Sam Hales

Sam completed his MSc in Forensic Psychology 2017 and then returned to Kent for a PhD in Forensic Psychology between 2018-22. He is now working as a Senior Research Officer at the Ministry of Justice, managing a long-term evaluation of a new pilot project with individuals who have engaged in domestic abuse.

Tell us about your career path since graduation.

My first job after finishing my Ph.D. was as a Research Officer at the Ministry of Justice, supporting the evaluation of His Majesty’s Prison & Probation Service’s largest treatment programme for people in prison.

I’ve since moved up the ladder and I am now project managing a long-term evaluation of a new pilot project with individuals who have engaged in domestic abuse.

What does a typical work day look like for you?

Project admin, responding to e-mails, and stakeholder and contract management make up a large part of my working week. I also spend a lot of time scoping analytical plans for the different arms of our evaluation, to ensure that the data we collect are reliable, deliver meaningful insights, and help us to respond to our customers’ questions.

Can you share a professional highlight from your career so far?

Whilst delivering the country’s largest evaluation of a prison-based treatment programme was a high-point, the real highlight of my role is knowing that I’m actively helping to reduce reoffending across the country and protect the public from criminal harm.

How did your time at Kent help you achieve your current career?

My studies at Kent helped me to develop my understanding of the criminal justice system and ‘what works’ in individual rehabilitation. My studies also helped me to develop my research and data analytic skills, which I rely on every day in my current role.

What advice would you give to our current/prospective students who are looking to get into the same line of work?

Say “yes” to as many extracurricular opportunities as possible during your studies – they will help you to grow both professionally and personally, and come to understand more about the work that you do and don’t enjoy. They may also help to open doors for you, which can serve you fantastically when you enter the job market.

Do you have a favourite memory from your time at Kent?

Being able to attend international conferences and hear about the work of some of the world’s best researchers was a personal highlight.

Is there anything you would do differently if you could repeat your time at Kent?

Not really – if you are genuinely interested in your course, you will naturally apply yourself and want to do well in it. Perhaps the biggest piece of advice I would give to students, particularly nowadays, would be to ensure you allow yourself a sensible work-life balance. It’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of academia, so make sure you set time aside to enjoy yourself and, if possible, give your brain a rest!

Are you still in touch with other Kent alumni or academics?

Yes – I keep in touch with a few friends from Kent and I’m also in touch with some of my old lecturers as we still publish research together.

What are your future ambitions?

I really enjoy working at the Ministry of Justice, so I think I’ll stay here for a while. Who knows, maybe one day I’ll return for another course at Kent!