UC grad puts training into action to support kids

Photo caption: UC graduate Kimberly Ballam has already found work in her chosen field after completing a successful internship at Oranga Tamariki. 

Kimberly Ballam will celebrate her graduation this month with a Master of Science with Distinction, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Child and Family Psychology from Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC).

She has been working as a psychologist for Oranga Tamariki in the Clinical Services Lower South Team based in Dunedin since February.

Originally from Invercargill, Kimberly is thrilled with her new role and says the internship she completed at Oranga Tamariki during her final year of the Child and Family Psychology course was “phenomenal”. 

“I loved it so much and I got so much out of it. Finding work there after the internship really took the pressure off. I didn’t have to find a new job and learn about a whole new organisation. I was able to just step right into it, which was amazing.”

Kimberly chose this challenging area of work because she wanted to help tamariki and whānau with complex needs. 

“One of the reasons I went into child and family psychology is because I wanted to make meaningful change. I feel that Oranga Tamariki is the perfect place to do this as I’m able to work with the most vulnerable tamariki.

“Working with children, I feel there’s a lot of hope that you can make a difference, and you can also be really playful and creative, which makes the role really enjoyable and rewarding.”

Unique in New Zealand, the UC Postgraduate Diploma in Child and Family Psychology trains students to become registered psychologists working in government and non-government agencies with children, adolescents and families. 

Kimberly says the programme offers an effective training approach because it combines practical skills gained from community placements and internships with up-to-date academic knowledge.

“Classes integrate academic theories and research as well as case studies and practice opportunities, so you feel prepared by the time of your community placements. The lecturers, who are registered psychologists, are also really approachable and accomplished, so I felt like they role-modelled the type of psychologist I wanted to be.” 

The small cohort in the programme is also positive, she says. “There were only 10 students in my year, so you become quite close and support each other. I’m really looking forward to celebrating with everyone come graduation.”

UC School of Health Sciences Lecturer Katie McTaggart says Kimberly thoroughly deserves her success. “Her dedication to growing and developing from student to professional has been a pleasure and privilege to watch and contribute to as a programme staff member. 

“Being offered a job with Oranga Tamariki at the end of her internship is testament to Kimberly’s commitment and hard work. I have every confidence she will continue to make an immensely valuable and meaningful difference throughout her career.”