Toby Donaldson

I came in through a deep interest in human behaviour and its relation to psychological theory. I always found books like ‘Nudge’, ‘Thinking Fast and Slow’ and ‘Mindframes’ fascinating and had a natural interest in how people work. I read my BSc at the University of Leeds and then an MSc at ISCTE in Lisbon before getting into the workplace.

A degree from the School of Psychology has benefitted me in the workplace as knowledge of theories of human behaviour and how they can be applied is a hugely valuable skill in my field. I work on a range of behaviour change projects; encouraging people to recycle, not waste food and exhibit other socially positive behaviours. These were a key part of my studies at the School of Psychology.

If I could, the advice I would give to myself now whilst studying would be to tell myself to proactively follow what I’m interested in. The School of Psychology at the University of Leeds has some of the world’s leading experts in their field, who are always looking for students to get involved in research. Psychology is a very new science and one in which you can certainly carve out your own niche!