Mary works as a social worker in Munich

What did you study at the Department of Sociology?

MA in Cultural Criminology

What have you done since graduating?

Since graduating, I moved to Munich, Germany, and started working as a social worker. I have also been involved as a volunteer in aid deliveries for Ukraine.

What is your current job?

As a social worker, I work with adolescents and young adults in crisis-affected life situations in the field of accepting drug and addiction support. I engage with individuals in public spaces, offering support, harm reduction strategies, and distributing safer use materials to help reduce risks associated with substance use. Additionally, I help my clients with issues regarding homelessness, unemployment, monetary debt, addiction, and mental health issues.

How did you get your current position?

I used to work for the organisation as a student assistant during my bachelor’s. I kept in contact and when I graduated, they offered me a position.

How do you benefit from your studies in cultural criminology in your work?

I benefit from my studies in regards to understanding the lived experiences of my clients. Studying Cultural Criminology has broadened my perspective for the motivations and circumstances of the clientele, through which I can provide better support for their individual needs.

What is the best part of your job?

The best part of my job is that I get to use all the theoretical knowledge that I acquired throughout my studies in practice. I also enjoy being outside for most of my work.

What are the biggest challenges in your job?

The biggest challenge of my job is that I sometimes feel like the system actively works against our efforts. We try to advocate for the needs of the clientele as best as we can, though sometimes the wheels of bureaucracy can be awfully slow and unapologetic.

Do you have any advice or tips for other students when it comes to looking for a job after graduation?

My best tip is to gain as much professional experience as possible during your studies already. If it is through student assistant positions, summer job opportunities, or internships – try to get involved and build your professional network early on.

Do you have any fun memories from your education that you would like to share with us?

There are too many fun memories to share. Studying Cultural Criminology was a great experience. I gained so much professional and personal knowledge and made great friends that now feel like family.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

Working in social work is not necessarily the standard profession for a cultural criminologist. Depending on the country you work in, there might be different requirements for professional qualifications. It is always worth reaching out to current
students about their experiences as well, for example through the Lund University ambassador programme (link below). In the end, studying and graduating is a journey and we are all in it together.

The interview was conducted in autumn 2025.

Connect with current students - Lund University student ambassadors