A degree is not enough to guarantee employment

CASS+ is keen to support volunteers, interns and placements from social work, psychology, counselling, psychotherapy, law and criminology degrees. This is because a degree is not enough to guarantee employment.

This year, we’ve branched out to include some talented communications interns.

Many of our volunteers and interns go on to successful careers. Above all, they understand that a degree is not enough to guarantee employment.

Meet the interns

Throughout January and February, we’ve had three interns working hard to develop communications and fundraising. They are all studying at the University of Plymouth which currently has 66 paid internships. Each student has 35 hours funded by the School of Society and Culture. Employability is embedded into the curriculum. This Knowledge Exchange connects students with local organisations to apply skills in the real world. Consequently, they will be set up for the workplace.

Louise

Louise Fulcher is studying for a LLB in Law and Criminology. She’s been working remotely to develop a new contact base of key influencers, local community groups and potential business supporters. Louise explains:

This will help me build up my understanding of offending. I now have an understanding of how a charity gets funds. In the future, I will be looking to work for organisations that are doing something meaningful in their communities as well as internationally. Also, I want to work for businesses that care about mental health, embrace change, adapt to new technology, and think about their impact on the environment.

Salwa

Salwa Kamali is working remotely to help us develop our social media plan. She came to Plymouth in 2023 on an Erasmus Exchange and loved it so much that she chose to return to study for an MSc in Digital and Social Media Marketing. This will enable her to broaden her opportunities; put knowledge into practice; and learn new skills in a professional environment. Most importantly, with fluency in French, English, Arabic and Italian, Salwa faces a bright future in marketing and communications.

Zack

Zack Cohen is a graduate in Politics and International Relations, now studying for an MSc in Cyber Crime, Security and Terrorism. He’s been working with our team at Avida Workspace in Plymouth to grow our unrestricted income. Zack is really motivated to work with the ‘difference-makers’ because we tackle the issues that are overlooked. Consequently, he’s been making a difference himself by helping other caring organisations in Plymouth: Live Wire, A Safer Keyham, and FotoNow (CIC). Zack is also growing his skills, knowledge and experience by doing some research for the England Squash. As a result, Zack has learnt the importance of accepting people from all backgrounds and not to judge a book by its cover. His ambition is to go into the diplomatic service where he will use his natural talent for strengthening relationships.

Wishing our interns all the best

So many of our past volunteers, placements and interns have gone on to do great things. We wish these young people all the very best. Last but by no means least, huge thanks to the University of Plymouth for making this happen.