Aug 27, 2019
Q&A: Iryna interns at YSC, helping to bridge the gap in graduates from lower-incomes.
Iryna recently started a 5-week paid summer internship with the world’s leading Business Psychology firm, YSC. Partnered with a coach and line manager, Iryna will get exclusive insights into Business Psychology. We have known Iryna for nearly a decade since she began our Success for Life programme.
YSC are committed to inclusion and this internship will also help them understand how they can bridge the gap between their sector and psychology graduates from lower-income communities in the UK.
Name: Iryna Krupnyk
University: University of Surrey
Degree: BSc Psychology
Dream career: Making a difference in people’s lives
LinkedIn: Iryna Krupnyk
Tell us a little bit about your background.
I grew up in Ukraine with a pretty strict mum who single-handedly raised me. I was a high achiever at school as a result. However, there was a lack of career guidance at home, so I was encouraged to work hard and figure it out for myself. I knew top grades alone would not help me secure the best careers.
When I turned 14, everything changed, as my family moved to the UK. We had to start life from scratch. Adapt to the new culture, learn a foreign language, understand how the system works.
My new London secondary school on the Old Kent Road was undergoing big changes around the time I enrolled but there were a lot of extracurricular activities, such as with Arrival Education. This was unlike anything I had experienced before, so I grabbed them with both hands.
When Arrival Education told me about a potential work opportunity at YSC where I could apply psychology in a business context, I felt as though I finally found the missing piece in terms of career direction.
How has being from a socially and ethnically diverse background developed your drive and skillset?
Although Eastern European migrants are known for being hardworking, it felt as though I had to work twice as hard to prove worth at school. Aside from having to overcome language barriers and adjust to a new culture, I also had to deal with being bullied simply for being different. It might have been smarter not to stand out but I didn’t want to lose my true self. I did what I always did best — persevered and strived for the best.
It might have been smarter not to stand out but I didn’t want to lose my true self.
My new family circumstances meant I also had to take care of my family from the age of 14. This amount of responsibility placed upon me meant I had to grow up fast and become a quick learner, but it also created a sense of resentment. It was this experience that had me decided that I didn’t want to follow my family’s footsteps and just settle. I also wanted to set a better example for my younger brother.
Were you aware of Business Psychology as a career before Arrival Education got in touch? What about YSC?
During my degree, we vaguely touched on the field of Occupational Psychology, as it was one of the protected BPS titles. However, an elective module wasn’t offered. Although my university did a great job promoting clinical and educational psychology routes, I knew that it wasn’t the route I wanted to take, so it left me and others like me feeling a bit lost.
When Arrival Education told me about a potential work opportunity at YSC where I could apply psychology in a business context, I felt as though I finally found the missing piece in terms of career direction.
I believe, had I been exposed to organisations like YSC at an earlier stage of my degree, I would have had a greater sense of direction and focus. I would have chosen career development opportunities more relevant to occupational psychology.
Previous work experiences led me to the conclusion that I wouldn’t fit in at ‘big corporate’ cultures.
What were your concerns about the internship when you first heard about it?
My previous exposure to corporates (primarily in the finance industry) formed a negative picture of business culture. So, I was a little worried that I may be about to experience another culture of hierarchy and ultimately not feeling valued. Those previous work experiences led me to the conclusion that I wouldn’t fit in at ‘big corporate’ cultures.
But those perceptions shifted the moment I stepped into YSC’s office building. Everyone was so genuine and welcoming that I immediately felt at ease. Every morning when I come in, I forget that I am an intern. I feel like I belonged there. Not having a fixed desk to work from meant I got to connect and interact with many different and amazing people on a daily basis. I was given a meaningful role and a strong support system. I feel excited to see what I can learn and accomplish in the weeks ahead.
I might have been spoiled by my experience at YSC, as it has set a high benchmark for any future work that I may undertake within the consulting profession. YSC created a culture that made me feel like I mattered from the start. There wasn’t a day when I clock-watched. I have enjoyed every moment.
Finally, what’s the one thing you’re looking forward to over the next 5 weeks?
I want to end this internship with a clear idea of what my next career steps will be. I’m looking to get a grounded perspective into the field of Business Psychology and the different opportunities in it. YSC has made this all possible with an amazing schedule that has exposed us to all aspects of their business and their teams.
Iryna joined the YSC internship with another member of the Arrival Network. Read what she has to say.
Find diverse interns for your programmes
We work with companies to attract diverse candidates into their graduate and intern schemes. Get in touch to talk about how we can help you.
We have been running high-quality programmes for over 13 years. Working with both diverse young talent to change the way businesses to attract, recruit, develop and retain brilliant talent from socially and ethnically diverse backgrounds.
We are thrilled to be working with YSC, Del and Iryna throughout their internship. Our diversity recruitment service helps businesses who want to change the way they attract and recruit diverse talent by providing them access to a brilliant young pool they otherwise wouldn’t have.
