Jade Drain

Current Employer/Organisation Name

Livewell Southwest

What have you been doing since leaving Exeter, and what are you doing now?

In the summer after graduating I did an internship with the Sport Psychology department. Following that I completed 6 months in a Place of Safety completing mental health act assessments, during this time I also had experience on acute mental health wards, psychiatric intensive care unit and a mother and baby unit. Then after this 6 months I joined my current team as a trainee psychological wellbeing practitioner, where I have since qualified and am now specialising in trauma, long term conditions and also becoming a supervisor.

Why did you choose this career? And what do you enjoy most about your work?

I chose this career because it involved patient work very soon out of undergraduate and also gives me the opportunity for career progression, as following 2 years in this role I can progress to become a fully accredited cognitive behavioural therapist. I enjoy being able to see patients all the way through from assessment to the end of treatment and seeing the positive differences in their mood and life.

Please tell us if you were a member of any societies, groups or sports clubs?

I was part of the Exeter University Ladies Football Club during all 3 years of my undergraduate.

What did you enjoy most about your programme and what was the biggest highlight?

I enjoyed the variety of modules as it helped me understand what I had the most interest in by the end of my degree so I could pick a career path. In 3rd year most of the modules were optional which was a highlight as I got to specialise in my specific interests.

What did you enjoy most about studying here?

I enjoyed the campus and the city, everything in Exeter is in walking distance so you get to enjoy studies but also get to explore the beauty of Devon.

Why did you choose to study at Exeter?

I chose Exeter due to my combined honours only being offered at certain universities and Exeter stood out in terms of quality of teaching, lecturers and location.

What skills and experiences have been most useful for your career?

Internships throughout university. Being on a mental health ward as you get to see such a variety of mental health disorders and how they present really giving an insight into any future mental health work.

What advice would you give to a current student who wishes to pursue your career?

Get work experience or volunteering opportunities as much as possible.

What are your plans for the future?

To progress in my current role as a PWP and supervisor. Then I am to move forward to train as a high intensity cognitive behavioural therapist.