Katie Nicoll

Katie Nicoll, from Perth, graduated in 2012 with an MA in History.

About your course

Why did you choose to study at Dundee University?

Dundee University has one of the best campus grounds, one of the best Unions and best range of degrees available not only in Scotland but in Britain. In a city that sees more sunshine than most, Dundee seemed like the obvious choice of university to further my studies and allowed me also to continue to work part-time back home in Perth.

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

Make sure that you have a rough idea of what you would like to do with your degree once you finish. Even consider doing work experience placements during the summer to boost your CV. Most importantly, don't rely too heavily on just your degree to get your dream career. Make sure you set yourself aside from the rest of your fellow students.

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

Meeting a great bunch of people who are now my close friends and being given the opportunity to present ideas to large groups of people. My degree also gave me the confidence to debate with other students on the information that I had learned and greatly improved my analytical skills. It was a brilliant experience!

Did you take part in any student exchanges/work placements?

I participated in 2 work placements, unconnected with the University itself. One with the National Library of Scotland for two months and one with BBC Scotland for 1 month, both during the summer. They helped me to figure out how I wanted to use my degree in a future career.

Do you have any advice for potential new students?

Really jump at the chance to meet new people, get involved in the activities of the student union, and all of the various societies that are run because they will really help you boost your confidence and look ace on your CV. I did not take advantage of this and it is my one regret from my university experience.

Your future career

What are your immediate plans after graduation?

At the moment I am working full-time to earn some pennies, but I am hoping to do a PR internship in Beijing next year for two months to broaden my horizons.

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

I would love to eventually either develop a career in Britain in PR or go back to the work experience that I developed with BBC Scotland in working with a broadcasting company as a production assistant/researcher.

Your university experiences

What was your best university experience and why?

My best university experience had to be my final semester. I fully threw myself in to university and my studies, spending many many many hours in the on-campus library to produce the best quality coursework that I could. You really develop a strong sense of camaraderie with other students in that building and I feel that I was able to produce the best coursework that I possibly could have in that time because of the facilities available within the library.