Name: Kirsty
Job Title: Police Sergeant
What exactly is that?
I am a Police Officer who has been promoted to the rank of Sergeant. I manage teams of Police Officers who work shifts during the day and during the night protecting the public from harm and preventing crime.
How did you get there?
I completed my GCSE’s an A, 3B, 3C and a D. I started my A levels and after a few weeks decided it wasn’t for me as I wanted to join the ‘real world’. Very soon after I realised what a huge mistake I had made as I found it extremely difficult to get a job without any further education other than GCSE’s. I enrolled in further education and completed a Foundation Degree in Business, which was hard work as I am not very academic. I still didn’t know what career I wanted for myself but I finally understood that GCSE’s were a stepping stone in education and not the end of it!
Following several jobs in Sales which helped me to pay for some travelling around the world , I applied to be a Police Officer. I was successful in my interview, I completed the training course, made some amazing friends and from the first day I knew this was for me, this was going to be my career.
Describe a typical day in your life
I work shifts and so my wake up times and sleep times vary every week! If I am working a day shift I wake up about 05:30am shower and drive the half an hour to work (packing my bag the night before to maximize time in bed!) I am in the office preparing the briefing for my team at 06:30am.
Following briefing literally ANYTHING could happen which is why I love this job so much! Its challenging, emotional and can be stressful, but when you can help a person or a family who really needs you it makes it all worthwhile.
I usually finish my day on time at about 5pm but not always. If I work a night shift I start at 9pm and usually finish around 7am, I find it really hard to sleep during the day so I make sure I have good earplugs and an eye mask!
I try to exercise as much as possible, I love running and mountain biking but usually this is on my days off work which can be weekends or week days. I see my friends and family as much as possible, it is so important. We will always need each other and I never forget that.
What’s the best thing about what you do?
The best thing about what I do is that I can help people. When someone could be in fear, has lost someone close to them, worried, concerned or needing advice or guidance myself and my team could be the people who help them. There is no better feeling than knowing you have made a positive difference to someone’s life or to a community.
What would you change if you could?
Honestly, nothing. I would like to see more police on the streets as I know this would make the public feel safer and one day there may be more of us again, but for the actual role I do, I believe it is a good job and I wouldn’t change it.
What did you want to do for a living when you were at school?
I did not have a clue what I wanted to do! I was afraid of making the wrong decision, I was afraid of putting a lot of hard work and time into something and then finding out I didn’t like it because I wasn’t 100% sure it was what I wanted to do. Looking back now, that doesn’t matter. If you try something and you don’t like it, try something else!
Tell us about something you were insecure about when you were at school
I was insecure about everything! My hair wasn’t long enough, I didn’t like my eyes, my ears were too big and I had too many freckles. I tried to fit in with the girls who were skinny, with perfect skin and long hair but it didn’t make me happy. But, I found I was really good at sport and that is exactly what I did. I was successful in Athletics for my school and found great friends. I had no need to be insecure, but I felt so much better when I found something I was really good at and I started to concentrate on myself and not worry about what others thought of me.
What advice would you give yourself at 18 if you could?
If I could go back, I would tell myself that at 18 years old, just be 18, start to understand yourself and want you want from life, and understand what you need to do to achieve your dreams. Don’t take short cuts and just think it will all work out. Make sure you travel, experience the world and all it has to offer. My list of places to travel still grows every day. Take opportunities, don’t worry if its the wrong one because although you may not notice it straight away, you will get something worthwhile from it.
What’s your favourite thing to do in your spare time
Spending time with friends and family. If its warm and sunny being outside at every opportunity!
What’s the title of the last book you read?
Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts
Share with us one beauty tip you have learned
Don’t wear too much make up – it truly does look awful!
Please share one money tip
Have a savings account which is not easily accessible, put a little bit into each month and forget about it. One day you will want that money for something that’s important to you.
Share with us one life lesson you have learned
Never think ‘I wish I had done that…’
Tell us about your favourite recent purchase for £25 or under
Lonely Planet Guide to Nepal. This is my next adventure!
