In our October 2024 Careers Newsletter, we heard from Holly on her experiences since leaving Sheffield Hallam University and her story getting into the Law enforcement sector.

Can you give us a brief overview about yourself and your journey so far?

I completed my undergraduate LLB (Hons) Law with Criminology degree at Sheffield Hallam University in 2023 and now work as a Police Staff Investigator for West Yorkshire Police. I have been in my position for a year now and recently completed my Investigator PIP 1 accreditation. This involved submitting a portfolio detailing examples of witness statements, suspect interviews and investigative processes I had taken part in to prove I was competent.

What career advice did you receive, or do you wish you’d received when you were still a student?

Many of the students on my university course were aiming to work as a solicitor or barrister after university. I never wanted that but staff on my course always seemed to focus on those two career pathways. I had no idea what job I wanted but from the modules I took in my final year of university I decided that whatever job I got would involve helping vulnerable people. I wish I would have used the careers and employability service because I’m sure they would have been able to advise me.

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned since graduating?
The most important lesson I have learnt since graduating is that being kind to yourself is very important. I found that there was a big difference between university and work. I didn’t know how to take statements, interview people or investigate. I’m still learning how to be good at those things and that’s ok.

What one thing would you tell your undergraduate self if you could go back in time?
I would tell myself to ask for help more. There is help at university for almost everything you could possibly think of including careers support.

Did you volunteer or gain work experience that support gaining your role?

During my time at university, I had a part – time job in retail as well as volunteering at SHUs law clinic, and I think a big reason that I was successful in my application was my experience in SHU law clinic. It showed that I had real life experience in the legal field.

Did you undertake any of the careers and employability initiatives while studying? E.g. Career Mentoring, Hallam Award, 1 to 1 advice appointments

I never participated in career or employability initiatives. I regret that now as I think it would have helped me decide what career path to take instead of me applying for random jobs that loosely related to my degree. For my current job when interviewing I instead used some external support from my local council to prepare as I had already left university and wasn’t sure if support would still be available to me from them.