News | Tuesday, 20th February 2024
Jess Glynn’s Graduate Story
Jessica Glynn graduated from Manchester Met in 2023 after completing an undergraduate and master’s degree in Forensic Psychology. They discuss the importance of volunteering as a student.
What is your current role?
I work as a Psychology Research Assistant at Manchester Met, and am also transitioning from a job at Victim Support as an Independent Victim Advocate to a Residential Support Worker in a Children's home.
What did you study at Manchester Met and why?
I studied Forensic Psychology, both undergraduate and master's at Manchester Met. I was drawn to this topic during my psychology unit in college, which included a forensics unit.
I knew that Manchester Met was the only university I wanted to go to, and it was my first choice all along. I don't live far from Manchester, and every time I visited before uni I felt it was such an amazing city, with so many opportunities that I knew I had to go there for university.
Did you enjoy your time at Manchester Met? What was your favourite part of your experience?
I loved my time at Manchester Met. I would not have changed anything over the last 5 years, and I am looking to continue my links with the uni beyond my graduation. The buildings are immaculate, and so modern. All of the technology works, which I know doesn't sound a big deal but you wouldn't believe what I have heard from some other unis! The sense of belonging and excitement the campus gives is palpable, and I felt supported every day.
What journey did you take whilst looking for a job once finishing University?
I knew the importance of volunteering to get work experience, so in my final year, I decided to volunteer for The Witness Service, supporting victims and witnesses in Court. I loved this experience and continued to volunteer for a year with them. Throughout my degree, I had begun to question if I still wanted to be in the forensic field working with offenders, and decided to branch out to other opportunities. Thus, The Witness Service gave valuable insight into victimisation and trauma as a result of crime. Whilst volunteering, I heard of a role in Victim Support becoming available, so decided to apply. I was so happy when I was awarded this role and have enjoyed my time there thoroughly. I am moving from this role into a children’s home, to support children with social and emotional mental health needs. This will support my future career direction which is now to work as a clinical psychologist with children, or as a PhD researcher.
Throughout my Masters, I was notified via the Jobs4Student email alerts of a Psychology Research Assistant, working on the project 'Skeletal Remains in the Courtroom'. Given my experience of volunteering in Courts and my background in Forensic Psychology, I felt this was a perfect opportunity for me.
“Working for the uni has helped me transition relationships with tutors from a student-tutor basis to a more peer-peer basis, and I feel more strongly linked to the academic circles at the uni. “
I suppose the summary of my career journey so far, is that it is okay to question your path. I felt a certain sense of internal pressure to pursue the 'typical' forensic psychology pathways and work with offenders, however, I allowed myself to take the time to re-evaluate what I truly wanted to do, and made appropriate choices to lead myself in that direction.
What is it like working in your field?
I will speak here of Victim Support and the Research role, as I have not fully started in residential care yet. Victim Support is an 'every day is different' kind of role. It is a very emotionally challenging role, but incredibly rewarding. It has provided me with more transferrable skills than I could have imagined and has developed me as a person.
What does your day-to-day life look like at work?
In Victim Support, we have three teams of triage, complex/children and young people, and domestic abuse/sexual violence/stalking. I have been working across triage and complex/children young people for the majority of my time there. Each day we receive an allocation of cases to contact. When we make contact with the victim, we will carry out a needs assessment, to see how we can support them, and make a support plan of how we are going to deliver the service. Each plan is completely tailored and individualised to the need of the victim, and they are at the centre of all decisions and support.
In my research role, we have regular meetings about the next steps in the project, where tasks will be divided up between the team. Both of these roles require both independence and teamwork and have been effective in developing my skills in both of these areas.
What advice would you give students looking to get into your field of work?
My advice is to try and volunteer early in your degree, as things get busier towards the end and you will have less time for volunteering, but it is so essential in building your skills and attractability with employers.
And don't feel pressured to go down the 'typical' routes, especially in a field like psychology. There are many 'nuanced' roles within the field. Additionally, these give you an excellent experience when you are ready to apply for assistant psychologist roles, and you will feel so much more prepared than if you were applying straight away for your first psychology-related role!
Do you think you could have done anything differently during your course which could have better prepared you for working life after graduation?
It would have helped to start building my professional network earlier in my degree, so I am aware of all opportunities available to me. I would say to integrate yourself into the university, speak to lecturers, and attend additional events, as this is the best way to find out what opportunities there are in your field.
Do you feel being a first-generation student/graduate affected your University experience or career path?
I did not feel any additional burden as a result of being a first-generation student, so I suppose my advice is to not consider yourself under the stereotypes associated with being a first-generation student. You can get just as far, do just as amazing, and have just as brilliant experience being the first in your family compared to someone who is from a long line of graduates!
