MA Politics and International Relations, 2017
From Aberdeen to Promoting the City
Your Time at Aberdeen
Why did you choose to study at Aberdeen?
I attended an open day and left feeling very impressed. I knew from then on that I wanted to study at Aberdeen.
Why did you choose your particular course?
I really enjoyed the subject of Modern Studies at high school and Politics & International Relations seemed the best fit to me. The course descriptions I found online of the individual modules I would study throughout my degree excited me.
What did you most enjoy about your time at Aberdeen? Did you have any particularly memorable student experiences?
I really enjoyed getting the chance to study a language for the first two years of my undergraduate degree. I chose Spanish and still use it now when I visit Spanish speaking countries for work and leisure.
A memorable experience was a Politics & International Relations Society trip to New York and Washington DC. We visited numerous government buildings and institutions. It was a really great and unique trip.
If you were involved in any clubs and societies as a student, what did you enjoy most about them and what benefit do you think they have for students?
I was a member of the Elphinstone Fiddlers during my time at Aberdeen. I met life-long friends and fellow peers who loved playing the fiddle as much as I did. We got together weekly and performed end of term concerts in the Chapel, as well as attending pub sessions regularly.
If talking to a group of prospective students, what advice would you give them to help them make the most of their time at the University of Aberdeen?
I would say to join a club as it is a fun and easy place to make friends.
Your Time After Aberdeen
What was the title of your first job after graduating from Aberdeen?
Trainee Tax Advisor at Johnston Carmichael.
What did your first role involve?
Preparing tax returns.
What is your current job title?
Business Development Executive at VisitAberdeenshire.
What is your current role?
Promoting Aberdeen as a a premier business events destination.
Please briefly describe the journey from your first job after graduating to where you are now.
I started my first job as soon as I graduated in 2017 and moved to my current job in August 2019.
Was your degree at Aberdeen essential for getting to where you are now? If so, in what way?
Studying Politics & International Relations was not essential for where I work today; however I think simply having a degree from Aberdeen, a university with an esteemed reputation, was very helpful.
One Top Tip
Keep studying but also keep up with your hobbies and passions. Employers don't only care about your degree. Having an interesting CV and showcasing other skills is just as important - sometimes more important.
