Brett Benest – BSc (Hons) Sociology graduate

Brett discusses his experience as an undergraduate at Plymouth, and the experiences that have informed his career decisions.
Brett Benest – BSc (Hons) Sociology Graduate – graduate profile

Current employer: State Street

Current job title: Associate 2

Current location: Guernsey, Channel Islands

What have you been up to since graduating?
Since completing my studies at Plymouth University I have worked in a number of roles that have led me to my current job role at State Street (Guernsey) Limited, these include:
  • The NHS – Oxford Health – Administration Assistant – February 13 to October 13;
  • The State of Guernsey – Intern, Income Management – November 13 to September 14;
  • Ipes Guernsey Limited – Administrator – September 14 to March 17; and
  • State Street (Guernsey) Limited – Associate 2 – April 17 to present.
What was your main reason for choosing to study at Plymouth? 

Coming from Guernsey, location was significant to my situation. The course itself grabbed me, as ideologies behind drug taking, articles in the media and historical events are still topics I find interesting to this day. The course was also adaptable to how and what I wanted to learn to an extent – which was particularly important.

How did studying at Plymouth change your career aspirations and plans? 

I wouldn’t say it changed them, I’d say it strengthened them. It encouraged me to prepare myself for life after University while there and upon obtaining my degree it helped me to obtain a job and later a Graduate Internship.

Were there any aspects of the course that you found particularly useful?

During my time at Plymouth I was lucky enough to take part on a placement at Groundwork Southwest, working with unique individuals that had struggled with mental health. The course taught cultivation skills, and aimed to assist in reintegrating people into society.

What is the best, most exciting or fun thing that you have done in your career?

State Street offers employees the opportunity to take two paid voluntary days a year to help out the local community on a project, chosen by the company. We recently helped replace tree guards, stakes and cut back thistles at St Germain. Working for a finance company doesn’t often present opportunity to give back to the local community and for this reason it was a very exciting opportunity for the team.

Image of demonstrators outside a public building.