‘My dream job is now a reality thanks to studying social work at Cardiff Met’
IN January 2016, I turned 45 years-old. I had recently adopted our gorgeous child and life was good. I did not envisage it would get any better – then later that year I went to university… and three years later I qualified as a social worker!
It was always a distant dream of mine to study social work, but one that I did not feel I was good enough to make a reality.
However, being a first-time parent changed my goal posts, I wanted more for myself and my family and I was determined to do just that. I decided to study the BSc (Hons) Social Work degree at Cardiff Met.
Throughout my career, I worked in social care roles. Working alongside social workers made me realise it was what I wanted to do. Volunteering with young, vulnerable women and paid employment in a supportive role with families stood me in good stead to meet the application requirement of 420 hours of work experience in a social care setting.
Fifteen years earlier, I missed out on an opportunity to study as an apprentice for a social work degree by a single point. Sadly, this fuelled my lack of confidence in my abilities and I dropped the idea at the time. After my life changed, I was determined not to give up so easily.
I knew it was going to be a difficult journey with lots of challenges.
The first was gaining equivalent qualifications for maths and English to even apply for the degree. As a result, I was late applying and had to go through clearing. I attended an open day and had the opportunity to meet and talk to tutors, which really helped.
As a mature student, I found being introduced to the academic world of theory, research and legislation fascinating. Trying to apply structure to an academic paper was hard for me. It wasn’t until the end of my first year that I established why. After failing one of my modules a lecturer asked me if I had ever been tested for dyslexia.
I decided to contact the university support team and they arranged for me to be screened. I was diagnosed with dyslexia and received a disability support package, which included financial support to help with photocopying and ink costs, IT equipment and a one-to-one study skills tutor (she was amazing). Having this diagnosis was a great help because it allowed me to access study support skills.
I loved my three years of study at Cardiff Met. I learnt so much and took on every learning opportunity presented to me. All that I gained in my classroom and studies came to life on each of my practice placements, which were all different, but equally enjoyable.
I have now successfully graduated with a 2:1 and I was offered a job four months before I completed my degree. I am proud of what I have achieved, but this is just the start!
■ Read more about Jane’s journey and apply online at cardiffmet.ac.uk/clearing