Kate McGuinness graduated with a BA (Hons) in Applied Social Studies (Professional Social Care) in 2016 and is currently working as a Senior Forensic Worker in a High Secure Unit for the National Forensic Mental Health Service.
Deciding what and where to study
I always knew that I wanted to work with people, to help those who needed additional support but wasn’t sure what path to take. I remember when it came time to fill out the CAO I was a bit lost on what I wanted to do and spent hours aimlessly googling courses.
I remember I came across Social Care and I felt this best suited to my strengths. Though there is a number of social care courses across the county it was Carlow College that always stood out to me. It was the course content, modules and the sense of community about the college that really stood out amongst the rest.
Though it meant moving away from home, I knew that Carlow College was the college that I could achieve my goals in. I was never a strong academic and that was always a concern of mine going into further education however the sense of support and size of Carlow College made me feel like I wouldn’t be lost in the crowds and support was accessible.
Fondest Memory of Carlow College
It is difficult to narrow down to just one memory over the course of four amazing years spent in Carlow College. When I reflect on the four years, it really is the people you meet in Carlow College that stand out the most, this is not just the best friends I have made from my time there but the staff as well.
My favourite memories are those small moments, either it be the before class laughs on the steps of the college or the rush to Tully’s after handing in an assessment. My best friends now are those I met in Carlow College, we often travel down to visit the campus and reflect in the times we had there with such joy.
However, I think the core memories are of the support I felt from the staff and lectures when I struggled with the academic side of things. Those memories of lecturers raising you up to achieve your goals, when I didn’t believe I could have never left me.
Development of foundational skills
There are so many core skills I learned that I couldn’t list them all however I think something I really took from both the lectures and practice placements is the power of effective communication and advocacy. I think from my studies in Carlow College, the small nature of the classes and the ability to be more engaged with the learning really was the foundation of these skills for me.
Either it be Social Work or Social Care, I believe that the skills required in this profession is driven by effective communication. I would often say to students I meet that social care/work is the facilitation of change through communication and can be applicable to any setting to support anyone in need of it.
What aspects did you like most about your course?
I think the course really delivers a number of different modules and prepares you for the wide scope of where social care as a profession can lead you in your career. I think it ensures that as a student you have the knowledge and the skills to be prepared for practical elements of the role.
I think if you ask any of my friends what was my favourite aspect of the course they would know straight off the bat, it was always Dr Lucy Bennett’s class! I think her approach to teaching and ability to make it relevant to practice always captured my attention and really engaged me in the learning.
How did your studies help you to get you to where you are now?
I cannot be more certain that I would not be where I am if it wasn’t for my time in Carlow College. I feel I owe so much to the college and it really has impacted both me personally and professionally. It has been the foundation of me achieving my dreams in the 8 years since I have graduated from Carlow.
When I graduated Carlow College, I felt it given me confidence in my own abilities both in terms of academia and in practice. This allowed me to go on and continue my education, I completed a Masters of Social Work with University College Cork along with a Post- graduate degree in Perinatal Mental Health with Dundalk Technology University.
I also am a regular guest speaker with the Higher Cert. of Custodial Care in South East Technological University. I give talks on Admission, Legal Pathways and Treatment and have really enjoyed this opportunity. I would like to go onto to do a PhD or another Masters soon but I just can’t make up my mind what I would like to do!
A career in Forensic Social Work
I am a Senior Forensic Social Worker based in the High Secure Units of the Central Mental Hospital which is the in-patient service apart of the National Forensic Mental Health Service. This includes the male admission, sub-acute and high dependency wards. I have been with the service for five years and counting!
I am responsible for providing specialist social work services to patients and family members who have been admitted to the Central Mental Hospital for the purpose of assessment and treatment and work as part of a highly dedicated multi-disciplinary team. I am also a part of an amazing Social Work & Social Care Dept. in the wider service who continuously provide support patients and families in contact with the hospital.
To find out more about the BA in Applied Social Studies (Professional Social Care) tap here
