the Anna Freud Centre and work for the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service.
7. Do you think studying at UCL Faculty of Brain Sciences is a good investment?
Absolutely, I feel very privileged to be on this course and I believe it will open many doors for me in the future. Within the faculty there are many projects that will enrich our understanding of the human mind and I'm excited to be a small part of that.
8. Have you undertaken any networking opportunities either as part of your degree or outside of your studies?
We have regular workshops in which professionals from the Anna Freud Centre and affiliated institutions come to discuss their clinical work and/or research and it has been a great opportunity to meet professionals working in the industry and to network.
9. What is it like studying in London and how do you think it has benefited your studies?
I love living, studying and working in London. It is a fast-paced, inspiring and engaging city. There are many valuable resources for whatever field of study you are involved in. London is a hub of activity that draws people from all over the world. Being based at the Anna Freud Centre, a place filled with history, has been a wonderful experience that you cannot find elsewhere.
10. Has there been an element of your degree programme that has impressed you or been particularly valuable?
It has been great to be a part of the community at the Anna Freud Centre, where clinicians are doing valuable work and research is being developed by staff and students. It has also been great to be a part of the Faculty of Brain Sciences at UCL, and to contribute to that community.
11. Is there anything else you would like to say about your time at the Faculty of Brain Sciences?
There is a great deal of support for all students at UCL and particularly on my course. I value the help I have received from the staff, who work really hard to make the student experience the best it can be, and to ensure that students are reaching their goals. The academic and administrative staff do everything they can to provide quality teaching and learning experiences.