Iesha George

• Year of Study: Third year (in 2021/22)
• Length of course: Three years

Your University Journey

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

I was given a very good impression of the sociology lecturers. I’d heard great things about them from a previous family member who attended the university that mentioned that they were extremely helpful and passionate. Also, I found out about the great support given to students even after graduating, including the Northampton Employment Promise that provides you with employment six months after study. I think this is extremely helpful as looking for employment after graduating can be quite tricky.

What are your career goals/aspirations?

My career goals are to become a primary school teacher or even a youth worker, as I would love to work with young people and have a positive impact on their development and future lives.

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

Studying Sociology at this university has equipped me with in-depth knowledge of the factors that could impact an individual’s behaviour. This will help me in understanding the factors in young people’s lives that can negatively impact their development, and identifying challenges they may face in their social environments that can negatively impact their future success, especially within education, which will aid me in becoming a helpful teacher/youth worker. As for my personal development, my studies have enabled me to gain great skills, such as time management, collaboration, self-confidence, communication skills and good initiative, which will help me positively in the future.

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

I think my understanding of inequalities will help massively for my future career with young people, as it will enable me to address challenges that these children may face and understand the social world that they live in. In relation to my potential career as a primary school teacher, learning more about education in particular during the course of my degree has provided me with an amazing insight into the inequalities that some children face inside of schools, as well as outside, which will allow me to understand what I can do as a teacher to best help all of my students to academically thrive. For instance, I will ensure that every single one of my students is challenged academically and receives equal amounts of help from the teacher to help them improve, as well as giving all students positive encouragement to avoid them feeling any negative thoughts about their ability.

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

Ensure you take advantage of the great support that the University gives to students in regard to future careers, such as giving your CV into the Changemaker Team and booking sessions with them to practice interviewing – this can equip you with great skills for your future career.

How would you summarise your UON experience?

My experience has been amazing, due to the outstanding support I have received.