November 7, 2019

Fascination with true crime leads Chloe to future in criminology

Social Sciences graduate relished chance to help others through work with AIME

The last few years have been incredibly busy for Chloe Bishop.

The University of Wollongong graduate has been juggling work as a Program Manager for AIME at Shoalhaven Campus alongside her studies, a Bachelor of Social Sciences, with a major Criminology and a minor in Psychology.

But today (Thursday 7 November), Chloe celebrated the end of one of those chapters, with her graduation from UOW, among her Faculty of Social Science cohort.

Chloe had always wanted to study criminology. Drawn to the intricacies and intrigues of the criminal justice system, she had considered becoming a police officer before realising it was not for her. Instead, she wanted to work behind the scenes, solving crimes and uncovering what motivated people to break the law.

“My mum has always worked in the court system, so I grew up watching that,” Chloe said. “We both always loved true crime books, and movies. I love a true crime podcast!”

She started her degree at UOW in 2016, after growing up on the South Coast, and was happy to be able to stay close to home.

In the second year of her degree, Chloe took part in 40K Globe, a social impact initiative that takes young Australians to India to volunteer in rural communities. Chloe found herself in Bangalore, helping to teach English literacy to young children.

“Before 40K, I had only been to Fiji and the United States, so it was a huge culture shock,” said Chloe, who received the UOWx Award during the graduation ceremony. “It was very eye-opening, I loved it.”

So much so that she returned to Bangalore the following year, with 40K Globe, this time as a Team Leader.

The experience captured her love of giving back, and when she returned, she began volunteering with AIME as a mentor in the Shoalhaven. It was part of UOWx, a development program that provides students with credit for extra-curricular work.

“I really enjoyed working with AIME, and getting to go out into the schools and meet all the young kids,” Chloe said.   

Earlier this year, she was offered the role of Program Manager at UOW’s Shoalhaven Campus, a role that involved her coordinating all of AIME’s initiatives in the region.

Taking on the full-time role, in addition to her degree, has been daunting at times, but Chloe has enjoyed every minute.

It has also encouraged her to consider a future in the juvenile justice system.

“I’ve had a lot of experience working with kids who have fallen on tough times or might be working through some hard moments, so that is something I have considered.”

At times, her work in criminology, and her job at AIME have complemented each other, as she has been able to use her psychology skills to engage and connect with the young people she meets every day.

Chloe is unsure of her next move - she has received multiple offers for postgraduate degrees - but she knows her future lies in crime. She will continue her role at AIME for the next year - this time, without the added pressure of study - but would love to eventually work for ASIO or the Australian Federal Police. 

“I’m just so intrigued by what motivates and leads people to commit crimes,” she said. “And I love the crime prevention side too, looking at what towns and cities can do and are doing to prevent crime in their community.”