A career in Youth and Community Work: Q&A with Shauna Pumphrey

10 Oct 2024

• UCC Youth and Community Work student Shauna Pumphrey will graduate from UCC at the university's Autumn conferring ceremonies.
• Shauna received the inaugural Fórsa Finbarr O’Driscoll Social Justice Bursary to study music education and social impact.
• Ahead of graduation, Shauna shares her journey so far and advice for students considering a career in youth and community work.

Shauna Pumphrey will graduate from UCC with a BSocSc Honours Youth and Community Work in October. Shauna is now a Youth Worker with Cork Education and Training Board. 

Music educator Shauna was awarded the inaugural Fórsa Finbarr O’Driscoll Social Justice Bursary to study music education and social impact.

The award honours of Finbarr O’Driscoll, former president of the IMPACT trade union who worked tirelessly for workers rights and social justice. Presented by the Cork Health and Local Government Branch of FORSA, the award strengthen links between the trade union movement and students interested in social justice.

Ahead of her graduation, we asked Shauna to share some of her journey so far.

Shauna, you’re set to graduate from UCC with a BSocSc Honours in Youth and Community Work. What inspired you to pursue this particular course, and how has it aligned with your passion for music education and social impact?

Through my early work as a vocal coach and youth arts facilitator I saw first hand how music can be used as a means of social inclusion and how it can be a form of self expression for young people. However, I did not link this to youth work until I joined the tutoring team in East Cork Music Project, a Learning Training Initiative project run in collaboration with CDYS Youth Work Ireland and Cork Training Centre.

I developed an understanding of youth work here and saw firsthand how beneficial music projects such as this can be for young people when delivered in line with the principles of youth work. Throughout my time here I met previous students of the BsSoc Youth and Community Work degree who spoke highly of the degree and encouraged me to take the step myself.

You were awarded the Fórsa Finbarr O’Driscoll Social Justice Bursary – a huge accomplishment! Can you share how this award has influenced your studies at UCC and your work in exploring and promoting social justice?

Thank you! My final year dissertation ‘A Study on the use of Music in Youth Work as a form of Self-Expression’ enabled me to explore a passion of mine however, not initially in the way I had anticipated. From meeting with the members of the Forsa board elements of social justice became important in the research I was doing.

It enabled me to broaden how I looked at my topic choice and enabled me to delve into areas such as social inclusion, youth voice and participation and the need for creative spaces for young people to perform and showcase their work in. It definitely influenced how I structured my overall research.

What aspects of the Youth and Community Work course at UCC have had the most impact on your personal and professional development?

The lecturing team on this degree are second to none, having the opportunity to learn from people who are working hands-on in the area was very beneficial. The environment they created for our learning mirrored the values of youth work. Knowing I was walking into a space for learning that was non-judgemental and encouraging really helped my confidence personally and professionally. Having the opportunity to put theory into practice throughout the placement aspect of the course made for great hands on learning, the opportunity to trial new knowledge and reflect on choices. Knowing you had complete support from your supervisors throughout this period was key too.

Did you receive any particular support during your studies, from your classmates or lecturers that might have contibuted to your great success? 

I could not speak more highly of the lecturing team on this degree, no question went unanswered. They have a wealth of knowledge and a want to help and inspire, which they do really well! I feel very fortunate for the classmates I had while undertaking this degree, we blended as a group from the beginning and became a great support system for each other. We were able to share thoughts and ideas with each other and were a source of encouragement during the busy submission date period.

As you prepare to graduate, what advice would you give to future students considering a degree in Youth and Community Work, especially those passionate about combining arts, education, and social justice?

The personal growth journey you will go on in this degree may surprise you, I certainly was not expecting it. The course provides great opportunities to pursue your passions within the topics you are covering, the subject assignments and in your final year dissertation. My advice would be to lean into these passions in the work that you are doing as these can be a great source of your own development within these areas too. Your placement is a great place to put these passions in play and a great opportunity to work alongside like minded people in a professional environment.

Learn more about the BSocSc Honours Youth and Community Work