Heather Minto

Heather Minto, from Darlington, graduated in 2009 with an MLitt in International Politics. She now works for an arts management company.

Why did you choose to study at Dundee University?

I decided that I'd like to study in Scotland to allow me a greater degree of independence; beginning university was a life experience that I wanted to make the most of. Dundee was the only university in the country that allowed me to study English Law for my undergraduate degree and I had read about its high student satisfaction survey results. Having never visited Dundee before my moving to the city, I was won over by beautiful images of the River Tay and its proximity to Edinburgh and Glasgow for legendary cultural events.

What are your immediate plans after graduation?

Having found a position in an arts management company in Newcastle before having even finished my dissertation, I remain in the same post and have learnt a plethora of new skills and partaken in numerous exciting experiences since leaving Dundee. Working under one of the most experienced professionals in the arts management world has allowed me to develop and assist in projects across the world, including work on arts centres, theatres, heritage projects, circus development, music and dance projects. Since joining the company last August, my position has developed allowing for my current project coordination of a £120,000 arts and heritage project in the north east of England.

What are your longer term career plans (if any)?

At the moment I am still meeting new obstacles every day as I learn how to be better at what I do, so I'm happy to keep on the learning curve for a while yet. In the long term however, I would hope to lead my own arts organisation, encouraging young people to partake in the creative industries.

What information do you think applicants need to know before starting this course?

International Politics and Security was a course I chose to study simply because I was interested in it, it is very relevant to current political situations and intellectually stimulating. The tutors are extremely helpful, friendly and interesting, but class time is sparse and you have to be very self motivated to do the work on your own. Moving from a law degree to a masters degree in politics was easier than I had expected for this reason, as I was used to the habit of intense study.

What was the most enjoyable thing about your degree and why?

My degree was so enjoyable because I was not over-stretched and the work load was manageable throughout. This allowed me both to maintain a part-time job and to partake in the extra-curricular activities which allowed me to quickly gain employment on completion of the course, both in journalism and radio presenting. Tutors were also very adaptive - I was able to miss the first two weeks of the course to allow me to complete a placement with the BBC and was able to catch up with their support on my return. Without this flexibility I doubt whether I would have succeeded in finding as equally as enjoyable graduate employment.

What was your best university experience and why?

Meeting some incredible people was certainly high up on the list of amazing university occurrences, but being permitted to submerge myself in a different country's and city's culture was by far my most influential experience. Studying at university allowed to realise that I hadn't enjoyed the subject matter of my law degree; I found it stifling and mundane. At the same time however, moving to Scotland threw up new experiences and allowed me to become a music journalist; I attended gigs for free and interviewed and photographed bands like the Futureheads, Ash, Frightened Rabbit and Women. I also became a presenter for Radio North Angus, which eventually resulted in a placement at the BBC. Along the way I made famous friends, met people with similar interests and moved in a career direction more suited to me.

What sports activities or clubs/societies (if any) were you involved with?

Unfortunately, the university didn't have a radio station when I was studying at Dundee, so I instead joined Hilltown FM and later Radio North Angus.

Do you have any advice for potential new students?

I think it was really important that I could demonstrate to employers that I partook in extra-curricular activities that weren't just going out (even though there was plenty of that), it has helped me enormously in everything I've tried to do since leaving university. Dundee is an amazing cultural hub so there's plenty to see, do and take part in.

Finally, take the bus to Tayport and walk out to Tentsmuir Beach the morning after the night before - it's the perfect cure!