Choosing to do a placement year was one of the best decisions I’ve made during my degree. I’ve spent the past year working as a research assistant in a psychology-based role, where I’ve had the chance to be involved in a variety of projects related to autism alongside other neurodiversity conditions, plus working with children with speech and language difficulties. My placement has given me the opportunity to try out many different aspects of research—from helping with literature reviews and ethics applications to working on data collection and analysis. I’ve also received training in some specialist assessments and have started gaining experience in working directly with both children and adults in research settings. One of the most enjoyable parts has been contributing to ongoing projects and seeing how research develops from initial ideas to real-world impact. Before starting, I received helpful support from the University of Reading, which guided me through the application process and helped to work on my CV and cover letters. Once on placement, I’ve had regular weekly check-ins with my supervisor and have also taken part in team meetings, which helped me stay on track and feel supported throughout. There has been plenty of opportunity to learn by doing, and the encouragement to ask questions and take initiative has really boosted my confidence. Overall, this experience has helped me develop a clearer idea of what I’d like to do after graduation. It’s shown me that I really enjoy research, especially in areas that can make a positive difference to people’s lives. I’ve improved skills I didn’t even realise I had—like writing for different audiences, staying organised, and working independently on tasks that carry real responsibility. If you're thinking about doing a placement, I’d definitely recommend it. It’s a great way to try something new, gain real experience, and explore what direction you might want to go in after university. If you’ve got any questions about what it’s like doing a placement year or want to chat more, feel free to reach out to me on Unibuddy!