Before graduating from Kent in 2020 with a BA Criminology, Flo worked in the Careers and Employability Service carrying out customer service and administration duties, through Empower (formerly the Work-Study Scheme). She learned skills such as using a customer management system and Data Protection regulations, and worked at open days which allowed her to develop her passion for helping others.
“Empower helped me gain an internship with a cyber-security company by building a CV describing my transferrable skills and knowledge, and practicing my interview technique. Working at this company gave me invaluable experience for my future career.
After graduating, I studied an MSc in Countering Organised Crime and Terrorism at UCL. I knew I wanted to work in the third sector so whilst I was completing my dissertation, I started a full time graduate job, working in a modern slavery safe house supporting women and children. I learned invaluable skills, became a line manager, attended multiple police operations to support victims, and even trained my colleagues on how to complete referrals into the NRM (the umbrella system that supports victims of modern slavery in the UK).
I now work for a charity that supports women at risk of sexual exploitation, leading a team that provides 1:1 trauma-informed advocacy and support, as well as meeting basic needs of service users at our daily drop-in. I also run regular specialist training sessions for incoming cohorts of the Metropolitan police on how to work with vulnerable women with complex needs.”
Flo’s advice for current students:
“Don’t just rely on your degree – get work experience whilst you study. Even if you’re not sure what job role you want to go into, jobs give you great transferable skills. The Empower team are really approachable and care about their students, and their advice is invaluable!”