Gemma Robbins

The inherent beauty of the American Studies degree is the flexibility it offers students in terms of prospects after graduating; it places no restrictions on what you can do and opens up opportunities you may not have even considered.  In an increasingly competitive graduate market, the multidisciplinary background that American Studies students have really makes them stand out whilst offering those students who do wish to specialize in a specific discipline the opportunity to do so.

After graduating just over a year ago with a BA Hons next to my name, things have been anything but dull and I use the skills and knowledge I developed through my degree regularly in both my working life at a London-based global oil and gas company as well as at my internship for small children’s charity, HemiHelp.

Whilst at university, I supervised an on-campus society that worked against far right political organizations in the Leicester South area. The research I completed in preparation for my dissertation whilst on my year abroad in Louisiana enabled me to develop an understanding of white groups that resisted the civil rights movement in the American South.  This enhanced my understanding of similar far right groups in the UK and enabled me to be a more effective activist.

Through this work, I developed a strong interest in British politics and in May 2011 I stood as a candidate in my borough’s local council elections. Though I lost the election, it was a fantastic experience that really confirmed my desire to advance my understanding of international politics. In October, I will commence part-time study for an MSc in International Security and Global Governance while I continue to work full-time.