Skyla

What were you doing before this?

I did my degree in criminology and finished my master’s in crime, justice and psychology last year. At university I also volunteered as a Special Constable with the police, and got some experience working with ex-offenders.

I didn’t get through the first time I applied, but I tried again the following year and got in. I was thrilled!

How did our attributes fit with your skills and experience? Did you have any gaps?

I hadn’t really worked in mental health before, so I had to draw on my personal life, work experience and university.

Motivation was the easiest attribute to demonstrate for me. When you have a passion for something it’s very genuine and easy to be able to express why you want to do it.

Leadership was more difficult – I remember thinking “how do I go about this!” It helped to think about times I’d taught people something or inspired them. In my application I gave an example from a previous hospitality role – it had nothing to do with mental health but it was still transferrable.  People have more examples than they think they do – you will have been a leader in some kind of way.

Was there anything you were hesitant about when you were applying?

I was most nervous about the process of being on placement and how intense it would be.

I’d never had a caseload before, or worked supporting people, so I wasn’t sure how I would manage that. I was apprehensive about how being on placement and studying at the same time would work.

I did feel confident about the academic side of the programme though because I’d just finished a masters degree, and was still in that mindset of writing and doing assignments.

How you are finding the role and training?

It’s a difficult role but I’ve found it really rewarding.

One of my biggest challenges was coming into it and feeling a bit out of my depth on placement. Somebody who had more career experience might have felt more confident in dealing with difficult interactions with other professionals.

Even when it’s hard though I try and remember why I’m doing it. If I can make things even a bit easier for people who are struggling, it’s worth it.

Do you have any advice for applicants?

I was worried that I didn’t have enough experience to apply or do this. But if you have empathy, know how to communicate with people, and you’ve got humility; that all goes such a long way.

My supervisor has really helped me to be comfortable with being myself. You can bring so much to social work by being yourself.

Don’t be too disheartened if you’re not successful the first time you apply. I never thought I would get on the programme and got in the second time round.

A final word of encouragement – just go for it! And always remember why you’re doing it.