Profile
I am independent, self-driven and conscientious graduate holding BA (Hons) degree in Criminological Studies with experience of working with less fortunate people in our society. Having participated in work experience placements in Orphans Court (Latvia) and Positive Steps (Scotland) and volunteered for Emmaus (France, Latvia) I am keen to pursue a career in an area which helps, improves and protects interests and wellbeing of most vulnerable groups in our society.
Work & Voluntary Experience
Positive Steps, Scotland
Oct 2014 – April 2015
• Research Associate
• Worked on proposals to different Trusts to obtain funding for an innovative project that aims to break a cycle of short-term persistent offending behaviour and homelessness.
Launkalnes local municipality Orphan’s Court, Latvia July 2014 – Sept 2014
• Assistant to member of the Orphan’s Court
• One of the key objectives of Orphan’s Court is to serve and protect the interests of children.
• The main focus was on a case of a single father of three daughters who had an alcohol addiction. Providing guidance and support, it was achieved that he understood the seriousness of his illness and possible negative consequences. As a result, he went into rehabilitation and daughters avoided being taken into care.
Emmaus Smiltene, Latvia
July 2012 – Sept 2012
• Volunteer
• Worked with high social risk families. Organized appointments and advised on available support.
• Supported children from socially disadvantaged backgrounds to prepare for upcoming academic year.
Launkalnes Local Municipality Orphan’s Court, Latvia
July 2005 – Feb 2006
• Assistant to President of the Orphan’s Court
• Assisted with Civil Law matters, drafted contracts, advised individuals on matters related to inheritance rights.
• Advised legal guardians and those who wished to become legal guardians to vulnerable children on their rights, duties and responsibilities.
Emmaus France, France
July 2003 – Aug 2003
• Support Worker (volunteer)
• Supported high social risk families and children with their everyday life such as cleaning, cooking, organised sports days for children.
Additional Work Experience
O’Briens Sandwich Cafés – Current
• Counter Assistant
Cosaltro Restaurant, Malta – Nov 2013 – June 2014
• Soft Play Area Assistant
• Ensured safety of children
• Due to the language barrier improved problem-solving skills and communication skills.
Daisy Hill Hospital, Northern Ireland – Aug 2010 – Sept 2011
• Domestic Assistant
• Accomplished and kept a high level of cleanliness.
• Developed good people skills and ability to stay patient and calm when dealing with difficult patients and their queries, requests and complaints outside my role.
Crilco Confections Ltd, Northern Ireland – Mar 2006 – Aug 2010
• Production operative
Education And Qualifications
University of Abertay Dundee, Scotland Sept 2011 – June 2015
• BA (Hons) Criminological Studies
University of Malta, Malta (Erasmus) Sept 2013 – June 2014
• BA (Hons) Criminology
• Researched and established partnership with University of Abertay Dundee
University of Ulster, Southern Regional College, Northern Ireland Sept 2009 – June 2011
• Access Diploma in Adult Learning in Social Sciences
• Equivalent to 5 GCSE’s and 3 A ‘Levels (Including Math and English)
Baltic International Academy, Riga, Latvia Sept 2002 – Jan 2006
• Jurisprudence, 2nd Level Professional Higher Education
• Completed 3 years of a 4-year degree program.
Skills
Languages:
• Latvian (native language)
• English (second language)
• Russian (basic communications)
• Have learned German at school and have passed beginners (8 weeks) course in Japanese.
Communication Skills:
• Living in a couple of European countries and working in customer service has ensured that I am able to communicate clearly verbally and in writing.
• Always willing to question and listen to others to aid my own understanding and that of others.
• Developed excellent presentation skills while presenting key findings of group work for different modules at the University of Malta which were rewarded with outstanding high grades.
Teamwork:
• Due to the keen interest in travelling together with another student, initiated, researched and established a partnership between University of Abertay Dundee and the University of Malta to grow personally and professionally and allow other students to benefit from established partnership.
• I am able to form relationships at all levels, motivate and support other team members as well as to work fairly and productively alongside others in order to meet deadlines, targets and goals.
• Competent to communicate and work with people from different social and cultural backgrounds and from different countries.
Organisation and time management:
• Based on my work placements I am able to set objectives and plan activities, daily tasks and resources to achieve goals for myself and others.
IT Skills:
• A confident user of most standard IT packages including Microsoft Office.
• Used online resources while on work placement with Positive Steps
• Daily user of email and social media such as Facebook, Linkedin
Interests
• Keen interest in travelling, I have lived in a couple of and visited several European countries, backpacked through central Sri Lanka and south of Peru.
• While on student exchange program I picked up Aikido and within six months achieved white belt.
Additional Information
• Driving Licence (Clean), Category B1, B
References
Available on request
