Rachel Pernet, psychologist and guidance counsellor, Corref

I took psychology at secondary school, with an excellent teacher, who made me want to study the subject in greater depth. The people around me could see me studying psychology too. I saw myself studying psychology at university or opting for a HES course. In the end I decided to do the Bachelor's degree at UNIL and I passed. The first year wasn't easy; it took me a while to adjust.

I liked research, but I wasn't motivated enough to do it all week. Nor did psychopathology appeal to me in the long term. I took the time to interview friends who had started their Masters, in various fields, to get an idea. I took a few courses at the Master's in Counselling Psychology and I liked the theory and the practical tools. At the start of the Masters, I wasn't sure what population I wanted to work with. However, I was interested in the subject of young people's integration: I did a dissertation on the period between the end of compulsory schooling and the start of vocational training. My aim was to highlight young people's resources rather than the factors that hold them back in their search for a career.

I did an internship at UNIL's careers and guidance service. I had the opportunity to take part in various services. First under supervision and then independently, I conducted guidance interviews, mainly in response to requests from students. I've also been on call, where the questions are more wide-ranging because a broad public has access to them (future students, students from other universities, graduates, etc.). I also had the opportunity to answer questions at events where UNIL was represented, and to take part in various workshops - on student working methods or the transition to employment.

You need to be able to build good relationships and have good people skills. It's also essential to be an active listener, to make sure you understand what's being asked. When you're in an interview, several tasks are carried out at the same time: talking and listing the realistic options that you're going to present to the consultants. A warm, calm personality is welcome; you need to think before you react. My advice for getting the most out of an internship would be to ask your supervisors questions and take notes to avoid asking the same questions over and over again. Finally, this type of work is very rewarding, you feel useful, and you need to be passionate about it, as the activity varies little over time.

I started applying for jobs during the last semester of my studies. I landed about 6 interviews, and I'd say that you have to prepare for them, and even be well prepared, by knowing what you want to put forward in your profile. And be authentic and consistent. It's useful to find out about the employer and the people who are interviewing you. The fact that I've had jobs as a student and voluntary work has helped me, I think, to round out my arguments. It's important to take a step back from each experience and ask yourself what you've gained from it.

I have two types of activity at Corref: one-to-one interviews with adults, particularly with a view to reintegration, and leading group workshops for women who want to return to work. My interest in disadvantaged groups is reflected in this job.