Mary Kirwin

I am a final-year undergraduate student looking for an exciting and challenging graduate scheme. I am friendly, reliable, hardworking and give my best in everything I do. My degree (Philosophy, Politics and Law) has given me a deep interest into issues in society and current affairs. Due to the broadness of my course, I have gained interests in a variety of issues such as prison reforms, why religion is important for society and how the way we define ‘nature’ may be the key problem for climate change. I pride myself on my work ethic and organisation, submitting work in advance of deadlines, following my timetable, and calmly adjusting to change. As an employee, I would be reliable, professional, friendly, and respectable. I love to listen to people, their experiences and opinions and accommodate to different audiences when I present myself as required; a skill I have enhanced through being a member of the school council and contributions to newspapers and radio.

Hobbies and Interests 

As a member of The Lace Market Youth Theatre from the age of 11-18, I have had leading roles in productions and received various awards such as Best Actress. This has helped me to be confident, to get on well with people and work in a team and is my basis for understanding how to present myself in a correct manor to the appropriate audience. I’ve had experience in journalist activities including writing articles for my university newspaper and taking part in radio interviews to promote a play I was performing in. I really enjoy writing articles, particularly when it’s a topic I’m passionate about I find it easy to put other’s and my own thoughts into words; I love interviewing people, hearing their side of the story is insightful and educating. I believe I learn best from other’s experiences, so in the work place I will make sure to ask and listen to other’s advice and experiences. This is motivated by my favourite subject: Philosophy, I love thinking outside of the box and reflecting on the opinions of others and my own. Additionally, I have a deep passion for sports including running and have represented my school at county athletics competitions, this required my determination to improve and succeed, skills I believe are vital for a working environment. As a member of the mixed netball, Latin and ballroom, and politics societies I have learnt the importance of being surrounded by people; learn so much from the observation and interaction of others. I have a great love for the outdoors, I love walking in the Peak District and am a keen cyclist, my study of the philosophy of nature has reinforced the importance of the natural world to me.

Skills and Achievements 

• Achieved the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze award.
• A member of the mixed netball, Latin and ballroom, and politics societies. 
• Enjoy running and have represented my school at county athletics competitions.
• My favourite subject is Philosophy as I love thinking out the box and reflecting on the opinions of others and my own. 
• Participated in many social, fundraising, sponsored activities and events such as organising a McMillan bake sale at school.
• upReach Associate since Summer 2022
• As a member of the school council, I was required to talk to pupils and teachers to create improvements in our school environment. This required listening to and understanding other’s feelings and relaying them in a persuasive and professional manner to others. Through this I learned how to use my polite and friendly nature to my advantage to achieve the correct agreement for all involved. I enjoyed being able to advocate for others and it is something I have taken forward. 
• I’ve had experience in writing articles for my university newspaper and taking part in radio interviews to promote a play I was performing in. An article I published to Warwick University’s ‘The Boar’ entitled ‘It's 2022, it's time to celebrate religion’ gave me experiences of interviewing, writing in a new style and condensing thoughts into clear speech, an experience I thoroughly enjoyed and believe my skills enable me to do well. I really enjoy writing articles, particularly when it’s a topic I’m passionate about I find it easy to put other’s and my own thoughts into words; I love interviewing people, hearing their side of the story is insightful and educating.

Work experience

Kumon Maths and English, Arnold, Nottingham                                         Apr 2019 – Mar 2020

Learning support assistant 

• Managed a group of students aged 3-18 up to university standard. 
• Presented lessons plans in a clear concise manner. 
• This challenged my own knowledge as well as giving me satisfaction from seeing others succeed, whilst improving my ability to communicate to difference audiences. 

Argos, Arnold, Nottingham                                                                                                  Jul - Aug 2018

Retail assistant 

• Working on shop floor, using a till to carry out customer purchases and refunds. 
• Enjoyed working as part of a team and I learnt many social and retail skills 
• Practicing time efficiency and helping customers.

Brookfield’s Garden Centre, Nottingham                    Jul 2017 (one week work experience)                                                                                   

• Took up various roles such as café barista, animal care, plant care and retailer 
• Mr A. Parker (operations manager) commented:

“I have been asked by various people in our teams to pass on their thanks. It seems you created a good impression with your outgoing attitude and hard work during your time with us. Thank you for making a real effort.”

University of Warwick                                                                                          Sept 2021- Jul 2023

BA Philosophy, Politics and Law                                                                             

Predicted to graduate July 2023 with a 2:1.

Christ the King Academy Sixth Form, Arnold, Nottingham                             Sept 2018- Jul 2020

A-Level results: Maths A, Philosophy, Ethics & Christianity A*and Psychology A*

My latest school report described me as “a good role model, hardworking with a positive attitude to learning”.