Studying a degree helped turn a work placement into a full-time mental health role
Another thing that helps, is being in smaller groups, as compared to larger universities so you get support at every step of your journey.
Karen Round had been out of education for some years before she decided to embark on a social studies degree at Coleg Sir Gâr.
She had been bringing up her children over time and then she decided to go back to college to study an Access to Higher Education course which then led her to apply for the degree course based at the college’s Ammanford campus.
Karen puts her success down to the team of lecturers who supported her through her BA honours course who were there to celebrate her achievements at a graduation ceremony last year.
As a result of a work placement on the degree course, Karen gained full-time employment with Mind, where she offers support for the community within a mental health role which she says is very rewarding.
Reflecting on the course, Karen says that she enjoyed the wide range of sector-specific subjects such as safeguarding, supporting unpaid carers, advocacy and inclusive practice, which all relate to her current employment role.
The course even helped her in her personal life, as Karen Round explains: “At the time, my dad developed a life changing disability, almost overnight.
“The course helped me to know where to access support for him and our family.
“I can honestly say that the things I’ve learned on this course are better than anything I’ve ever done.
“I was nervous at first questioning whether I could do it, but it’s brilliant, the staff were amazing and I don’t think I could have made it to the end of my degree without them.
“Another thing that helps is being in smaller groups as compared to larger universities so you get support at every step of your journey.”
Karen is now studying for a PGCE teacher training qualification and has returned to the college where she originally studied on a teaching training working placement, inspiring other students on the social studies degree as well as continuing her work with Mind.