Josh’s Story: How My Degree Helped Prepare Me for the World of Work
Josh talks to us about how his time at University helped him when entering the working world.
Looking back at my time at the University of Chester studying BA (Hons) English Language, it is hard not to think about how my degree helped prepare me for the world of work in which I now find myself.
From delving into topics around the history and development of language, to examining cognitive stylistics and the use of language in the media, the range of modules on offer opened my eyes to so many aspects and debates around language and, more specifically, language use. The course mixes lots of theory and discussions around language with hands on, practical research assignments; this develops key transferable skills, such as communication, critical thinking, debating, organisation, planning, teamwork and presentation skills.
Although I chose the degree with no clear idea of what I wanted to do in the future, it was only after I started the course that I began to realise where my interests and abilities really lay. Without even knowing it, my own opinions, interests and fascinations around language started to become incredibly clear and shaped by what I was studying. Originally, I thought I wanted to pursue a career in speech and language therapy, but I soon came to realise that, although I found the phonetics/ phonology aspect of the programme fascinating, this was not the topic that suited my strengths or ultimate interests. It was whilst studying the modules that involved text, discourse and language analysis that I began to realise that understanding how language is used strategically, and often unnoticeably, to elicit certain responses from a target audience was the area of most interest to me. This grew into an interest in how language can be used to persuade people to take on a particular point of view and/or belief.
The key to enhancing employability during my three years on the course was choosing to take the optional Work Based Learning module in my second year. This involved sourcing, applying and interviewing for a 5-week work placement in an area of interest. I undertook my placement as a Marketing Assistant at the official tourist board for Cumbria and the Lake District. This resulted in me obtaining part-time summer work with the organisation too, allowing me to develop my skills in the workplace even further.
Right from the very start of my degree, I remember the encouragement to arrange early meetings with my Personal Academic Tutor (PAT) and other staff from within the Department. In these meetings, I was very often encouraged to think about and discuss future aspirations and career goals. This feeds nicely into my main piece of advice: never struggle or suffer in silence. Arrange regular meetings with your tutors – they are there for you and they want to help and support you in every way they can. It is not ‘silly’ or a ‘surrender’ to ask for help. There is also additional support available outside of the Department, like the Careers & Employability team and Student Support. For me, frequent meetings with tutors kept me on track; they kept me focussed on my own personal goals and, without question, they were absolutely fundamental to the end result.
