Four months after completing my Spanish degree at the University of Chester, I started working for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (October 2016). Although my job is in the Financial Operations department (read: Accounts Payable), what initially attracted me to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office was the opportunity to travel and work with international colleagues. Within a few months I had been given the opportunity to spend three weeks working in the Embassy in Madrid. Speaking Spanish was more of a bonus than a requirement for this opportunity and I think what really secured me the position was applying some of the other skills that I developed at the University of Chester. For example, confidence. My time at university really showed me that while it is ok to ask for help, I can depend on myself to be successful. This came across in my application to work overseas, as I could demonstrate working independently and taking the initiative, which were key skills for the placement.
Another key skill which has led me to my current role is speaking up. At work I have been given opportunities because I am not afraid to speak in meetings with senior management or give presentations or contribute to discussions with my ideas. Studying a language at university meant giving regular presentations, participating in debates, contributing to discussions and speaking with a variety of lecturers, visitors and staff. These experiences helped me to work on my communication, which is a vital transferable skill in any role!
I would encourage anyone who is thinking about going to, or currently at university to make the most of the opportunities to work on transferable skills as this can make you more employable, regardless of what subject you study.