Agnieszka Godzicka

What made you decide to study at Teesside?

I’ve always wanted to work with vulnerable people in our society. I chose to do the MA Social Work course at Teesside because I knew that a postgraduate qualification would significantly improve my job prospects. It has given me professional skills and knowledge relevant to my present job as an Adult Social Worker. Teesside University also contributed to my personal development by giving me the time and opportunities to develop new interests and learn new skills. I broadened my horizons by meeting new people from all over the world.

I did my undergraduate degree in Sociology at Teesside and had such a positive experience that I decided to progress with my education and apply for the MA – I didn’t even look at other Universities as I knew that Teesside would prepare me well to find a job that gives me satisfaction.

What was the best thing about the course?

The best thing about the course was the teaching staff. I had an amazing tutor – Maggie Jackson – who was my mentor during my time at Teesside. She believed in me more than I believed in myself. She was my confidence on days when I had none, and I’m grateful for everything she did for me.

What are you doing now?

I qualified as a Social Worker at the end of September 2017 and I’m proud to have been awarded the prize for being the best overall student on my programme. I was fortunate enough to get a permanent position as an Adult Social Worker at Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council.

My job involves counselling people who need support and assistance and working in partnership with service users. I support them to solve their problems and to learn to cope with everyday life challenges in a variety of situations. I link people with essential resources within the community, advocate for people, protect vulnerable service users and ensure that their best interests are maintained. I have a great team who support me to develop my skills and knowledge on a daily basis and they are always there for me if I need help.

Did your course help you get your current job?

The MA course helped me to secure my current role as I completed my first placement with Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council and gained invaluable experience, which was crucial to my job interview.

Thanks to having an opportunity to study at Teesside University my life has transformed from the life of a shy girl from a working class background who comes from a foreign country and speaks a foreign language, to the life of a person who knows that through my hard work, I can live my dreams.