Maisie Packard

The subject is really important. It gives you a sense of understanding of the world and a valuable insight into why people do what they do.

The subject is really important because it allows you to view things from a different angle and challenge people’s thoughts and ideas. The course has opened lots of doors for me in terms of different job offers, careers which I didn’t think I would be able to step into. I think the reason for that is partly the different skills I developed on the course but also because I learnt about different aspects to do with the world we live in.

It is a very broad course and you can draw on different elements and skills of it throughout your career. An example of this would be that I learnt all about presentation skills and I use that all the time now when presenting to students and corporate partners.

Higher Education: BSc Sociology with Criminology

Why did you choose Sociology and Criminology?

I chose to study sociology and criminology because I really enjoyed sociology at sixth form. I was also really passionate about crime and how both of the subjects linked. I knew that sociology was quite broad and I didn't know what I wanted my chosen career path to be so I thought that this was a good idea. It kept me open to a variety of different career paths.

Once I’d researched the different modules within the course it made me even more passionate to do the degree. I think it’s really important to look at the modules involved in the subject across all the years to make sure you will stay passionate throughout your time at university.

My subject is all about society, why people act certain ways in society but also looking at crime, and why people commit certain crimes and how they do this. I also look at family makeup, crime rates, religion and crime and gender and crime.

Maisie’s experience as a student

I loved university and loved my course. I really enjoyed the contact hours but also enjoyed the self study time as this allows the freedom to research and write about aspects you are passionate about.

Throughout the 3 years you pick different modules and using those to benefit your chosen career path is always good! For example I studied a module on the family; this was something I was passionate about and might link to my future career path. In the final year you had total freedom on your dissertation and what you wanted to write about, something which I loved to do! A lot of the lectures and seminars were structured differently which meant that each day would be different - you weren't just going to sit and listen. There was lots of open discussion to be had.

Maisie’s Career

I am a Schools Programme Coordinator for Enactus UK, a charity. Enactus is the world’s largest experiential learning platform dedicated to creating a better world while developing the next generation of entrepreneurial leaders and social innovators. It brings together global business, academic and student leaders aiming to create a better, more sustainable world.

I worked within the charity sector while at university; I loved the role and saw all the time the impact I was having on the communities and children I was working with.

Once I graduated I went into the private sector for a period of time which I loved. I decided that I wanted to go back to working for a charity though as I know I have a passion for the sector and I enjoy working with children and students. So that’s what I am doing now. I work closely with different corporate partners such as ASDA, Capital One, Arla and Enterprise Rent A Car. The companies hold events for students and offer insight to students about the world of work.