From undergraduate to a PhD in Social Work at RGU

PhD student Joanna shares her life-changing journey pursuing her dream career from undergraduate to research studies at RGU.

A bit about me

My name is Joanna Santos-Petiot, French-Portuguese by heritage but as Scottish as they come, as I was born and raised in the North East of Scotland. I am a qualified Social Worker and currently a PhD Student and Research Assistant at RGU.

I was always fascinated by the complexities of human behaviour and human relationships, which is what drew me to a career in social work. To begin, I studied my BA (Hons) Social Work at RGU, graduating in 2019. I then practiced as a Social Worker in the North East of Scotland for three and a half years, before beginning my role as a Research Assistant and PhD student at RGU in 2022.

What inspired me to study for a PhD in Social Work

I have always had a very curious and analytical mind and love to engage in challenging and thought-provoking conversations. I had a really positive experience of my undergraduate degree at RGU and always knew I would come back and pursue further study after gaining some practice experience, as the degree truly sparked my passion for social work and for academia. That’s why I was absolutely delighted to come back to RGU as a PGR student as well as a staff member.

While I had an inkling that I would be back for further study, the idea for my PhD research didn’t develop until my first social work post as a Throughcare/Aftercare Social Worker, where I worked with care experienced young people, supporting them in their transition from the care system to independent living for the first time.

I realised in my role that this work was far more complex and emotionally challenging than I initially expected, and I felt there were not enough conversations happening around this very niche area of social work practice. Therefore, I wanted to be the person to spark this conversation. I wanted to bring something meaningful to my profession which could hopefully contribute to positive change for both social workers working in exceedingly challenging circumstances, and care experienced young people who deserve the best possible support.

And now, here I am in the final stages of my PhD research, which looks at social workers experiences of relationship-based practice with care experienced young people in Scotland.

The highlight of my PhD

There are so many highlights of my PhD so far, it’s hard to pick just one! I would say the incredible level of insight and the stories that were shared with me by my participants has been a major highlight. I have been able to delve so deeply into topics and conversations that have fundamentally shifted the way I think and perceive the world.

For me, there is no price you can put on knowledge, and I feel incredibly grateful and privileged that my research participants trusted me with their stories and that I am in a position to critically analyse these experiences and be a voice in advocating for change.

Another great highlight for me has been the international connections I have made during the course of my PhD, which again, have contributed massively to broadening my thinking, developing my academic voice and giving me access to perspectives far beyond just the Scottish one. I have been lucky enough to build professional connections and friendships with social work PhD students and colleagues from Brazil, taking part in panel discussions that explore international perspectives of social work and inclusion.

Thanks to all these opportunities for shared learning, knowledge and new connections, I have learned so much about myself throughout this process and have been able to massively increase my confidence in myself as a social work academic.

Being a Social Work Postgraduate Research Student at RGU

Personally, I love being a social work PGR at RGU. The student and staff team at the School of Law and Social Sciences (SLSS), as well as the Graduate School are fantastic and hugely supportive and encouraging. There is such a range of expertise and knowledge that is so useful to be able to draw on as an early career researcher. Social work is my passion, and I feel RGU is a great place to have been able to realise this passion due to being surrounded by other like-minded and vibrant academics.

Of course, studying a PhD is extremely challenging and requires massive amounts of resilience, organisation and time management skills as well as dedication and perseverance. Although I am relieved to soon be coming to the end of what has been an incredibly challenging, enlightening and life-changing PhD journey, I know for a fact I will miss my PhD and being a PGR when it is finished!

Joanna Santos-Petiot

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