Gaining recognition as an early career occupational psychologist

Earlier this year, Jordan Buxton, Senior Consultant at WPG, was recognised with the Early Career Award from the British Psychological Society (BPS). We caught up with Jordan to talk about the award, her journey so far, and the advice she has for aspiring occupational psychologists.

Recognising excellence in occupational psychology

The BPS’ Excellence in Occupational Psychology Awards recognise outstanding contributions in the field, whatever someone’s career stage. Categories range from student awards through to outstanding contribution to occupational psychology, with Jordan winning in the early career category, open to those within their first five years of practice.

Jordan’s nomination came from WPG’s founding directors, Professor Fiona Patterson and Dr Máire Kerrin, for Jordan’s work on the New Medical Schools Evaluation Project. The project, which had a real-world policy impact, had also been shared in articles and presented widely at conferences.

The award nomination, also required three testimonials which came from Professor Jennifer Cleland, Vice-Dean of Education at Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine in Singapore, Professor Steve Woods, Professor of Work and Organisational Psychology and Head of Department of People and Organisations, University of Surrey, and Professor Elizabeth Hughes, who at the time was Medical Director of Undergraduate Education at NHS England (NHSE).

The award recognised Jordan’s commitment to the BPS values of respect, competence, responsibility and integrity, principles that underpin high-quality occupational psychology practice.

“It never really felt like it was about me,” Jordan reflects. “This was a team project, and the impact was what really mattered. But it was nice to see the recognition, and I was then invited to present at the BPS Division of Occupational Psychology conference as a result of the award.”

A surprise win

Jordan was actually at the British Psychological Society’s DOP Conference, presenting on the work she’d been nominated for when she found out. “I was presenting at the time and my phone started ringing, and it was Fiona telling me I’d won the award.” For Jordan, the news of the award win came just four years into her career. 

Linking learning to practice

In 2019, Jordan graduated with her MSc in Organisational Psychology accredited by the BPS, so this award shows how the ethics and practices she learned are now usable in her day-to-day career.

Like many early-career psychologists, she’s now working towards Chartership, the professional qualification that marks full practitioner status. Like the award, the focus of chartership is on aligning with BPS values.

“When I was doing my MSc, it was really drilled into us that we’d start our chartership straight away, but actually that isn’t what happens in practice. It’s sometimes helpful to get some experience across different projects first, which doesn’t come straight away”

Advice for aspiring occupational psychologists

Looking back on the years since completing her MSc, Jordan shares three pieces of advice for students and early-career professionals:

1. Find out what aspects of occupational psychology you enjoy, what your interests are, and where your strengths lie. Because obviously, when you finish your Master’s, a lot of people go into very different areas.”

2. “Consider the size of the company where you want to work, and if that’s in-house or consultancy. I love working in a small consultancy because I get to see every different area of the business and input into strategy.”

3. “Find a mentor or someone who inspires you within occupational psychology and speak to them. Building connections is really important. I’ve been very fortunate to draw on the expertise of our directors, Máire and Fiona”

A career path with surprises

Jordan admits that when she completed her MSc, she thought she’d probably move roles every few years as that seemed like the done thing, but has now been part of the team at WPG for five years, starting out as a Psychologist, then a Consultant and now working as a Senior Consultant. 

“Because I get so much variety in my job by working at a small consultancy firm, it keeps it fresh and exciting. I never get bored, and that’s what’s kept me here.”

Why early recognition matters

For Jordan, one of the most exciting aspects of winning was showing that impact and recognition can come early in a psychologist’s career.

“Students often think awards and recognition are only for people decades into their careers. But actually, you can make an impact really early on, and I don’t even know if people know the awards really exist. It’s important that they do.”

 

Congratulations again to Jordan on this well-deserved recognition. At WPG, we’re proud to have seen her career develop and continue to support other early-career professionals in their career progression.