Maria O'Sullivan now works with young people who have entered the criminal justice system.
Maria O'Sullivan completed the BA (Hons) in Criminal Justice Studies at SETU in 2012 and feels it set her on the right path to build on her knowledge and skills.
"Attending SETU gave me a love for learning and studying that I didn't think was possible. After I finished my undergraduate degree, I completed the LLM (Criminal Justice) in UCC. I was unsure of what avenue I wanted to go down for work, but I began volunteering with a mentoring and family support service when I was in UCC. This experience showed me that I enjoyed working with young people, and I also liked the idea of doing preventative work.
I began my current role with a youth organisation in 2015, where I work with 10-18 year olds who have entered the justice system. It is challenging and rewarding work and many of the people I work with with have a lot of trauma in their lives. In 2019 I returned to education again to complete an MSc in Pluralistic Counselling and Psychotherapy. This complements my work and allows me to branch into other avenues."
If you are interested in returning to education, I would say go for it, put the work in and don't be afraid to ask for help.
Maria O'Sullivan, Criminal Justice Studies graduate
Criminal Justice Studies at SETU
Reflecting on her time completing the BA Hons in Criminal Justice Studies at SETU, Maria says the degree instilled in her a confidence that she's carried with her.
"I liked how broad the course was and the various job opportunities there were. The course gave great understanding as to how the law works in practice; the impact crime has on the victim, on society and on the perpetrator. There was also a module on employment law which has been beneficial as an employee.
When I was in secondary school, I wasn't very academic so when I decided to return to education as a mature student, I was full of apprehension as to whether I was capable for a Level 8 degree. The support, encouragement and understanding from the lecturers was more than I had anticipated. Their belief in my abilities drove me to do as well as I did during the course and beyond it. I found the entire campus to be very welcoming and the team in the student's union were always very helpful.
It is a great university with supportive and motivating lecturers. If you put the work in, they will encourage and support you every step of the way. If you are interested in returning to education, I would say go for it, put the work in and don't be afraid to ask for help," she added.
