MA Politics & International Relations, 2012 From Aberdeen to Defence Diplomacy
Your Time at Aberdeen
Why did you choose to study at Aberdeen? Aberdeen has a great reputation for in-depth humanities teaching and research with some world-renowned professors. A major draw for me was the opportunity to spend a year overseas on exchange, which I spent in the US. I also like the blend of traditional and historic campus with modern facilities as well. Lastly, being by the sea was a big attraction.
Why did you choose your particular course? I chose Politics and International Relations in order to meet other students from diverse backgrounds, broaden my own horizons, and study societies and geopolitics. I took plenty of philosophy modules as well, which blended well with the 'applied philosophy' of politics.
What did you most enjoy about your time at Aberdeen? Did you have any particularly memorable student experiences? I had a great time living in Hillhead during my first year and got involved with a lot of sports, such as boxing and lacrosse. Returning to Aberdeen in my third year, I was joint news editor at the revitalized Gaudie and heavily involved in the Student Union and the Debating Society. I also helped out with UNICEF.
If while at Aberdeen you took part in a foreign exchange, e.g. Erasmus or Study Abroad, where did you go and what did you do? I was fortunate enough to be selected for a year's study at the University of Wisconsin, Eau-Claire. I continued my PIR studies, as well as Philosophy and French. Being with other international students was a major highlight of my time at the University, and I did a lot of personal development being overseas for a year. I was also able to make a lot of enduring friendships with Americans and other nationals that I still have today.
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? Use the first year to try and meet as many people as possible, and try as many societies and clubs as possible. I accompanied friends to hear them play at folk nights, helped with art projects, and got involved with fencing, boxing, and lacrosse as well as plenty of swimming in the North Sea.
Your Time After Aberdeen
What was the title of your first job after graduating from Aberdeen? Buyer with Booths Supermarkets, which is my family business. After completing my buying training, I went on to be an assistant store manager, managing warehousing and restaurants as well as butchery and fish counters. Finally, I became Head of Business Development, leading the company's expansion into overseas markets as well as working more in manufacturing and logistics.
What did your first role involve? My first role was a two-year graduate trainee programme covering buying for a supermarket. this meant everything from learning to argue commodity prices for purchase of plastics and chemicals, to high-end manufacturing of tea and coffee. I covered the whole value chain, from sourcing products to its retail in the stores. I was also responsible for the commercials and financial reporting.
What is your current job title? Assistant Defence Attache, British Embassy Tokyo with the British Army.
Please briefly describe the journey from your first job after graduating to where you are now. I left my first employer in 2017 to pursue more professional development. Joining the Civil Service I was Head of European Business Engagement for Brexit in the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. At the end of 2018, I had the opportunity to become the first full-time reservist accredited as a diplomat (I had joined the Army Reserve in 2014).
Was your degree at Aberdeen essential for getting to where you are now? If so, in what way? My degree gave me a lot of professional skills that were extremely important in my first role, such as writing, research, argument forming, and persuasion. In my subsequent roles, my knowledge of Politics and International Relations has been invaluable.
One Top Tip
Use your studies as an excuse to reach out to people you find interesting. I've found that most people are delighted to talk, and share experiences or give advice. It doesn't have to be anything grand, but a 30-minute chat or coffee can open up a lot of opportunities.
