Peter Meech

• Year of study: Third year
• Length of course: Three years

Your University Journey

Why did you decide to study at the University of Northampton?

I currently live in Northampton. Whilst I was looking at different universities, UON was the most appealing in terms of the new campus, as well as the design of the course.

What are your career goals/aspirations?

To become a children’s social worker and look into further education to train in Trauma Informed Practice.

How do you think your studies will help your career or personal development when you graduate?

I needed the degree to become a social worker. However, through discussions with the lecturers, where they have shared their professional experiences, I feel that I’ve also gained a lot of information regarding options for different roles which might work in partnership with social workers.

Which, if any, skills and knowledge/understanding gained on your degree do you feel will be most useful in your future career?

I feel that all of the knowledge gained on the course has supported me to feel confident in my career. The information which has been taught on the degree has always been detailed and critical analysis has always been offered to encourage us to ‘think outside of the box’.

Your Placement

Have you completed a placement? Please detail where this was, the role and an outline of your duties?

Yes, it’s a requirement of my course to complete placements. These roles have varied from a Children’s Safeguarding Student Social Worker, to a domestic abuse specialist.

Please describe how your placement benefitted you?

Both of my placements have offered me vast knowledge in different areas, which I’ll be able to take forward into my future career and feel confident in applying the knowledge and skills that I’ve gained during the placements.

What employability skills did you develop during your placement?

I developed a range of different skills, including communication, organisation and active listening skills, which are all essential to social work practice.

How do you think the placement will help you with gaining employment after graduating?

It’s supported me as it’s a requirement from the awarding body of my course. However, it’s also supported me by providing me with direct experience to apply theory to practice before going into a qualified position. During interviews I’ve attended, it’s meant that I’ve been able to offer examples of how I’ve applied knowledge to practice.

Do you have any tips on applying for, or getting the most benefit from your placement?

Take any opportunity which is being offered to you and reflect on the experiences.

What advice would you give a student about to begin a placement?

It’s ok to feel scared about the placement. However, always take the opportunities offered and speak to on-site supervisors, other staff and practice educators, to gain their insight of a situation and how they might do things differently.

Your Advice

In one sentence, what advice would you give to undergraduates interested in this career path or anything you wish you had known earlier?

Social work isn’t an easy profession. Gaining as much experience as possible before starting the course would be beneficial, as you can apply the knowledge you gain to experiences you’ve already had.

How would you summarise your UON experience?

Placement-heavy as it’s a requirement from Social Work England, but good teaching opportunities.