Alannah Jeal

Modules that raised awareness of society and the issues it faces helped to prepare me for my graduate career. Specifically in relation to my role within the area of gender, sex and violence. The option to do a work placement module helped me to gain experience in the domestic abuse sector. Experience is a necessity when wanting to get into a role which involves supporting people.

My favourite thing about studying criminology at Edge Hill was the ability to make the degree your own. Either through the specific modules you can choose to study, to the flexibility within assessment topics – you could really explore your interests.

Edge Hill supported my career enhancement and employability through their careers service. You would be supported through the whole process of a job/work placement application; from filling out the application through to mock interviews to help you feel more confident. You can also use this after you graduate which is really helpful.

The top three skills that I gained from my degree were: study skills and applying critical thinking/writing; awareness of society and; societal structures and problem-solving and application to get best results/practise

Doing my work placement at a domestic abuse service inspired my current career. It showed me the prevalence of domestic abuse within society, and also the professional side of supporting survivors. For example, structures within voluntary organisations, multi-agency groups etc.

On most days I will come into work, and check our systems and my emails to see if any professionals or service users have contacted me. I may then have face-to-face appointments with service users to see how they are doing and if there is any support I can provide to help keep them safe and empowered. In the afternoon, it may be that I have a multi-agency meeting that may involve services like children’s social care, to ensure that we are following safeguarding legislation and offering support on a whole-family level.

If I could give advice to students currently studying criminology it would be to read and find your interests within the subject, this will help you in the long run. Take the work placement module, any experience is needed when it comes to this sort of subject, if you are looking to go into a career within the sector.