How a Sociology graduate is changing lives for LGBT+ asylum seekers

BA (Hons) Sociology graduate Marshall is putting the skills they learned on their degree into practice in a rewarding role as a Project Officer at Derbyshire LGBT+ where they’re supporting LGBT+ refugees.

“I offer one-to-one sessions to discuss the support that our service users require and create a plan, as well as leading a social group for them to meet others with similar lived experience. Being both LGBT+ and seeking asylum can be a particularly challenging and isolated experience and I consider a great privilege to be able to offer support to empower them.”

Empowering others

Marshall credits the framework of knowledge on the degree as being helpful in their journey to their graduate role, as well as the degree’s focus on encouraging an empathetic attitude, especially towards more vulnerable groups. Marshall was also able to get some work experience during their studies, which helped them realise the path they wanted to take in their career.

“I volunteered for two charities supporting people seeking asylum, primarily by teaching English and befriending. Not only was this community a great personal and academic inspiration to me but they also helped me realise this field is where my heart is.”

Marshall brings what they’ve learned during these experiences into their current role.

“I support a particularly vulnerable social group consisting of people from different backgrounds facing various issues in their home country and here. The course helped me understand the different layers that affect their lives and how we can support their cause, be it gender, power, class dynamics, globalisation and many more. I use this knowledge to comprehend their position and the position of us as a charity to fight inequality and discrimination.”

Exploring society

Marshall was initially drawn towards studying Sociology due to the range of topics it covers, and the impact it has upon society.

“Sociology is a broad field where one learns about various topics while also being able to focus on their particular interest. It blends well with many other fields and offers an intellectual challenge of looking at issues from a new perspective and thinking outside the box. I realised what impact society has on so many elements of our lives and used it in both my professional and personal life.”

Marshall credits their connections across the University for helping them find their feet moving to the UK from the Czech Republic and allowing them to explore their academic interests within Sociology.

“The lecturers were one of the main reasons I enjoyed my studies. They are openminded, flexible and encouraged discussion between the class and themselves. They are helpful outside of classes too and supported my particular academic interests. I found student support helpful especially as someone coming to the university from a different country being used to different systems of learning.”