How can your degree shape your future?

In the future, I would like to become a social entrepreneur on both a national and international scale. This would include establishing and developing businesses to help resolve social issues, some of which may drive crime e.g., juvenile delinquency, poverty, mental health issues, homelessness etc. I am passionate about creating a healthier and fairer world for future generations by representing and understanding people in these situations. I chose to do a degree in criminology in the Department of Social Policy, Sociology and Criminology with the aim of educating myself on the society we live in and how I can achieve those different goals.

In my second year (my current year) of study, I chose optional modules that will enhance my knowledge in my potential career area, for example ‘enterprising solutions to social issues’ and ‘youth, crime and justice’. Through these I have been able to study and research specific ideas that link to my career path. Similarly, every degree can help open doors to exciting opportunities!

Alongside this, the university provides support and opportunities to people who feel like their career path doesn't align with their degree. For example, this includes:

• The university’s Careers Network, which offers workshops, ‘b-experience' internships and 1-1 support sessions.
• The b-enterprising department, which offers workshops, 1-1 support and business opportunities like pitch decks.
• And finally, the Go Global department, which provides voluntary, academic and internship programmes around the world.

There were times where I felt entrepreneurship and criminology could not align. However, before looking into this on my own, and figuring out how I could link the two, I went the extra mile to find out what was available at UoB. I am now a student ambassador for the b-enterprise team and will be taking part in a Go Global Business and Enterprise programme in St Lucia this year, despite not studying a business/enterprise course. This will give me hands-on experience and a fresh insight into global business, politics and how both shape economic development in the Caribbean through opportunities such as visiting a range of local businesses, from small start-ups to larger companies. Even though I study criminology, I was able to find opportunities that will help me gain experience in other areas my course doesn't explore, which is what excites me most about my future career possibilities.