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Psychology graduate Darcy Smith joined Quirky Kid to build practical experience beyond university and gain a clearer understanding of child psychology work in a clinical setting.
Her placement exposed her to several parts of the organisation, from everyday clinic operations to assessment-related tasks and the development of mental health content.
From academic knowledge to practical experience
Darcy gained experience with assessment scoring, clinic support and research for child mental health and development content. She also had opportunities to observe aspects of clinical practice and learn from psychologists working directly with children and families.
For someone planning a future career in psychology, this helped connect university learning with the practical responsibilities, teamwork and professional standards involved in a functioning clinic.
Learning from practising psychologists
Darcy identified access to established psychologists as an important part of the placement. Conversations about clinical work and career pathways helped her better understand the options available after undergraduate psychology study.
The experience also reinforced the importance of professionalism, flexibility and continual learning within a multidisciplinary small-business environment.
Inside Quirky Kid
This story is part of Quirky Kid’s Inside Quirky Kid series, documenting how students and early-career professionals learn through supervised exposure to psychology practice, program delivery, publishing and resource development.
For Quirky Kid, placements are also an opportunity to contribute to the development of future psychology professionals by sharing the realities of clinical, operational and creative work behind child and family services.
