MA (Hons) Geography, 1999 From Aberdeen to… Creative Professional
Your Time at Aberdeen
Why did you choose to study at Aberdeen? Aberdeen is the first UK landing spot by sea from Shetland!
Why did you choose your particular course? I started out studying for an LLB but quickly realised that it wasn't the course for me, so changed to the MA Honours programme which was a perfect fit for my interests.
If while at Aberdeen you benefited from a scholarship, what was the scholarship and what difference did it make to your time at Aberdeen? I was a recipient of the Sullom Voe Terminal Participants' 10th Anniversary Educational Trust scholarship. This scholarship helped pay my living expenses which was a big help when managing a small budget.
What did you most enjoy about your time at Aberdeen? Did you have any particularly memorable student experiences? The friendships, the course, and life in Dunbar Hall of Residence!
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 University's netball club which was more about willing than winning for me! Sporting talent is not in my skill set...
Did you hold any student leadership roles, e.g. Class Rep, Club Treasurer, Social Convenor? I was Safety Officer in the netball club and Arts Co-ordinator on a Dunbar Hall committee, both fairly low-key appointments!
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? Embrace it all!
Did you undertake any co-curricular activities while at Aberdeen, e.g. Aberdeen Internships, Career Mentoring, STAR Award? The Shell Technology Enterprise Programme. I was involved in student tutoring.
Your Time After Aberdeen
What was the title of your first job after graduating from Aberdeen? BBC Crimewatch work experience.
What did your first role involve? Playing a bank clerk pressing the alarm button in a Crimewatch reconstruction. The bank robber was arrested two days before the programme aired.
What is your current job title? Freelance creative professional.
What is your current role? Endlessly varied...
Please briefly describe the journey from your first job after graduating to where you are now. After 19 years working full-time for the BBC and as a part-time musician, I had my first child and started work as manager of Taste of Shetland, a membership organisation promoting local food and drink. I now offer my presentation, production and research services to a wide variety of clients at shetlandmediaservices.com.
Was your degree at Aberdeen essential for getting to where you are now? If so, in what way? Not necessarily, but all my work has aligned in some way with my educational background.
