Recent BSc Criminology graduate at the School for Policy Studies, Cara Parry-Jones, spoke to us about her time on her Placement unit at the Victims of Crime Advocacy service (VOCAS) and the valuable experiences she learned during this time.
Why did you take part in the Placement unit? What made you apply? What did you hope to get out of it?
I wanted to apply to take part in the placement unit as I felt it would provide me with valuable work experience in a field related to my course (criminology). I previously had a lot of various work experience. However, I had yet to take part in a placement that had direct links to criminology. I also felt it would be interesting to gain practical experience for one of my second-year units as a change from the usual lecture-based learning. In completing a placement, I hoped to be able to apply knowledge from my degree in a work setting. I wanted to enhance my existing communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills in preparation for work opportunities after my degree.
Cara Parry-Jones
Would you recommend other students take part? Why?
I would absolutely recommend other students take part in the placement unit. It is a refreshing way of completing your degree outside of the usual optional units. The opportunity to sample the working world in a field close to your university subject is a great addition to your degree and an excellent way of trialing a potential future job or work sector. The placement is also a great way of enhancing your skills, with the ability to apply university knowledge to a practical setting.
What were the highlights/most enjoyable aspects of your placement?
During my placement with the Victims of Crime Advocacy service (VOCAS), I most enjoyed accompanying the advocates at client visits. Client visits were conducted outside of the VOCAS office, and it was exciting to meet clients at many different locations – including an allotment! I was grateful for the opportunity to listen to client issues and assist in the development of an advocacy plan. For example, I assisted in helping a client who had been a victim of a hate crime begin the process of moving social housing to be closer to their extended family. I also conducted research to find organizations offering free support for a client who had been a victim of anti-social behaviour which had severely affected her child who had Autism. I was also involved in collating evidence for a client who had suffered physical injury as a victim of crime to apply for criminal injuries compensation. During my many interactions with different clients, it was great to witness and assist the rewarding work advocates at VOCAS do.
What did you learn and what have you taken away from the experience?
By taking part in the placement unit, I enhanced many of my skills. I became proficient at navigating the IT programs used at VOCAS to store client information and I also developed my knowledge of other organisations which VOCAS work closely with. On my placement, I was also able to use my writing skills on various projects and developed the ability to tailor my writing style to an audience with differing reading abilities. For example, I wrote and formatted an anti-social behaviour help booklet, which is in the process of being printed and distributed to VOCAS clients, informing them of the steps they can independently take against anti-social behaviour perpetrated towards them. By engaging with clients, I enhanced my active listening abilities, most notably in conversations which proved difficult to follow. For example, I met with a client suffering from schizophrenia to help them collate a chronological account of events to make a police statement. I gained many skills from my placement which will be helpful in future work settings.
How did your experience of the placement compare to your expectations?
In truth my placement exceeded my expectations. I was immediately treated like a staff member and trusted with many different tasks, it was exciting to be able to incorporate my own ideas in a work setting. I have gained many different skills and even enhanced those which I did not actively seek to improve. My placement experience has given me a valuable opportunity to use my skills in a professional context.
What support did you receive from the PLN both before and during your placement?
The Professional Liaison Network (PLN) sourced my placement at VOCAS. It was reassuring to know that the PLN would help arrange my placement as they are able to access companies with a close link to my degree. The PLN were also considerate in sourcing a placement which suited the suggestions I had made – one being working with victims of crime. During my placement, the PLN also provided optional weekly online drop-in sessions where students could ask questions and gain further support while taking part in their placement.
How do you feel about your future and your next steps?
The placement made me feel excited about my future and it encouraged me to think about my next steps. I am currently beginning to explore professional avenues for after my degree. By completing the placement, I feel more confident in making decisions about my future and the type of work I would like to be involved in.
Find out more about our Placement units here: Careers and employability | School for Policy Studies | University of Bristol