Course and graduation

Hi, my name is Remi. I graduated in July 2024 with a BASS Social Anthropology and Sociology degree. I chose this specific degree as I loved the flexibility that it gave me to explore subjects outside of my course area. Across the three years I had the opportunity to take up to 20 credits outside of my course pathways which meant I was able to study Criminal Law, a Philosophy module on Language and Oppression and take a UCIL course about the UN Sustainable Development Goals, all modules that expanded my knowledge and ways of thinking which helped me to get even more out of my ‘typical’ subject courses.

My career journey

After graduating, I took on a role as a Programme Co-Ordinator at an education charity called Envision. In this role I facilitated the delivery of a 12 and 20 week programme for young people aged 13-18 which was designed to support the development of their Essential Skills. This was a role that I thoroughly enjoyed and helped me to develop skills of my own, as I had opportunities to develop my public speaking, partnership working and partake in conducting research. This role gave me great insights into the workings of the charity and education sectors, as well as a glimpse into the corporate world.

In March 2026, I left Envision and started a new role at Sandwell Council as a Neighbourhoods Officer.

My current role and how my course prepared me

In my current role I identify and support Community Organisations who seek to make positive contributions within the Borough using a capacity building approach – this includes supporting with funding and resources as well as creating connections with the council and other local organisations in the area with the end goal being the development of impactful, sustainable and self-sufficient organisations in all 6 towns that we are responsible for.

My team provides services for residents to improve their experience of living within the Borough. We also design, develop, and deliver projects and campaigns including an initiative called ‘Safer 6’ which seeks to promote safer, healthier and better connected communities. I love that my job is grounded in connection-building and partnership working. It has been fascinating to see the inner-workings of a local authority as we work closely with other service areas, emergency services, social, community and voluntary organisations, as well as senior leadership and elected members.

My degree has been a huge help in both of my roles since graduating as it equipped me with the practical and interpersonal skills needed for me to approach working with a variety of people and life experience in a considered and meaningful way. Studying Social Anthropology and Sociology affirmed my interest in people and the workings of society and I believe that it is this curiosity that have got me to where I am today. I’m grateful to my course mates and the teaching staff for creating space for me to explore my curiosities and never making me feel like any question or thought was ‘too silly’. By studying and conducting ethnographic research, I was able to develop my active listening skills, approach people and conversations with empathy as well as being able to analyse conversation and behaviour by considering the individuals position in relation to the ‘bigger picture’.

The Careers Service were super helpful when I started to think about next steps after graduating. I was able to do a Skills Audit and reflect on the skills I had gained and developed from my degree as well as my extra-curricular roles (Peer Mentor, Student Co-ordinator and Wellbeing and Inclusion Officer for the BASS Society) and part-time work and tailor this to a variety of job descriptions, which helped build my confidence when talking about my degree in interviews but also in everyday conversation as I was able to verbalise the value of my studies in a more accessible way.

Future career aspirations

I am open to exploring all of my options when I think about the career ahead of me, I’m not ready to settle down into anything just yet! I would love to return to academia and study for my Master’s when the time feels right and hope to become an educator at some point in the future. For now, I know that I want to continue working directly with and within communities and hope to continue creating and improving access to resources and services for organisations who are working towards making a positive difference in society.

Advice for offer holders

Give everything a go! The University and the city of Manchester have so much to offer, so take advantage of the opportunities that will come your way. Don’t be afraid to give things a try and remember that it’s okay to get things wrong or not have them go to plan – there is a huge support system around you, lean into it when you can.

Find ways of talking about what you study that feel natural to you, be proud of your studies and the work that you are doing – let people celebrate you and most importantly, make sure to celebrate yourself!

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