Welcome Allison from MMU!

Since PIE began, we have been keen supporters of student placements from Manchester Metropolitan University, hosting over 10 students since then. This year's student is Allison, who joined us a few weeks ago and will be with us for a few months - Welcome! She's written us a blog to introduce herself...

Hi I am Allison!

I am in my Third year at Manchester metropolitan university studying criminology with quantitative evidence. I went down this academic route because my interest for data collection and analysis had grown over my first 2 years at University and I knew I had to strengthen the skills learnt and use it to help address real world issues. Outside of studies, I also work part time in a restaurant called TGI Fridays. Working here has taught me a lot about communication, teamwork and dealing with different personalities; this has become an essential part of my life whilst I work towards future goals. I learnt about PIE through a Q-step event held at my university which had students who had completed their placement dissertation with different organisations all relating to different areas of quantitative research. PIE stood out to me as their work aligned with my criminological standpoint, which is that early socialisation techniques and early intervention can prevent and redirect social

inequalities that children are faced with in childhood from becoming a disadvantage

towards them in adulthood. I knew this placement would help me gain the real-life

experience and the knowledge I needed in order to complete my dissertation as well

as in my career. I then applied for this placement through the university and completed 2 formal interviews and was grateful to receive a place for this academic year!

Whilst working with PIE I aim to focus on how children from low income, underprivileged backgrounds internalise their environments and how this affects their perspective of their future opportunities and capabilities. It would also be a great way for me to gain a quantitative insight into children and their experiences of the challenges they face, which could be helpful for PIE to use when cooperating with the relevant organisations who would fund or support them.

Fun Fact about me is that I love travelling, even if its just a few hours a way from home, or just for a few hours of shopping, count me in! Exploring different countries, experiencing new cultures and a seeing how other people live is something I find really wholesome and exciting!