" Sociology Stories ": we decided to call this new project that because it is, in fact, about sociology stories. The stories of all of us, lovers, scholars, or simply enthusiasts of sociology. The starting point was as simple as it was interesting: how many of those who graduated in sociology actually pursue a profession related to what they studied? Have they been consistent with their studies or have they turned to something else to try to find their place in the world? It is from these questions that we will try to tell our, and your, sociology stories. Stories like Nadia 's , who after graduating in Sociology found her place in the sun... in Paris.
Graduated in Italy, working in France. From Torrecuso, in the province of Benevento, to Paris: what was your educational path?
"I graduated in 2005 with a degree in Sociology, majoring in socio-economics, from the University of Naples Federico II. In 2008, I earned a Master's degree in Social Policies from the Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Faculty of Political Science. During my Master's degree, I studied for nine months in France, at the University of Paris-Est Marne La Vallée, thanks to the Erasmus program.".
It is thanks to this last experience that you were able to create opportunities in the “City of Lights"?
"I began working in Paris in 2008 as a social worker at a residential shelter for the homeless, after completing an internship there through the Leonardo project. In 2012, I earned my State Diploma in Educator, thanks to a French program (VAE), which validates work experience and leads to the corresponding diploma. In 2017, I decided to resume my studies, earning a Master's degree in Management of Social and Healthcare Organizations in 2018, while continuing to work as an educator-coordinator at a shelter for the homeless. The Master's degree then allowed me to find my current job.".
What do you do?
"I am responsible for a social support service for people living in social housing or group accommodations. Specifically, I manage a team of 13 people (educators and social workers) who work in this area. I also occasionally train for the State Diploma in Social Work, providing interventions on social and housing policies and acting as a thesis supervisor.".
A life devoted to social issues, in short.
"I hesitated a lot in choosing a major, particularly between Sociology and Social Sciences. In reality, I always knew I wanted to work in the social sciences, and in hindsight, I'm glad I got there by taking an alternative path. In my opinion, it was a much richer one.".
What did your studies in Sociology teach you?
"My degree in Sociology has taught me so much, especially the ability to carefully analyze social phenomena such as housing and social exclusion, a skill necessary to understand the factors of inclusion. The various European projects I participated in during my studies (Erasmus, Leonardo) were also crucial to my open-mindedness and to building the person I am today, both professionally and personally.".
In previous episodes of "Stories of Sociology"
1. Alessio, a worker with a passion for social phenomena
2. Vincenza, from fear of not being good enough to happiness
