Amy Tomlins MSc Social Policy and Social Research, 2011

2012 Education Project Officer

Hi, I'm Amy Tomlins and I studied MSc Social Policy and Social Research within Social Sciences: Sociology, Social Policy & Criminology at the University of Southampton.

I found the Division highly supportive of both my academic and personal development, and I made the most of career development events they organised throughout the year.

I graduated with a MSc Social Policy and Social Research and am now on the National Graduate Development Programme (NGDP) for local government, working at Surrey County Council.

I found my postgraduate course really useful in developing my knowledge and understanding of social issues. It gave me the opportunity to focus my work on areas of specific interest, such as local government where I now work. This helped in interviews for my current job as I was able to talk about the theoretical and practical aspects of local government. I use many of the research skills I developed on the course on a regular basis.

I found the Division highly supportive of both my academic and personal development, and I made the most of career development events they organised throughout the year.

The graduate scheme I am on is a brilliant opportunity to experience different departments in a local authority. So far it has ranged from working on a strategic policy project in adult social care to helping organise an Olympic road cycling event in the county, proving how diverse a career in local government can be.