Antonia Boddy
MSc Forensic Psychology, 2019
About me
- Trainee Investigator at National Crime Agency
- Studied: MSc Forensic Psychology, 2019
About my career
My first job after finishing my studies was as an Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) for Victim Support. I then progressed to become a specialised children’s ISVA. For this role I required an extensive knowledge of sexual violence, the impact on victims, their friends and family and the larger community. In addition to this, I was also required to hold knowledge on the criminal justice system, specifically the special measures available for vulnerable witnesses and what their rights are as a victim of a serious offence. I gained my ISVA qualification whilst performing the role, this gained through 2 training days a month for 6 months followed by an exam on the 2nd day. I gained a vast amount of skills in the duration of performing the role of an ISVA, I learnt how to build working relationships with multiple sectors including police forces, the crown prosecution service and local authorities. Whilst in the role my communication skills grew and how to manage my time effectively as I would often have a case load of between 50-70 clients at any one time.
I now work as a Trainee Investigator for the National Crime Agency. I am currently studying for the National Investigator’s exam and the Special Powers exam I have approaching. I decided that this would be my career choice whilst studying a module in Investigative Psychology at Manchester Metropolitan.
The skills that I gained at Manchester Met that I use the most in my career are time management, public speaking and presentation skills. The presentations that I did during my degree helped a lot with my confidence.
My top tip for students is
Be willing to partake in a role that may not be your end goal or career choice but that will help build on your existing skills and develop new ones that will ultimately help you in the long run.
I’m inspired by
My previous lecturer Dr Michelle Wright, who specialises in investigative psychology.
Why I love Manchester Met
As I gained my undergraduate degree at a different university I found the teaching at Manchester Metropolitan excellent in comparison, the lecturers made an effort to get to know who you are as students.