Sarah

"I chose to study Social Work at Goldsmiths rather than another university for several reasons. A major deciding factor was that I was aware other universities were not always able to provide placements, a vital part of study and learning. I also felt the need to be in London and surrounded by the environments I would most likely be working in and correctly surmised that many Goldsmiths placements would be in inner city local authorities. Finally, Goldsmiths' reputation is that of excellence in many fields and I knew that having Goldsmiths on my CV would certainly attract positive attention. 

Studying at Goldsmiths changed my life; not just in terms of academic achievement but also in the way I look at the world and myself.  Just being accepted by one of the most prestigious and fêted colleges made me realise that I had great potential and a great future ahead of me. As a result, I set my sights high, finally receiving a first class degree with honours. The course also instilled in me an awareness of how important and integral to practice values and ethics are. Without these it would be very easy to bow to agency pressures and to become a ‘commissioner’ rather than ‘client centred’.  

Since qualifying I have worked in a variety of posts while waiting for registration as a social worker. These roles included a support worker in a children’s centre, a drug project worker and a support broker working with individuals to create viable individualised packages of care.

I'm now working at a central London community mental health team where my placement experience in the areas of mental health and substance misuse have been a valuable asset. Now in my second year in this post, I’m back at university – this time paid for by the local authority – and looking forward to supporting the next generation of Goldsmiths students on placements in my role as practice assessor.

I really enjoyed my years at Goldsmiths and continue to value the experience and learning gained there which I use on a daily basis to support adults and enrich both my life and the lives of others."