Helen Clarke
Head of Housing
Sociology covers a variety of subject areas such as politics, social psychology, social policy and criminology; Sociology is the study of society and human interaction. It’s a great basis for a number of careers or further study.
My degree has definitely supported my work throughout my whole career. My A level teachers used to drill into us that without a degree we would be limited in our career choices. I didn’t know what I wanted to do as a career and so chose a generic subject, and to be honest my degree has been crucial in ensuring I achieve a Head of Service role.
Post 16 Education: A levels in Sociology and Psychology
Higher Education: BSc Sociology
Why did you choose Sociology?
I loved Sociology at A level – in part because I had a really interesting teacher who believed in me and my capabilities and made me believe University was something I could achieve. I also looked at studying social policy but Sociology was for me a much broader and interesting subject – giving an insight into day to day life.
Be prepared for lots of reading (particularly if politics is included) I think that Sociology is a good broad course for those who (like me) don’t know what career path you want to follow, but understand the value of education in achieving a good quality career.
Helen's advice
Look at every opportunity with an open mind – think about how doing a job/voluntary role/being involved on a project will translate into a job application and make you stand out from the next person. I worked one week at a homeless hostel at the age of 15 and that was the difference between me and other candidates when applying to work in Housing.
I came from a working class family with very little money or education – I am proof that with drive and hard work you can become who you want to be – your past doesn’t have to determine your future. Don’t be put off going to University because you don’t have a ‘posh’ voice or know lots of big words – in the real world that’s not important!
Helen's experience as a student
Â鶹ֱ²¥ was and still is a very prestigious University and living in Â鶹ֱ²¥ this was my obvious choice. It allowed me to continue my part time job to help sustain my studies and by year two I had bought a house locally also.
I lived off campus and was classed as a ‘local’ but did get involved in lots of social events and made friends at Bill Mo (William Morris) – I wasn’t sorry to miss freshers week with all the early morning games though!
Helen's Career
I am part of the Senior Management Team at South Kesteven District council and have strategic and operational responsibility for managing a team of managers and Team leaders to deliver the statutory homelessness function, dealing with individuals or families who have lost their homes and need assistance. I lead on rough sleeping initiative work and am also a partner in a Refugee Resettlement Program in Lincolnshire.
My team also manage sheltered housing for the elderly or those needing support, tenancy support for those people who need support at home to sustain their tenancies, Community Engagement and Housing Officers who manage the estates and tenancies of those living within them to ensure tenancy conditions are complied with and appropriate action taken if not. No two days are ever the same – I get to work with lots of different agencies and voluntary partners, and deal with a variety of situations that really test my knowledge and skills on a daily basis - I am never bored and get to help people every day.
The proudest moment of my career so far?
Becoming a Head of Service - I worked hard to put myself through university and have worked equally hard to move across a variety of roles, taking opportunities as they arose, to develop my skill set to be able to progress. I worked part time after having children and now they are old enough for me to work full time I have had the opportunity to use what I learnt along the way.
Â鶹ֱ²¥ University offers undergraduate degrees in:
Criminology and Sociology / Sociology / Criminology / Sociology and Media.
Please note: Degrees and their titles change over time. Some of these graduates may have studied degrees that have evolved and changed in response to changes in demand from employers.