Greenwich gave me the chance to apply what I was learning in real-world contexts, giving me an edge once I graduated.
Discovering my passion for Criminology
I started at Greenwich in 2021, studying Criminology and Criminal Psychology, driven by a dream I had since childhood which was to work in probation. Growing up in Italy, I had always been fascinated by psychology and the criminal justice system. Moving to the UK was a huge change. I didn’t speak English fluently, and I was navigating an entirely new education system. It was challenging, but Greenwich gave me the support and environment I needed to grow quickly, both academically and personally – and later professionally.
One of my earliest memories was my first Deviance lecture with Elaine Williams. She showed us an image of scattered dots and explained how experience slowly brings you closer to understanding the bigger picture. It really stuck with me, I wanted to be one of the dots moving closer to the centre, not left on the edges. That moment sparked a determination in me that carried through my degree.
Later, lecturers such as Melissa Pepper and Ross Friday, both former probation officers, shared their real-life experiences in the classroom. Their insights made every topic feel relevant and alive, and it was clear that Greenwich offered more than just theory, it offered a bridge to the career I had always imagined.
Learning through experience
Greenwich gave me the chance to apply what I was learning in real-world contexts, giving me an edge once I graduated. I volunteered with Solace Women’s Aid, which helped me understand the complexities of working with individuals who are victims of domestic abuse, and, sometimes become offenders themselves. This experience gave me practical insight into the types of challenges I now face in my role as a Probation Service Officer.
My work placement as part of the programme at HMP Pentonville with PACT was another pivotal moment. I was able to see situations from both the offender and victim perspectives, deepening my understanding of the criminal justice system. My dissertation allowed me to explore these dynamics further, combining my interests in psychology and criminology with a practical focus. Every assignment and placement at Greenwich directly contributed to the skills I use every day in my job such as analysing behaviour, assessing risk, and supporting people through complex circumstances
Navigating university as an international student
Being the first in my family to attend university was already a challenge, but arriving in the UK as an international student added another layer. I had to learn English from scratch while adapting to a new education system that emphasised critical thinking and independent learning. Some modules, such as statistics, were difficult, but the lecturers were supportive and approachable, making learning engaging and manageable.
Balancing work, study, and life was another challenge. I continued working in hospitality, including as a lifeguard, which helped me develop resilience and risk management skills. At 36, I was older than many classmates, but that experience taught me time management, independence, and how to make the most of every opportunity. Greenwich helped me believe in myself and gave me the tools to turn my passion into a real career.
From graduation to career
Graduating with a first-class degree was a proud moment. I started applying for roles aligned with my studies and sought support from the Greenwich Careers Service. They helped me create a strong CV and prepare for interviews, which was invaluable. Out of more than 2,000 applicants, I was offered a position as a Probation Service Officer at the Ministry of Justice.
In my current role, I work with lower and medium-risk cases, using the knowledge I gained at Greenwich to support offenders, understand mental health and harm reduction, and navigate the criminal justice system. I plan to progress to a probation officer role in the future, and the practical skills, confidence, and professional experience I developed during my degree have been key to getting me here.
Advice to current and prospective students
My advice to current and prospective students is simple: follow your passion. Choose a path that genuinely excites you, not one others expect of you. When you are committed to what you study, challenges become opportunities, and the knowledge and skills you gain stay with you far beyond graduation. Greenwich gave me the support, experience, and confidence to turn a childhood dream into a career, and I hope other students make the most of everything the university offers.
