Student swaps PT career for 'dream' detective job

Phebe-Lee Want said her parents were initially unsure about her studies but "have never been so proud"

A former personal trainer has secured her dream job as a detective after swapping the gym for university.

Phebe-Lee Want, 23, from south Essex, said the idea to apply came from an ex-boyfriend, but her parents were sceptical, having never gone themselves.

"They have never been so proud of me," she said, after graduating from the University of Essex.

"Detective" Want's entry to Essex Police came through its Investigate First scheme, a two-year programme that develops future detectives.

'I was really drawn to psychology'

Ms Want started studying a foundation course when her mum's A-level studies sparked her interest in criminal psychology.

"No other career appealed to me more, and it just suited me perfectly," she said.

"I have a history of an eating disorder, so I've always been infatuated with mental health, and I was really drawn to psychology as it's all about the things you can't see.

She added: "I think it's the morals that Essex Police follow that made me want to work with them. Just knowing someone is relying on you to do a good job is so inspiring to me."

Phebe-Lee Want enrolled at Essex University through clearing and was one of 2,710 graduating students this year

'I never felt alone'

Ms Want, said she met her best friend at the university, without whom she would not have been able to complete the course.

"It's just the most supportive environment, and I never felt alone," she added. "There was always a lecturer to talk to.

"If I hadn't come to the University of Essex, I'd still be struggling as a personal trainer, but now I am about to start my dream career."

A spokesperson for the force praised Ms Want's "hard work and dedication".

"The people causing harm in our neighbourhoods are not always immediately visible.

"The skills our detectives have mean we can identify who they are, pursue them, and ultimately take them off our streets to make Essex a safer place."