The impact of my university years has been huge on my life

How would you summarise your time at the University of Sheffield?

Studying at Sheffield was the best three years of my life. I look back really fondly on that time. I absolutely loved university life and my studies. I made so many friends through my course and met my boyfriend who I’ve been with for five years. So the impact of my university years, and studying in the department, on my life has been huge.

What was it like being part of the Sociological Society?

I got involved in my first year and that’s how I met all my friends. We’re still very close today. I joined all the socials, including a trip abroad to Budapest. In my third year I went for president and got it! I oversaw how the society was run, getting involved in the planning of socials, finances and student support. 

Working closely with the department also provided an opportunity to become a student ambassador and mentor. When I left university, having these experiences on my CV gave me a lot more confidence applying for jobs. I think all those activities shaped who I am now and helped me to get the opportunities I’ve had since university.

What was it like studying your course?

Before I went to university, I was really unsure about what I was going to study. I did Sociology at A-Level (which I really enjoyed) but I got a bit stuck, believing that I needed to do a degree which leads directly to a job. I then received some advice, which was to study something I loved. I was going to spend the next three years studying this subject, so I needed to study something I was enthusiastic and passionate about.

I remember coming to a Sheffield open day and I just got such a good vibe from the department. The variety of modules available to study was great and they allowed me to build on my interests throughout my degree. I was particularly interested in gender studies and crime which I studied throughout the three years.
 

Any key memorable moments?

I remember the first time that I submitted some coursework, but I didn't do very well. I panicked a little because it was a topic I really enjoyed so I went to talk to my lecturer. They were so supportive, helping me understand what I needed to do going forward, to ensure I improved. They were also willing to look at my essay plans and talk about my ideas with me. Having that relationship with my lecturers was really important and definitely stands out at the key reason for why I enjoyed my course so much.

How did you end up in Social Value?

When I graduated, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. Originally I was thinking of doing a masters, or a conversion course in Journalism, but I also wanted to do some travelling beforehand. I first got myself an admin job working in Financial Management to save up some money and that’s when I was introduced to the world of Corporate Social Responsibility.

Unfortunately Covid cut my travelling short but when I came home a job opened up which allowed me to work with multiple large corporations on their Corporate Social Responsibility programmes. About a year after that, I came across Social Value. This is a term to describe the additional benefits a private or public sector organisation creates for communities, the economy and the environment.  This is still quite a new industry but there are lots of opportunities being created all the time. I ended up taking a job as a Social Value Advisor, working my way up to being a Consultant, and I now work with a large local authority in London leading on the development of their Social Value programme. There were a lot of stepping stones to get me to where I am today,  but it’s been so rewarding.

What advice would you give current and prospective students?

I would always encourage people to follow their interests, and the things that make them tick. It’s perfectly normal to not know what you want to do with your life, or your degree, I certainly didn’t. More often than not it’s the experiences you create for yourself along the way, even the small things, that will go on to shape your life and your career. So, get involved, find what you love and see where it takes you.