Stories about People

Paul Przytula

Hey there.

My name is Paul Przytula and I'm a 26 year old, recent graduate of the Masters of Clinical Psychology program here at Curtin University of Technology. I didn't always know that I wanted to be a psychologist and actually started out at 17 studying journalism and creative writing. That lasted a whole 12 months before I had a "young-life crisis" and realised that I pretty much hated the whole practice and ethos of journalism.

I decided to try my luck in various other courses at uni including business, psychology and social sciences. I also kept up the creative writing (because you just never know when that's going to come in handy). Psychology stood out above the rest so I switched to an undergraduate degree in it and did well enough to get into the fourth year Honours program. My dissertation was on unrealistic optimism and whether it relates to stage of change.

From there, I was accepted into the Masters of Clinical Psychology program which was a big eye opener for me. In particular, I really enjoyed the transition from theory to practice (which basically involved getting to work with real people). I was also lucky enough to meet another Masters student who became my girlfriend in first semester and we've been together ever since!

I did three placements during the program - specifically at the Kelmscott Child and Adolescence Mental Health Service, the Disability Services Commission and at the outpatient clinic at Bentley Hospital. Going on my first placement was a real challenge for me. I began asking myself whether I had what it takes to be a psychologist. Thankfully the answer seemed to be "Yes". At first I wanted to work with children but as it turns out, I now work with adults. Just after graduating, I successfully applied for a position as a registrar in the University Counselling Service. Essentially, my job is to work with staff and students on their presenting issues and problems - of which there are an exceptionally broad range. I'm lucky enough to work in an environment where I am faced with a host of challenges and have many opportunities to develop my skills. My co-workers are also very supportive and a great bunch of people.

I really enjoyed studying for my Masters. Murray Dyck had just started as head of the program and he provided good support. I also went through with a great bunch of classmates, and we are all still friends now. Like me, most of them were employed within the first three months of graduation, so depending on your interests, it's comforting to know that there are opportunities out there for new graduates.

Paul Przytula