Hello. I am Shreya Mittal, a 2nd-year student at SGT University pursuing a BSc in Clinical Psychology (Hons. with Research). I have always found psychology intriguing since high school, and I wanted to make a career as a psychologist. Out of the distinct branches of psychology, I chose my favorite, Clinical Psychology, which involves assessing, diagnosing, treating, and preventing mental disorders.
As a resident of Delhi NCR, I wanted to choose a college in the same region; hence, while searching thoroughly for colleges, I came across SGT University’s page and felt it might be the best choice. Not only that, but when I searched deeply about the university, my acquaintances told me it is the best university in Delhi NCR. As time passed, I realized they were correct.
In this blog I will share my wholesome experience at SGT University during my 1st year. I will be including small experiences to large ones that have made a difference in my life, which I have now.
Why did I choose SGT University?
My acquaintance, an SGT Alumni, gave the best rating to SGT University and told me that the faculty at the university is skilled and experienced. The countless opportunities SGT offers are worth considering. And also the curriculum of SGT University is not only academically oriented but also fosters holistic development in students. After searching thoroughly, I discovered that:
- SGT University offers up to 100% merit-based scholarships to students.
- The teachers are highly skilled and experienced.
- The university helps fund students’ research projects.
- The university also provides students with 100% placement support.
- The presence of RCI-licensed professionals in the university attracts clinical psychology students even more.
- The university has its own SGT Hospital that assists students in internships and hands-on training in clinical psychology.
- The university’s curriculum fosters holistic development and encourages students to be creative and participate in all kinds of academic and extracurricular activities.
My Academic Journey
In our first year, we were introduced to theoretical concepts of psychology to prepare our base. Subjects included Personality and Individual Differences, Social Psychology, Basic Psychological Processes, Abnormal Psychology, Research and Statistics in Psychology, and Life Span Development.
Favorite subjects: My favorites were Research and Statistics, and Abnormal Psychology. I had a Mathematics background in my high school, and I loved Maths, that’s why I enjoyed studying Research and Statistics and Abnormal Psychology deals with the mental disorders and their diagnosis, and prevalence in the society, it felt as if I was having one-to-one interaction with the clients when our professor would teach us Abnormal Psychology, he has also shared some real-life examples to make the lectures more insightful and engaging.
We are assigned a mentor who keeps track of our performance in academic and extracurricular activities, which helps us with our academic score. In my first year, my mentor also guided me wherever I felt stuck and resolved my problems.
SGPA: In the first semester, I scored 9.18 SGPA.
Internship experience
NGO internship (Assistance from seniors):
- Manana Charitable Trust (MCT):
- Companions In Action (CIA):
Extracurricular activities
SGT University not only promotes educational learning but also focuses on the extracurricular development of the students. In my first year, I had taken part in many workshops, events and competitions that enhanced my knowledge and skills even more.
Basketball North Zone Competition
Basketball is one of my favorite outdoor sports, and SGT University allowed me to follow my hobby in college. I reside on a college campus; hence, I grab the chance to play sports either in the morning or evening. I also got the opportunity to represent SGT in Kurukshetra, Haryana, during the North Zone Basketball Girls Competition.
Nukkad Naatak Competitions
- SYNERGY
- YUGAM
- WORLD AUTISM DAY
Dance events
- Diwali Fest
- Psyca Cultural Fest
- Flashmob by Pscya and Pehchaan
Research and Skill Development
Emotional Intelligence (EI) Questionnaire:
My research interest led me to do actual research and conduct a survey as part of my curriculum. It was a small-level research project in which we were given exposure to how to conduct research and the challenges that a researcher faces. I chose the topic, ‘Correlational study of Emotional Intelligence between male and female students at SGT University.’ We took 80 responses and found that females have better EI than males.
Campus Life
Campus life at SGT University is extraordinary. During lunch break and free lectures, we sometimes chat in cafes; during winter, we study together in the sunlight in the park. Also, I live in a hostel, and the immense exposure that the hostellers receive at SGT University is worth mentioning.
- Morning and evening walks and yoga and exercise opportunities.
- Opportunity to play sports and develop sports skills even after college hours.
- Access to late-night events on campus.
- Some clubs, like music, dance and photography are open till 7 p.m. for hostellers.
- Access to reading rooms to study.
Faculties
Being a student of Clinical Psychology at SGT University, I understood the cruciality of being taught by teachers who not only deliver but also motivate. The faculty members of the Department of Psychology are extremely learned, skilled, and passionate about their subject. They come with current life experiences to the learning rooms; thus, even complex subjects such as psychopathology, counselling techniques, and processes of thinking become acceptable and interesting.
What I love so much about them is that they are friendly and accommodating. The faculty can be contacted regarding any form of doubt after classes, research assignments, and even preparation of presentations.
A large number of our professors are also busy in research, conferences, and mental health awareness programs, and thus, we get a chance to learn things out of the books. Simply put, the psychology department of the SGT university is not merely a group of instructors; it is comprised of mentors, motivators, and role models who are making me a better person every day.
Looking Ahead
Being in my second year at SGT University, I feel excited and optimistic about my future. I intend to be a clinical psychologist, and every semester, I have been getting more focused and determined to pursue the goal. I am also venturing into other fields of psychology to find where my genuine interest lies so that I can specialise in the following fields of psychology in the future: counselling, neuropsychology, and forensic psychology.
The other milestone that I am planning is my upcoming internship in hospitals. The SGT University is beneficial for guiding and assisting in selecting quality internship placements in clinical and related orientations. Such real-life experience will be an essential step towards applying what I have already learned, acquiring real experience, and developing the expertise required to have a successful career in psychology.
Conclusion
Reflecting on my progress to date, it is possible to confidently state that the decision to become a student of SGT University was one of the most significant undertakings of my life experience. Whether it be developing my desire to one day become a psychologist or making me a better, stronger, self-confident person
It has been the faculty, the surroundings, and the continual propulsion into expression, learning, and growth that have contributed immensely to the person I am now. Whether it be in a classroom setting, in field exposure, or in individual guidance, all of it here is equipping me to deal with the realities of mental health care.
As I embark on this adventure, I am excited to learn even more, stretch myself to greater limits, and become a kind and competent psychologist. As a student interested in SGT University, it is essential to know that this is where you will succeed in making a difference in this field, should you feel strongly about the subject of psychology.
