Local girl Shelby Brown wanted to remain in Edinburgh for university and ENU’s Criminology programme appealed to her. Before embarking on her studies, she was encouraged to apply for a scholarship from The Robertson Trust and was delighted to be accepted onto their Journey to Success programme. This initiative supports 16–25-year-olds in Scotland who face barriers to higher education. In addition to funding, they also provide training and self-development opportunities and a paid internship in third year.
Shelby’s time at Edinburgh Napier sparked her desire to work in a role where she could support and help those who have experienced trauma. The University organised a trip to HMP Edinburgh and helped her secure a short placement with Criminal Justice Social Workers at the Scottish Courts in Edinburgh. In Shelby’s spare time she also took on paid roles as Edinburgh Napier student and widening participation student ambassadors.
After finishing her studies, Shelby became a graduate trainee at The Robertson Trust. Trying to secure a job in the height of the pandemic had been a real worry and starting a job remotely was a huge challenge. It was nearly a year before Shelby met any colleagues face to face!
Shelby has been working with The Robertson Trust as a graduate trainee since 2020, after graduating from Edinburgh Napier with 1st Class Honours. In addition to supporting applicants with funding requests, Shelby manages the Trust’s ‘Partners in Change’ Programme. The aim is to influence and be leaders for Change, making a difference across Scotland for those affected by poverty and/or trauma. She is also involved in their Education Pathways thematic group, focusing on the role of mentoring, and tutoring in Scotland. Heavily linked to widening access in schools, colleges and universities, Shelby’s previous experience as a widening participation student ambassador has been particularly relevant.
Shelby has now been offered a permanent role within the organisation and is looking forward to seeing where this next chapter of her career takes her.
Shelby offers her advice to new graduates entering the working world
“Take any opportunity that comes your way. Never be afraid to reach for what you want and be honest about your experience. While you are studying, enjoy every minute of it, even the difficult parts – they shape you as a person and give you so many useful skills for your career progression. If you are like me and suffer from ‘imposter syndrome,’ do not let it get in your way. You can achieve great things if you really put your mind to it. Never let anyone tell you otherwise!”