Grace's Chester Made Story: The friendships I built and the supportive environment were instrumental in my success

My Peers and Lecturers Supported Me to Succeed

When I look back at my time studying Sociology at Chester, what stands out most are the friendships I built and the supportive environment created by both my peers and lecturers. They were instrumental in my success – without their encouragement and guidance, I wouldn't have achieved what I did. It wasn't just the lecturers who supported me; the careers advisors were fantastic when it came to exploring graduate roles and helping me plan my next steps.

A Welcoming Community and an Inclusive Feel

I loved Chester for its sense of community and welcoming atmosphere. The campus had a friendly, inclusive feel, and there was always something happening, whether it was social events, societies, or opportunities to get involved. It felt like a place where everyone wanted you to succeed, and that made a huge difference.

My Lecturers Were Inspiring

I also loved my course for its engaging and relevant content. The lecturers were passionate about their subject areas, and that enthusiasm was contagious. They didn't just teach; they inspired, making me genuinely excited about the field.

Exploring My Passion

Academically, the highlight of my time at Chester was completing my dissertation. It gave me the opportunity to explore a topic I was truly passionate about and apply the knowledge and skills I had developed throughout my studies. With the guidance of my supportive dissertation supervisor, I produced a piece of work I'm incredibly proud of.

An Eye-opening Placement

Another defining experience was my second-year placement on the Wirral, where I worked as a youth worker in a deprived area. That experience was eye-opening and deeply impactful, it sparked my commitment to improving the quality of life and access to support for disadvantaged communities.

Chester Gave Me Confidence for My Career

Overall, my time at Chester shaped who I am today. It taught me that I am capable and gave me the confidence to pursue a career where I can make a real difference. The reassurance and guidance from my lecturers and careers advisors helped me find my path and passion, and for that, I'll always be grateful.

Post-graduation: Making a Difference to People's Lives

I am currently enrolled on the Local Government Impact Graduate Scheme, based at North Lincolnshire Council. This is a two-year programme where I rotate across different placements within the local authority. At the moment, I'm working in the Strategic Division under Strategy, Commissioning and Insights. I'm the only graduate taken on in the authority and one of just seven in the region, which makes the experience even more rewarding.

Although I only started in October, I've already been involved in projects that will make a real difference to people's lives. For example, I'm redesigning a domestic abuse training programme for secondary schools, focusing on the experiences of young people. I'm also part of a project group for "Shared Lives", a national scheme that enables people eligible under the Care Act to receive support in a home setting rather than being restricted to supported or residential living. Both projects will have a lasting impact on the community.

Studying to Become a Future Leader

Alongside my role, I'm studying for a CMI Level 7 qualification in Leadership and Management with the University of Birmingham, which is equipping me with the skills to become a future leader in government. What I love most about my work is knowing that what I do, whether it's commissioning services or improving training, can directly or indirectly change lives. For example, a child might be identified as a victim of domestic abuse because of the training I helped design. That's incredibly meaningful.

Chester Shaped Me Into Who I Am

None of this would have been possible without Chester University. Chester shaped me into the person I am today. If it wasn't for the political discussions in my lectures, I wouldn't have developed an interest in this area, and without the guidance of my lecturers, I wouldn’t have discovered graduate schemes in government. My second-year placement was also pivotal, it sparked my passion for helping people and improving lives.

Gaining Lifelong Support

To me, being a Chester graduate means having lifelong support behind you. The University is always happy to help and guide you, even after you've graduated, and that reassurance is invaluable.

My Advice for Current and Future Students

Take every opportunity, read widely, ask questions, and explore your interests. If I hadn't done that, I wouldn't be in the career or sector I'm in today.