Yes, including your previous work experience, especially if it spans a significant period, can be beneficial when preparing a CV for a clinical psychology Ph.D. application. While your academic achievements and research experiences are crucial for demonstrating your potential as a researcher, your work experience can showcase valuable skills and qualities that are relevant to a Ph.D. program in clinical psychology.
Customer service and tech support roles can provide you with transferable skills that are valuable in clinical psychology, such as communication skills, empathy, problem-solving abilities, and the ability to work with diverse populations. These skills are essential in conducting research, working with patients or clients, and collaborating with other professionals in the field.
When listing your work experience on your CV, consider providing a brief description of your responsibilities and accomplishments in those roles. Focus on how your experiences have developed skills that are relevant to clinical psychology. For example:
- Highlight any experiences that involved active listening, conflict resolution, or managing difficult situations, as these skills are valuable in clinical settings.
- Mention experiences that required you to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds, as cultural competence is essential in clinical psychology.
- Emphasize your ability to adapt and learn new technologies, as this may be relevant to data analysis or using specialized software in clinical psychology research.
Remember to tailor your CV to the specific requirements of the Ph.D. program you are applying to. If the program values clinical experience or is research-focused, you can adjust the emphasis on your work experience accordingly. Always provide accurate and clear information about your work history, and make sure to highlight the aspects that showcase your potential as a successful clinical psychology Ph.D. candidate.