Ross studied for a master's degree in Organisational Psychology at City, University of London, and graduated in 2015.
Why did you choose postgraduate study at City, University of London?
I wanted to do postgraduate study to get more out of my career and make more of an impact in the workplace. I chose City because of the top quality lecturers and the professionalism of the open day.
How is postgraduate study different from undergraduate study? Was the transition hard?
I'm a bit unusual – my first degree in psychology finished in 1991, I then did an MSc in HR Management in 2003 and decided to return to study again in 2014. My undergrad days are a distant memory – I enjoyed the challenge and rigour of the MSc at City.
My most enjoyable aspect of my course was the lectures as a space to learn and also share ideas and experiences.
Was it hard to get back into education after time off working?
I worked for 20 years between the two! It was a challenge but not impossible.
What is your role now? Could you describe a typical day/week?
I have a portfolio career which includes:
Leading on senior recruitment, coaching and psychological wellbeing at an agency of HM Treasury;
Leadership coaching in the public and private sector;
Research associate at City – I work with Dr Paul Flaxman designing and delivering interventions to enhance personal resilience in the workplace based upon Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
Founder of a small consultancy (with two classmates from the MSc) ACT3 Psychology – dedicated to cultivating psychological flexibility in the workplace. Between us we are working with clients as diverse as Uber and Ballet Rambert!
What do you enjoy about your current job?
I love sharing evidence based insights and skills with organisations and individuals.
If you could give one piece of advice to a prospective City student, what would it be?
Aside from "do it" I'd recommend throwing yourself into the course as much as you can – the time will pass in a flash.
Date of interview: