Karen Nichols

Karen Nichols, from Fife, graduated with a degree in Scottish Historical Studies. She now runs Scotia Heritage, a company offering historical tours.

A historic career

My years at Dundee University can easily be classified as the best years of my life even when the pressure was at its strongest. The only reason I applied for university was to do history, otherwise I would not have been there. Whilst studying Scottish Historical Studies I wasn't sure how my future would develop but envisaged it in architectural preservation within the heritage tourism industry. I literally wanted a career in ruins.

After graduation I gained a graduate internship with Historic Scotland who was my summertime employer. Having combined Town Planning with Scottish Historical Studies undoubtedly gave me the ability to apply for and achieve this position. Studying the subject of climate change at a professional level with access to scientific data and meeting like-minded professionals has allowed me to form a strong opinion about this controversial topic. I was the only person in Scotland collating data as to how climate change will affect historic buildings. Although the future is a very strange place for an historian it seemed as if I was indeed to have a career in ruins. Unfortunately the recession arrived and the implementation of public spending cuts meant that my career was suddenly in a very unwelcome state of ruin.

My passion for my subject and determination not to throw away those years of study endured. A little thought had been niggling away at me for several years and now was the time to realise that aspiration. I combined all my experience, knowledge and life-skills to produce a business plan for a guided tours service. I also called upon my time as President of the University's History Society when the main remit was to motivate a committee and organise social events. It took 6 months of business training but Scotia Heritage slowly emerged.

All the organisation and communication skills learned at university have been applied to setting up a business. Developing networks, having confidence in your own ability, the dreaded IT skills, even the kudos of being a graduate has all come together. When I had to choose second & third subjects I saw it as being a diversion from why I was at uni. However, even one module each of Geography & Economics are now proving useful as are the related topics that I did through evening classes and Open University before the degree course. I'm pleased to say that I am still in contact with friends made at university on both a social and professional footing.

I think the main skill from studying history is how it shapes your thought processes. There are two sides to every story so analysing and questioning recorded data is essential as is the presentation of objective information. I was able to practice this skill in my seasonal tour guide employment. I present academically acquired information to a general public for their enjoyment. Although I must admit I have no qualms about relating alleged incidents of vice, corruption or scandal if it adds to the enjoyment of a tour.

I am in the process of carving a career as an historian outwith the academic institutions. Is this possible? I don't know but what I do know is that I get paid for doing something I love. Studying at Dundee University has been the most liberating experience of my life.