“Social work needs people from all backgrounds and life experiences”
At 42 years old, not only has Thomas Sturgeon just graduated from Queen’s University Belfast with a Degree in Social Work, but also finished top of his class. It’s an achievement he would not have believed was possible when he left education over 20 years ago.
Now, Thomas is preparing to start his Assessed Year in Employment (AYE) with the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust social work team at the Royal Victoria Hospital. The first step in his career as a qualified social worker in Northern Ireland.
A future he never imagined
“I wasn’t one of those people who knew from a young age that I wanted to be a social worker. When I left school at 16, I started an engineering course, mostly because my dad wanted me to. I just wasn’t that interested in it and eventually dropped out.”
After leaving college, Thomas was unemployed for a couple of years before working in retail, delivery driving and other roles, often choosing jobs that allowed him to work independently. He struggled with confidence and self-esteem and never imagined a career centred on working closely with people was on the cards for him.
Everything changed when, in his mid-thirties, he took a job as a social care practitioner working in a homecare service, supporting older people in their own homes.
“I absolutely loved it,” Thomas said. “For the first time, I realised how much I enjoyed working with people and supporting them.”
That experience sparked an interest in social care and ultimately social work.
After becoming unwell, Thomas stepped back from employment and became the primary carer for his children while he and his wife were expecting their now five- year-old son. While his wife continued to work, she encouraged him to follow his new-found passion and he enrolled on a part-time access course at the Northern Regional College.
“I loved social care, but I read an article about social work and the good things about it – because up to that point I had only heard about negative things.” Explained Thomas.
“Then I started researching it, and realised that it’s such a broad profession, there are so many different jobs you can do. I’ve always had a keen interest in social justice too. I was considering social work and mental health nursing but I liked the Degree in Social Work more.”
Breaking through self-doubt
Going back into education after two decades away from studying was daunting. As a mature student, Thomas often found himself surrounded by much younger classmates and battled feelings of imposter syndrome.
Despite those doubts, he thrived academically and graduated at the top of his cohort.
Men are under-represented in the social work profession and as one of the relatively small number of men studying social work, Thomas hopes his story encourages other men to consider the profession.
Changing perceptions of social work
“Social work needs people from all backgrounds and life experiences. Being a man shouldn’t stop anyone considering it as a career.”
Throughout his studies, Thomas discovered just how diverse social work can be, reinforcing his passion for social justice and helping others. Looking back, Thomas says social work has transformed his life.
“Six years ago, if someone had told me I’d be graduating with a Degree in Social Work, I would never have believed them. Now, I’ve found something that gives me purpose and fulfilment, I’ve just thrown myself into it.”
“I’ve absolutely loved every minute of the whole process. You never really get rid of imposter syndrome, but I have so much more confidence now than I used to. I’m really looking forward to working with the hospital team, but I don’t know where I will ultimately end up.”
Finding a purpose through helping others
For anyone considering applying for the Degree in Social Work as a mature student, Thomas has a simple message: “I have this thing inside me where I want to help other people. If you are someone who also feels like that – social work is an area where you can make a real difference to people’s lives.
“Even helping just one person can change a whole cycle of a family living in poverty or with mental health issues. If anyone is every worried about having the confidence to do it, if I can do it, they can. If they don’t try, it won’t happen.”
Feeling inspired?
Anyone of any age can apply to the Degree in Social Work. If you would like to find out more visit Interested in becoming a social worker to find out more.