- Katie Black
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What did you do after you graduated? I graduated in June 2016 with a MA in Geography with First Class Honours and in September 2016 I joined Scottish Enterprise’s Graduate Development Programme. This is a 2-year programme made up of 4 six-monthly placements across different parts of the business. My first placement has been with the Strategy Team where I have been focusing on Inclusive Growth, specifically – identifying global best practice in inclusive growth. This is primarily a research project and the outputs from this (a series of think-pieces) will help colleagues to inspire Scottish businesses to embed inclusive practices. In addition, the programme gives me the opportunity to undertake a post-graduate course in International Business (via distance learning).
What did you enjoy about your Geography degree?
Throughout my four years at the University of Aberdeen I chose a wide variety of courses from within the Department of Geography. These ranged from learning practical skills (such as in Data Analysis) to more concept based courses like Concepts in Human Geography. I found this Concepts course extremely beneficial and it really helped to narrow down my key areas of interest – economic development and international migration. This was a real turning point for me as I’d started Uni with really no clue about my future. I then discovered that both of these really align with the work of Scottish Enterprise (and their international arm – Scottish Development International). In this respect, studying Geography has been really useful for my career development thus far. The various fieldtrip opportunities offered by Aberdeen Uni are also fantastic – I managed a second-year trip to Skye and then a third-year trip to Boston, as well as a number of day-trips to local areas dotted in-between. I was lucky enough to spend these trips with a great group of friends and had a fantastic time!
How did your Geography degree from Aberdeen University help you in your career? The field research opportunities, as well as the dissertation, really enhanced all the skills required for research project work and I can definitely say I would be lost without this experience. I would really encourage anyone who wants to study Geography to apply for Aberdeen Uni!