What have History Graduates done with their degrees?
Welcome to our new series of blog posts where we post about what recent students have done with their undergraduate degrees in History! We have worked with Dr Charlie Rozier, the History employability officer, to give you some insight into what you could do with your History degree!
You might be surprised!
3: How did you feel about your career choices when you graduated? Did you know what career you wanted?
I was set on teaching at the time and so focused on accessing a PGCE. Swansea University played a great deal in me gaining a place on a PGCE course through means of supportive and informative workshops as well as volunteer placements through discovery and also within the History and Classics Department themselves.
4: Describe your current job (including job title and organisation)
Last September (2015) I began a Secondary PGCE History and graduated in July this year (2016). I then came back to Swansea University to study a Masters course in MA Gender and Culture. Alongside this, I was offered a part-time job as a Supervisor for the South West Wales Reaching Wider Partnership in the Centre of Academic Success at Swansea University.
5: Do you use the skills learned in your history degree at work? If so, how?
Personally, time management and organisational skills are key in my teaching career thus far in regards to preparation. Another valuable skill is the ability to liaise with lecturers and peers as well as conducting presentations to deliver information. I think a History degree is especially brilliant in developing academic/nuanced written and spoken English. The two almost come hand in hand, and that certainly will benefit a candidate in any job.
Thank you, Gemma!
 |
| Gemma Barnes |
1: Your name:
Gemma Barnes
2: Where did you study, what year did you graduate?
I studied BA History (Hons) at Swansea University, graduated in 2015.
3: How did you feel about your career choices when you graduated? Did you know what career you wanted?
I was set on teaching at the time and so focused on accessing a PGCE. Swansea University played a great deal in me gaining a place on a PGCE course through means of supportive and informative workshops as well as volunteer placements through discovery and also within the History and Classics Department themselves.
4: Describe your current job (including job title and organisation)
Last September (2015) I began a Secondary PGCE History and graduated in July this year (2016). I then came back to Swansea University to study a Masters course in MA Gender and Culture. Alongside this, I was offered a part-time job as a Supervisor for the South West Wales Reaching Wider Partnership in the Centre of Academic Success at Swansea University.
5: Do you use the skills learned in your history degree at work? If so, how?
Personally, time management and organisational skills are key in my teaching career thus far in regards to preparation. Another valuable skill is the ability to liaise with lecturers and peers as well as conducting presentations to deliver information. I think a History degree is especially brilliant in developing academic/nuanced written and spoken English. The two almost come hand in hand, and that certainly will benefit a candidate in any job.
Finally: Do you have any careers advice for history graduates?
Do take advantage of the schemes, workshops and placements while you are in university. There is plenty going on at the university to support you in taking the steps towards your chosen career. Although a History degree will provide you with these advantages I listed above, you need to have that something extra to set you apart from other potential competitors in the job market - and your department can help you with that.
Thank you, Gemma!
Remember, if you want to get any careers advice or want to
arrange an employability appointment, contact Dr Charlie Rozier by email at c.c.rozier@swansea.a.c.uk
arrange an employability appointment, contact Dr Charlie Rozier by email at c.c.rozier@swansea.a.c.uk
Also, follow him on twitter - @RozierHistorian
No comments:
Post a Comment
Have any questions or comments? Do not hesitate to ask or contact us!
Thank you for commenting!