“I’m a social worker. Five years is a long journey, but it’s worth it because I’m exactly where I want to be”

At 46 years old, Derry/Londonderry-based Tracy Mooney is set to graduate next year as a qualified social worker, marking the culmination of a transformative journey that began in her teenage years.

Tracy’s story is one of perseverance, self-discovery, and unwavering determination—a testament to how life experiences, no matter what they might be, can forge a path to success.

Tracy grew up in Strabane as the eldest of eight children. For her, academic achievements were never a priority. “I left school with no qualifications,” she said. “It wasn’t a surprise. For me, leaving school just wasn’t a big thing, there was more of a need to get out there and earn a living.”

Tracy turned to hairdressing, a practical way to earn a living as when leaving school, she didn’t see a lot of other options for her. She spent years honing her craft in salons, but she always felt that there was something missing. “There was always this niggle at the back of my mind,” she says. “I kept thinking, maybe I could do something else, but I didn’t know what it was.”

At 30 Tracy decided to make a change and found herself drawn toward home care and working in social care.

“I wanted to try something different and a friend of mine was already doing the job and got me an interview,” she said.

She began working in the community, providing care to those in need. It was a world she had never encountered while working in salons. “I loved it. I loved being out in the community,” she reflects. “I didn’t realise how much sickness and need was out there. I loved caring for people—it just felt natural.”

One day, during a routine care visit, Tracy overheard a phone call from a social worker. That moment planted a seed. “I remember thinking, maybe I could do that,” she says. However, her self-doubt immediately crept in. “I thought, no, I couldn’t do that. I have no qualifications.”

But life had other plans. Tracy’s employer supported her in earning her first-ever qualification: the Level 2 certificate in Health and Social Care. “It was challenging,” she admits. “I had never done anything academic before. But I managed to pull through.” Buoyed by this achievement, Tracy decided to take a leap of faith and pursue family support work.

It was while working in family support when Tracy had her “lightbulb moment” during a team meeting. Observing social workers collaborating to map out solutions for a family in need, she realised, “All the social workers were coming together as one big team, providing their input on what they could do to help this family and I thought, “This is where I need to be”.

At 41, embarking on a five-year educational journey was daunting. Tracy enrolled in an access course at Northwest Regional College to pave her way to university. Despite juggling part-time work, a young family, and academic studies, she persevered. Along the way, she discovered she was dyslexic, which shed light on her earlier struggles with school. “It made so much sense,” she shares. “It explained why I was never interested in school. Why I always felt like I couldn’t do it or I didn’t understand. It was only picked up on in my second year of the access course. But once I knew, I could get the support I needed to succeed.”

Tracy’s determination paid off when she earned a place in Degree in Social Work programme. “I didn’t get in on my first try,” she says, “but I never doubted that I would. I knew this was my path.”

“I remember the phone call. I was driving and I got told I was offered a place. I had to pull into the side of the road and just cry, because that was where I wanted to be. I knew it was what I was meant to do.”

Now in her final year, Tracy has discovered a passion for family and childcare social work through her placements. “I loved learning about permanency for children, whether through family, adoption, or kinship care,” she says. “I even enjoyed the court work, which surprised me. There are so many facets to social work that people don’t realise.”

As Tracy approaches graduation, she feels both pride and excitement. “I can’t wait to say, ‘I’m a social worker,’” she beams. “Five years is a long journey, but it’s worth it because I’m exactly where I want to be.”

Tracy’s advice to others considering a career change? “Don’t hesitate. Don’t let age or self-doubt hold you back. There is so much support out there, and once you know what you want, nothing can stop you.”

For Tracy, the journey from hairdresser to social worker was far from straightforward. Yet every step, every challenge, and every triumph shaped the compassionate and determined professional she is today. Her story proves that it’s never too late to follow your calling.

Feeling inspired?

For more information on how you can train to be a social worker in Northern Ireland check out our niscc.info/degree-in-social-work.