Michelle is mentored to a new career

Forensics graduate Michelle Thomas has a new career with West Midlands Police, thanks to our mentoring scheme DiversiTees.

The scheme is in its fourth year and available to disabled, mature or black, ethnic minority students, linking them with local employers to enhance their employability.

By taking part in DiversiTees, the students are paired with Mentors who offer advice, encouragement and possible work experience in their specific fields. The University’s Careers Service, which runs DiversiTees, teamed Michelle up with Howard Smith, a Fire and Safety Officer with Cleveland Police.

During her placement Howard arranged for Michelle to shadow one of Cleveland Police’s experts in digital evidence.

Howard later saw a job advert in Police Review for a Computer Forensics Technician with West Midlands Police, and encouraged Michelle to apply.

She did so and clinched the post, her success aided by the fact she was the only candidate with relevant work experience.

DiversiTees got me into the real world of work Michelle, 21, from Thornaby, has just achieved her BSc (Hons) Digital Forensics. She said: 'DiversiTees was such a good experience as it got me into the real world of work. When Howard told me about the job ad I didn’t think about applying as I was busy completing my dissertation and coursework, but Howard encouraged me to go for it, he said ‘just do it, you don’t know if you don’t try’.

'I was one of ten candidates and was told afterwards that the work experience at Cleveland Police had given me the edge. In my new role I’ll be looking at electronic devices such as computers and mobile phones for evidence. 'My life is totally different now. I missed some of my GCSE study time due to epilepsy and lacked confidence. Studying at Teesside has opened my eyes a lot and I’m very grateful to Howard for being such a supportive mentor.' Before his present role, Howard, 54, from Redcar had completed a 30-year career as a police officer. He has mentored students since the scheme started and said: 'When I first met Michelle she lacked a little confidence but could also tell she had great potential and talent. I remember telling her about the job ad on the phone and there was silence but I told her to apply, I knew her experience gave her a good chance. 'I was over the moon when Michelle got the job. I couldn’t have been more pleased if it been one of my own kids and wish her well in her new career.' Jane Simpson, Careers Adviser and Scheme Co-ordinator said 'It’s fantastic to have such a positive outcome from this year’s Scheme and I wish Michelle every success in her new career. We are hugely grateful for the support we get from Cleveland Police and other employers who support our students and always interested to hear from other companies who would like to be involved.'

---