Anisa Mehmood

Why did you apply to the University and why did you choose that course?

I chose to study at the University of Bradford mainly because of its diverse and multicultural environment. The mix of cultures and backgrounds created a setting that was fitting to a unique learning experience.

While I was exploring various universities offering psychology programmes, what stood out was Bradford's inclusion of counselling alongside psychology. It caught my attention because I have been fascinated by psychology since my A-level studies, and the idea of combining it with counselling to help people, intrigued me.

As I filled out those university applications, I will admit, I was a bit uncertain about where my career path might lead. So, I went with what I was passionate about – psychology. Helping people was at the core of what I wanted, even though the exact roadmap was still hazy.

What steps did you take to improve your employability whilst at university and/or after you graduated?

During my first year at the University of Bradford, I volunteered at the British Red Cross, fortnightly. This involved supporting young refugees aged 11 to 25 who did not have parents or guardians in the UK. Through regular group sessions, I aimed to provide a supportive social network that helped increase their confidence, knowledge, and everyday skills. The counselling aspect of my studies played a crucial role in this volunteer work, emphasising the importance of active listening and offering reflective responses to ensure these individuals felt heard and understood.

Throughout my three years at university, I worked as a Tutor, where I provided Mathematics and English tutoring to children aged 4 to 16. This role allowed me to work with a diverse range of children, tailoring learning experiences to suit each child. Not only did it help me adapt to different learning needs, but it also significantly boosted my confidence.

In my second year, I applied for and became a Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) Leader. This involved supporting first-year psychology students in adjusting to university life and assisting them in developing effective study and learning strategies. As a PAL Leader, I was responsible for creating useful and engaging learning materials, ensuring that the sessions were informative yet enjoyable for the students.

While these experiences significantly contributed to my skillset and work experience, they were more than just employment opportunities. They aligned with my passion for helping people, which was the driving force behind each opportunity. The counselling aspect, especially when working with refugees, underscored the significance of providing a supportive environment where individuals felt acknowledged and empowered through empathetic listening and meaningful interactions.

How did Career and Employability Services support you during your time at university?

Career and Employability Services at the University of Bradford played a pivotal role in shaping my journey during my time at university. Right from the outset of my university experience, I sought their assistance in refining my CV. These early meetings were instrumental in helping me secure part-time roles that enabled me to gain valuable experience.

The support and guidance provided by the Career and Employability Services Team were invaluable. They reviewed and discussed my CV, offering insights and showcasing templates. This assistance proved fundamental in obtaining the part-time positions that laid the foundation for my career journey.

Without the support and expertise of Career and Employability Services, I might not have been able to secure those crucial initial roles. These roles were important in moulding my career path and have contributed to where I stand in my career journey today.

Tell us about your current job and what makes you successful in securing the job?

At present, I am working as a Children's Social Worker, directly engaging with children and families facing diverse challenges. My role revolves around ensuring the safety and well-being of vulnerable children while providing crucial support to families navigating difficult situations.

I applied to the Frontline Programme during my third year of university. This was a two-year programme that integrated fulltime work with academic studies, leading to a master’s qualification at the end of the second year. During the first year, I balanced a full-time job with academic coursework, resulting in my qualification as a Social Worker after the first year. Now, I am in the midst of my second year, pursuing a master’s in social work alongside full-time employment. The workload can be demanding, but the prospect of a fully funded master’s degree makes it worth it :)

The application process was rigorous, and Frontline focused on assessing potential and dedication rather than seeking perfection. If you possess a strong passion for social work and are ready to commit, Frontline offers an exceptional pathway. It's about dedication and passion, not just meeting a stringent criterion.

A quick note – The Frontline Programme structure might have changed since my enrolment. So, if you are considering it, I would strongly advise researching the current programme structure beforehand.

What advice would you give to current students wishing to enter this type of career/sector?

Entering the field of social work is very demanding. It often involves working extended hours, managing a range of emotions, and adhering to strict deadlines set by management. However, the impact of social workers’ support, especially in fostering security within families, outweighs these challenges significantly.

For students considering this career path, it's important to acknowledge that while the job can be difficult at times, the rewards are immense. My background in psychology with counselling has been invaluable in this field. Social work demands versatile communication and tailored interventions for diverse individuals. Many families I work with have faced considerable trauma, and my counselling skills have proven crucial in ensuring their voices are heard and understood.

Specifically, the Frontline Programme not only prepared me for the role of social work, but also provided a strong foundation upon qualification. It significantly boosted my confidence and allowed, and still allows me to reflect on my core values and biases when working with families.

You don't necessarily need experience specifically related to social work; many jobs can be relevant. If you have a passion for helping people, especially children, and you're keen on continuous academic learning, social work could be your thing. Despite social work being tough, the rewards outweigh the challenges by far.