Attending the virtual BPS- Department of Occupational Psychology conference 2021

'Make up on, laptop open and link at the ready, phone near for connecting on LinkedIn, note pad and pen for important notes and children entertained so I can evolve in peace.. I believe I am ready!'.

As a student of Organisational and Occupational Psychology I jumped at the opportunity to attend the virtual event to see what the event offered and how I could be in a position to attend and hopefully present in the future.

Seeing the 8.30am welcome networking I was dazed as I had become accustom to waking early but not getting dressed and making myself presentable. Knowing myself from personal experience the power of networking I made sure I was sat waiting at my laptop at 8.20am to ensure I could get connected and check out the programme used for the event.

As like many I have had to get used to online programmes for study, meetings and networking so I was intrigued to see how the DOP would run. Turns out they picked the perfect platform!

The timetable was set, and you had a very useful timer for you to know when to enter the next session. As this was online, I was able to manage to watch the conference and deal with my two children. There were separate chances to network with 9-minute session where you were randomly allocated, and it became fun when you began to recognise people in the group. The second morning networking I was in the same group 3 times with 2 others (I take it most people wanted the lie in).

The keynote speakers were fantastic, with Herminia Ibarra kicking off the session about Identity and Transition. This actually fed in really well with what I have covered so far on my master’s programme. I kept finding myself taking notes and relating back to my own experiences and how I could entwine them with this new knowledge. I also felt uplifted that this was indeed what I was searching for when I decided to attend.

Personal stories were also shared which was again fascinating to see the wide scope and variety within the field. Seeing career development and so much motivation and passion for the field too made me confident this was the right career path for me.

My fabulous personal tutor from my undergrad and now master was a speaker and I was a very proud Northumbria Student to say the least. Vicki Elsey is the reason I came in the field and someone I admire and look up to. Through Vicki I have learnt how to network and made some of the most beneficial connections… some of who were also speaking at the event and I felt honoured to already be in the loop.

For example, Nikita Mikhavilov and the amazing work, he and his team are doing to develop Psychology at work where they present so much information about job opportunities (as a student its refreshing to see the options and variety of job titles). The do online events of which I have attended, and they are so informative, even if you cant attend you are sent a recorded link! Follow the hashtag #psychtalent for updates. Also mentioned was the Emerging Occ Psychs Initiative, of which I am lucky to have my very own mentor through the initiative and I have been matched 100% with someone who I can relate to. Highly recommend to any student to get in touch with Nikita to find out more.

Then there was a talk with a panel including Dr Nancy Doyle who I follow due to the company Genius Within as I am really interested in neurodiversity in the workplace being a dyslexic myself. I also got to network by sheer luck with a college at Genius Within and I am now looking at options to become a coach one of my many ways to give back.

Dr Fiona Pattersons who runs Psychology Work Group was also a speaker and I had recently applied for a work experience role with the company after reading about them and being inspired by their work and the commitment to their staff. Definitely a company to check out.

One of the masterminds behind the event, Simon Toms from Psychology Consultancy Limited is also in my current network as I was successful to be accepted onto PCL student sponsorship programme to support my thesis using their amazing Psychometric tools, another company worthy of viewing.

I came across a Richard Plenty and his book Uncertainty Rules by himself and Terri Morrissey. I promptly ordered myself a copy and will post a review when I complete it. Its always interesting to read up and learn more about the views of others and then take my views and combine the two.

There was also a talk about a peer circles opportunity with Beth McManus and Taslim Tharani. They are holding a peer enquiry so check out LinkedIn for more details. This sparked my interest as I myself as a student rep for 4 years found that students from all forms of psychology need a networking space so I set one up in December and hope to grow its value over the next year for any level of student with an interest in Psychology.

We heard from MP, DR Lisa Cameron who is a Psychologist and raises issues around mental health and diversity and inclusion. She talked about getting involved with subjects that matter to you, looking at the All party Parliamentary Groups. Bringing together the research of Psychology to the government to make policy and promote positive change.

I also networked with some amazing people who I will keep in touch with and have already spoke to a few and booked in virtual coffee mornings. Some of which were students, but a large proportion were actually working in the field. One contact, Darryl Howles MSc led me to a group he set up on LinkedIn called Strategic Business Networking, well worth requesting to join for the information and job opportunities. It can never hurt to have a few networking options.

I hope to work closely with the other groups that have been set up to provide links and share support. Overall, I gained more than I imagined. Yes it was a very long two days staring at my laptop screen but personally it was worth it. I know I will attend again… in person or virtually.

Always see events are opportunities, the worst that can happen is you confirm what you already knew, best outcome is you learn so much more, find new amazing people and take one step closer to living your best life.

Best wishes, with an abundance of positive vibes for 2021 and beyond,

Abigail