The Psychology Career Compass Series – Part 2

by Web Admin | May 2, 2025 | Events and Announcements, Student Division (SD)

The Psychology Career Compass Series

On the 25th of March 2025, PsySSA proudly announced the launch of the Psychology Career Compass Series—a timely initiative recognising the need for accessible, practical, and contextually relevant career guidance. This series was developed as a trusted platform to support the professional growth of psychology students and graduates across South Africa, in line with PsySSA’s commitment to transformation, empowerment, and lifelong learning.

Launched with two foundational workshops—Post-Honours/Masters Pathways and Alternative Career Paths—the series offered in-depth insights into both HPCSA-accredited registration routes and innovative, non-traditional career opportunities where psychological expertise is highly valued. The sessions featured experienced professionals and academics who shared their career trajectories, practical advice, and key considerations for those looking to take their next steps with confidence.

Part 1 of the series was successfully hosted on 3rd April 2025, drawing significant engagement and positive feedback from attendees. Did you miss part 1? Watch the recording here.

Part 2 is just 6 days away, scheduled for 8th May 2025 from 18:00 to 20:00, and promises to further enrich participants’ understanding of the evolving landscape of psychology careers.

Part 2 will highlight that not every journey in psychology follows a straight line—and for many, the path beyond Honours or unsuccessful programme placements can still lead to a fulfilling, impactful career. This upcoming workshop is designed for students and early-career graduates who are exploring how to apply their psychology skills in innovative and non-traditional contexts.

Attendees will hear from professionals who have transitioned into dynamic roles across industries such as user experience, digital marketing, behavioural science, corporate training, research, and more. Through engaging discussions, these speakers will share how their psychology background positioned them for success, what additional skills or mindset shifts were needed, and how to leverage psychological training in fields outside of clinical or registered practice.

Part 2:

Beyond the Traditional Route: Exploring Alternative Careers in Psychology (8 May 2025)

Workshop Details

Date: 8 May 2025
Time: 18:00 – 20:00
Cost: Free
Online via Zoom

Not every journey in psychology follows a straight line—and for many, the path beyond Honours or unsuccessful programme placements can still lead to a fulfilling, impactful career. This workshop is designed for students and early-career graduates who are exploring how to apply their psychology skills in innovative and non-traditional contexts.

Join professionals who have transitioned into dynamic roles across industries such as user experience, digital marketing, behavioural science, corporate training, research, and more. Through engaging discussions, they will share how their psychology background positioned them for success, what additional skills or mindset shifts were needed, and how to leverage psychological training in fields outside of clinical or registered practice.

Click Here To RSVP

Meet the Presenters

Prof Ronelle Carolissen

PsySSA President

Leonie Vorster

Chairperson: Division for Research and Methodology (DRM)

Dr Sharon Truter

Neuropsychologist and Counselling Psychologist

Dr Momi Metsing

PsySSA: Executive Member; Chairperson: Society for Educational Psychology of South Africa (SEPSA)

Kgomotso Sekhute

Vice-chairperson: The South African Society for Clinical Psychology (SASCP)

Barry Viljoen

Vice-Chairperson: Psychology in Public Service (PiPS)

Dr Ewald Crause

Interim Chairperson: Artificial Intelligence Division (AID)

Fatima Peters

Divisional Additional Executive Member: Climate and Environment Psychology (CEPD) & Division for Research and Methodology (DRM)

Anne Kramers-Olen

Secretary & Treasurer: Psychology in Public Service (PiPS)

Lynne Richards

Chairperson: Trauma & Violence Division

8th Southern African Students’ Psychology Conference – Abstract Submissions Extended- 30 April 2025

by Web Admin | Apr 23, 2025 | Psychology Events, PsySSA Announcements, PsySSA Congress, Student Division (SD)

Attention Students!

Great news! We’ve heard your requests and are excited to let you know that the abstract submission deadline for the upcoming Student Conference has been extended to 30 April.

If you haven’t submitted your abstract yet, now’s your chance to be part of this inspiring event. Don’t miss the opportunity to share your work and connect with fellow students and professionals in the field!

Check out the submission details below and get yours in before the new deadline.

PsySSA & UNISA ARE PROUD TO PRESENT:

8TH SOUTHERN AFRICAN STUDENTS’ PSYCHOLOGY CONFERENCE

The Psychological Society of South Africa (PsySSA), in partnership with the University of South Africa (UNISA), is excited to invite students, researchers, and emerging scholars to the 8th Southern African Students’ Psychology Conference 2025. This exciting event provides a dynamic platform for students to showcase their research, engage in intellectual discourse, and connect with fellow psychology enthusiasts and professionals.

Conference Theme: Healing inter-and-transgenerational trauma: A Place for psychology in Africa’s future
Date: 8 – 10 July 2025
Venue: Kgorong building, Unisa Muckleneuk Campus, Pretoria, South Africa.

This conference aims to explore the psychological challenges faced by today’s youth, with a focus on the impacts of intragenerational trauma and pressing social issues, while emphasising psychology’s critical role in healing the trauma. The approach is to integrate both indigenous knowledge systems and western psychological perspectives. The conference aims to propose culturally relevant interventions to tackle the psychosocial impacts of past and ongoing inequalities. The focus will be on the current state of the field and looking ahead, examining the future of psychology in Africa and how it can evolve to foster healing and resilience in the generations to come.

Call For Abstracts Are Now Open!

We welcome submissions from undergraduate and postgraduate students across diverse psychology-related disciplines. Whether you have original research, case studies, or innovative theoretical contributions, this is your chance to contribute to meaningful discussions shaping the future of psychology.

Abstract submissions close on 15 April 2025.

Click Here To Submit Your Abstract

Student Division: Masters in Counselling Psychology Workshop

by Web Admin | Mar 10, 2025 | Events and Announcements, Student Division (SD)

Masters in Counselling Psychology Workshop

The PsySSA Student Division presents a workshop on Masters in Counselling Psychology Workshop. This will be an interactive, three-hour session, and we are excited to help participants prepare for the application, selection, and interview processes with confidence.

Workshop Details:

Date: Saturday, 15 March 2025
Time: 09:00 – 11:00
Platform: Zoom
Cost: Free

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain insights and prepare for success!

Click Here To RSVP

Selina Masetle

Intern Counseling psychologist Charis Psychological Services

Autobiography and Motivational Letter
Individual Panel Interview: Possible Questions and Approach
Role Play

Katlego Senoelo

Intern Counselling psychologist: Charis Psychological Services

Self-awareness and Personal Development Preparation Strategies
Realistic Expectations
Managing Uncertainty and Exploring Alternative Pathways

Martha Moagi

Intern Counselling Psychologist: UFH

Category-Specific Knowledge: Counselling Psychology
Research Interview
Group Interview: Case Study and Approaches

Presenting at an Academic Conference: A Workshop for Students by Student Division

by Web Admin | Mar 4, 2025 | Events and Announcements, Student Division (SD)

Presenting at an Academic Conference: A Workshop for Students

The PsySSA Student Division presents a pertinent workshop on Presenting at an Academic Conference as part of the 8th Southern African Students’ Psychology Conference, organised by UNISA in partnership with PsySSA. This is the only free pre-conference workshop, designed to equip students with essential skills for the entire conference presentation process—from writing and submitting an abstract to delivering a confident and professional presentation.

Workshop Details:

Date: Tuesday, 18 March 2025
Time: 18:00
Platform: Zoom
Cost: Free

Whether you’re new to academic conferences or looking to refine your skills, this session will guide you through abstract writing, submission processes, and effective presentation techniques.

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain insights and prepare for success!

Click Here To RSVP

8th Southern African Students’ Psychology Conference

by Web Admin | Feb 18, 2025 | Psychology Events, PsySSA Announcements, PsySSA Congress, Student Division (SD)

PsySSA & UNISA ARE PROUD TO PRESENT:

8TH SOUTHERN AFRICAN STUDENTS’ PSYCHOLOGY CONFERENCE

The Psychological Society of South Africa (PsySSA), in partnership with the University of South Africa (UNISA), is excited to invite students, researchers, and emerging scholars to the 8th Southern African Students’ Psychology Conference 2025. This exciting event provides a dynamic platform for students to showcase their research, engage in intellectual discourse, and connect with fellow psychology enthusiasts and professionals.

Conference Theme: Healing inter-and-transgenerational trauma: A Place for psychology in Africa’s future
Date: 8 – 10 July 2025
Venue: Kgorong building, Unisa Muckleneuk Campus, Pretoria, South Africa.

This conference aims to explore the psychological challenges faced by today’s youth, with a focus on the impacts of intragenerational trauma and pressing social issues, while emphasising psychology’s critical role in healing the trauma. The approach is to integrate both indigenous knowledge systems and western psychological perspectives. The conference aims to propose culturally relevant interventions to tackle the psychosocial impacts of past and ongoing inequalities. The focus will be on the current state of the field and looking ahead, examining the future of psychology in Africa and how it can evolve to foster healing and resilience in the generations to come.

Call For Abstracts Are Now Open!

We welcome submissions from undergraduate and postgraduate students across diverse psychology-related disciplines. Whether you have original research, case studies, or innovative theoretical contributions, this is your chance to contribute to meaningful discussions shaping the future of psychology.

Abstract submissions close on 15 April 2025.

Click Here To Submit Your Abstract

Student Division: Plan Your Commitments Wisely: It’s More Than Just Time

by Web Admin | Jan 31, 2025 | Student Division (SD)

Plan Your Commitments Wisely: It’s More Than Just Time

At the start of the year, it’s tempting to say yes to every exciting opportunity—new projects, extracurriculars, team roles—you name it. And sure, on paper, it might look like everything fits into your schedule. But have you considered the hidden costs of your commitments?

When you commit to something, it’s not just about time. Energy, accountability, and trade-offs matter just as much. Before saying yes, ask yourself:

Does this align with my priorities?
Is this more important than your current goals, like academic success or personal wellbeing?
What’s the long-term energy cost?
Will you still have the capacity to follow through, even when combined with other commitments?
Are there accountability factors?
Will others rely on you? If you drop the ball, how will it affect them?

Here’s the truth:

✔ Just because it fits your schedule doesn’t mean it fits your life.

✔ Saying yes to something now often means saying no to something else later. If your schedule is already full, you may have to let go of commitments or miss out on new opportunities that come your way.

✔ Overcommitting doesn’t just affect you—it impacts the people who depend on you.

Keep an eye out for Part 2!

In our follow-up post, we’ll delve into how to leave room for flexibility and deal with changing commitments throughout the year.

It’s good to have enthusiasm and energy, especially as students. Embrace your opportunities—but plan wisely to avoid burning out. Your time and energy are valuable, so invest them where it matters most.