Becca Whitfield – Criminal mind
When Becca Whitfield was 19 she was rejected by the Police force – and for a while that discouraged her from pursuing a career in the vocation she loved.
Becca took up a post at Apple, but she never forgot her dream, and decided a degree at Sunderland was her best way forward. “After three years, I thought about my options and decided to reapply to the police and take my Criminology degree to make my prospects better.
“I have really enjoyed gaining knowledge in a subject I'm really passionate about, from staff who are engaging and approachable.”
Becca decided to further advance her career prospects by setting up Just Crime, a criminology website, in the final year of her degree.
“It gives students a social platform to write and share their work with a limitless audience. We focus on crime and criminology related topics, applying theory to reality. We also provide connections to volunteering organisations, directing students to relevant roles to enhance their CV.”
Now Becca’s hard work and dedication has paid off, and she is planning to take a gap year before returning to University to study for her Masters – but she is not resting on her laurels.
“I am currently a special constable. I hope that eventually I will be successful in joining the police full time.”