Amber Lucy
Leon

Why NTU...

Why did you choose to study a postgraduate degree?

"My reason behind choosing a postgraduate degree, stemmed from my enjoyment of completing a bachelor’s degree in BA (Hons) Health and Social Care. It was an amazing experience, from the lecturers to the peers I met throughout my years in Nottingham. Studying my postgraduate degree allowed me to hone in on specific key areas. Whilst it was difficult, it was extremely rewarding."

Why did you choose your course at NTU?

"What always stood out to me was the opportunity to work collaboratively with individuals with different lived experiences to look at policies through different perspectives. This helped to understand the benefits and risks associated with policies, and what can be done to make impactful changes."

What’s your experience been like of your course so far? 

"The course was a rewarding experience, however, it was also challenging and pushed me out of my comfort zone, so being prepared is crucial. The content throughout this course was engaging and interactive, discussions were always open and it highlighted that social policy ideas are not just about an individual approach, but seeing it as a whole with different factors that contribute to a policy. This was a key experience I enjoyed. Being honest, those conversations can be scary and daunting, but the class was always a comfortable space for engaging discussions and for support when needed.

A main highlight of this course would be the simulation activities we did at the beginning of the course. It helped me understand the process of stakeholders and networking, which is important in policy. We heard different perspectives and worked collaboratively to come to a conclusion that aimed to make everyone involved happy. This also helped me learn that sometimes stakeholders are not going to agree with others and this can lead us to go back to the drawing board."

Have you been involved in any projects or extra-curricular activities that have supplemented your studies run through NTU?

"In my master’s degree we completed a research project that involved engaging with external partners to have a meaningful discussion on policy issues within the local region. Working with an external partner was a refreshing and exciting adventure for a student like me, who is extremely passionate about social policy. We used different methodologies and conducted interviews with different stakeholders, seeing their perception towards a topic. This generally gave me a massive interest towards stakeholder mapping and working collaboratively with different stakeholders."

On Placement…

Have you completed any work placements on your course? 

"In second year of my BA (Hons) I got the opportunity to work a 30-hour work placement, which turned into a job for the rest of second year. I spent my time there supporting individuals in a home who have been released from prison and getting reacclimated into society. I really enjoyed this and it pushed me to do something I haven’t experienced before. This showed me a keen interest in being a support worker."

Do you have any memorable moments from your placement?

"I think the most memorable moment on placement was having a one-to-one session with an individual going through a difficult experience, discussing what they did wrong, and understanding how to improve their personal behaviour. With many of those individuals it was a new a memorable moment every time I was in. We would discuss what their plans were for their future and make positive progressive steps that were needed to rejoin society."

Support…

What do you think of the support available from tutors and staff at NTU?

"The tutors that I had both on BA (Hons) Health and Social Care and MSc Public Policy were absolutely incredible. The constant support and understanding the tutors provided made me the confident person I am today compared to the student I was in 2021. The tutors are always there to support, guide and encourage you, and the lecturers were always able to respond swiftly and give extra support when necessary.

Tutors will always exceed themselves to help their students. I feel that this is an area that NTU excels at and is a key element of student success at university. Being honest, in 2021 I would’ve never expected to complete my BA (Hons) let alone my MSc without the support and encouragement of my tutors."

Outside of the Lecture Theatre…

Did you find it easy to settle in at NTU?

"Being from London, I had a lot of nerves and reservations coming to Nottingham away from family and social network, however, I was lucky to have one of my college peers joining NTU at the same course. This made me feel at ease and I was able to make some friends. Throughout the years at NTU I found my own sense of confidence and made a lot of friends through university classes and the nightlife. Some of the friends I made that first day of university are still with me till this day."

The Next Steps…

What’s next for you after NTU?

"On the MSc Public Policy, we were informed about the graduate scheme opportunities including the civil service fast stream and the Local Government Association pathways to planning. However, with the help of my tutors and NTU support it allowed me to seek other opportunities within social policy that have sparked interest including charities and student support.

From these discussions I had with my tutors over the years, I am confident that I will find a job within social policy and feel confident of making meaningful, positive change in society."

How is NTU helping you to achieve your career goals?

"NTU is helping me achieve my career goals by building strong transferable skills through enterprise-focused learning, CV and employment workshops, and placement experience. What made the biggest difference personally were the tutors - they had a genuine interest in what I wanted to do, having catch ups on Teams showing me what to look at and actively supporting me to achieve my goals. Their guidance combined with NTU’s structured employability team makes my career pathway feel both clear and achievable."

Has the employability team helped you plan for life beyond NTU as a postgraduate student?

"No question about this, yes. The employability team reassured me that there will be continued support for me even after I graduate. Not only do employability focus on careers but also personal development. The employability team would come to classes to guide and support students to consider their future job applications and prospects."