Student profile: Jenna

BA Social Policy

Jenna graduated in 2001 and went on to work in a number of public organisations.

Biography

After graduating from York with a degree in Social Policy, I stayed at the university for a further year and worked as a Sabbatical Officer for the university Student’s Union. I then moved to London and worked as a political liaison officer for a further and higher education Trade Union. After this I worked as Press & Public affairs manager for the National Union of Student’s (NUS). I then got a job at the Mayor of London’s office, managing relations between Trade Unions and the then Mayor, Ken Livingston. About two years ago I moved to my current job, where I now work as acting Head of Communications for the General Social Care Council.

Studying and living in York

My degree provided me with a great understanding of how Government works and how Government policy is made. The course and university were small and I really appreciated all the individual attention this meant you got. The tutorials were really small, you felt looked after and the lecturers genuinely didn’t mind taking time out to help you.

I chose to go to York because of its great reputation.  I was also attracted to the campus layout of the university. I grew up in a small town so I didn’t want to stretch myself too much and go to a big city. The campus felt like a homely place to go.

My time at York also gave me so many opportunities beyond my actual degree. I was heavily involved in student politics and lots of university societies, as well as volunteering in the city. When I was at York I tried to take up every opportunity offered to me. I met some of my closest friends to this day at York.

When students are looking at different degree courses, I would say the most important this is to choose something you enjoy. I didn’t have a gap year and was really tired of studying by the end of my degree. If I hadn’t enjoyed the subject it would have been horrible. As a person who has now spent ten years in works I would say the actual degree subject you take doesn’t matter so much to employers, so long as it’s a subject that demonstrates your competence and ability.

My greatest achievement at York would probably be getting elect to be a Sabbatical Officer at the end of my final year. The election was the first time I’d ever really put myself out there and achieved something real.

BA Social Policy

Our degree in Social Policy will enable you to understand the causes of social problems and what governments attempt to do about them.