Craig Fergusson
Course: BSCEC International Politics and History
Graduated: 2008/09 Academic Year
Destination approx. 6 months after graduation: MSc Strategic Public Relations and Communication Management, Stirling
Background
In Sixth Form I studied Biology, Chemistry, Physics, History and General Studies at A-level. I originally wanted to be a dentist but doing three sciences was harder than I had expected so I got grades that were lower than the ones I needed. Going to university was the next thing everyone did after Sixth Form so I always expected to go.
I chose this course because I had an interest in history having studied it at A-level. International politics was another subject I was interested in so it was appealing to be able to combine the two.
I chose Aberystwyth because the International Politics Department has a very good reputation. Also I took the scholarship exam and was given a merit award and an unconditional offer. Plus, who wouldn’t want three years by the sea?
Where are you now?
I am now studying for an MSc in PR and Communications Management at Stirling University. Having graduated from Aberystwyth, I applied for a number of graduate positions but the recession had hit and it seemed only people with business backgrounds were getting anywhere. I thought the MSc would help me in employment and it linked well with the International Politics part of my degree. Also the management aspect is more relevant to the workplace. The course is more vocational, which I am enjoying, especially after three years of writing essays!
How did you get there?
I looked online for courses accredited by the Chartered Institute of Public Relations and then used the Times University Higher Education Guide to see which institution was the best. A 2:1 was required to get on the course, which I achieved. I think it helps to have a degree as it shows that you can work to a certain level.
The social life at Aber certainly gets you out of your shell. You always bump into people you know when you are out and about – which can be both good and bad. There’s a real sense of community and you bond with the people and the area. I think communication skills develop as a result. I would imagine having the chance to mature is the biggest thing for a lot of people. From my course I gained a lot of political insights on subjects which I maybe hadn’t thought of before, and that now helps me form an opinion when discussing new subjects, including my choice of career.
Regarding work experience, during the summer I worked at home for a tarmacing company to earn some money. The variety of characters I worked with taught me how to deal with various personalities.
When I took over as President of the History Society it seemed that nobody was interested in joining so I did a lot of work promoting it to the Fresher’s, who I am hoping are carrying it on now. Again this helped me enormously with my people skills as well as my organisational skills.
Where are you going?
I have had enough of studying and working, so when I graduate I’d like to do some travelling. After that I will probably need more experience before I get a job, so I will be looking at some sort of internship – in Public Affairs or to do with government.
What advice would you give to a student doing your subject at university now?
I would suggest you join at least one club or society in your first year and stick to it. Then you have three different friend bases – your flat, your course and the club. I would imagine that an internship during the summer would come in useful for anyone, but make sure that you apply early as competition is fierce.