Life after Essex
What do American Studies students do after graduation?
By the end of their studies, our students are confident and articulate people. They have learned to think and operate across the many disciplinary boundaries, and their achievements are all the more worthy for having been able to master the very different skills needed across the disciplines. The vast majority of American Studies students at Essex have taken the four year degree option. They have studied longer than most other students and have benefited from the experience of studying, living and travelling in the US.
Our graduates have gone on to work in diverse fields - many in the media, for the BBC and private production companies, others in the Civil Service, some work for American companies, or in travel-related occupations. Some of our graduates have gone on to further study at MA and PhD level in this country and the US. Former graduates are currently studying for PhDs at Yale University and the University of California.
No matter what their eventual destinations, American Studies students have always had a fascinating journey...
Graduate Profiles:
Kelvin Day, BA American Studies ’10
Since graduating, Kelvin has employed the many skills he gained at Essex in a new career in accountancy. He now works in a medium sized firm in London.
Studying at Essex was particularly appealing to me because of its location between London and my home city of Norwich. I was keen to take BA American Studies and the academic reputation at Essex is excellent, so it was a no-brainer to study there. Settling in was very easy and smooth; I joined several clubs and societies and made lots of friends.
The Centre utilises modules and subject areas from a broad range of Departments which makes finding areas of interest to study very easy. My favourite modules were US history and literature. History offered an insight into the specific moments that shaped the US and literature put these moments into context with a specific literary text.
Now I am about to pursue a full-time career in accountancy with a medium sized firm in London. Although my degree is not directly relevant to my chosen career, it gave me many skills and opportunities which made me much more employable. The year abroad is particularly attractive to employers since it shows your ability to think on your feet and adapt to diverse situations.
Josephine Asante, BA American Studies ’08
After she graduated, Josephine worked for two public relations companies, then for CNN on their film show ‘The Screening Room’, before securing her current internship in New York City.
I really wanted to do American studies with a year abroad and the course at Essex was one of the best that I found. I had also previously visited the University before and loved it!
I especially enjoyed the module on Black America, because it was something I was particularly interested in, and the film modules I studied at both Essex and the University of California, where I stayed during my year abroad. They have been fundamental in my chosen career because they demonstrate my interest in film, production and the media industry.
Currently I am working in New York on the Mountbatten Internship programme for a year. The company I am working for connects producers with advertising agencies for commercials.
I loved being at Essex! My course was great and studying in the US was amazing! It caters for every type of person and I made friends for life. I really miss the University but it has put me on a good path for the future.
Cassandra Gardiner, BA American Studies ’07, MA Art and Film Studies ’08
Having completed her undergraduate and postgraduate studies, Cassandra is now the UK International Student Recruitment Officer at the University of Essex.
I chose Essex because of the interdisciplinary nature of BA American Studies; I found that as my course progressed I was able to specialise in specific subjects and this led to MA Art and Film Studies. The prospect of the year abroad was also a huge factor; I wanted to experience the country that I was to learn about from an international perspective and do some travelling.
A primary part of my current role is recruiting international students to the University of Essex. Having been a study abroad student in the US I am able to draw upon my personal experience when recruiting students. While studying for my degree I was a student ambassador, leading campus tours on visit days for prospective students. I was also a member of the student liaison committee for American studies. I developed excellent networking, communication and teambuilding skills throughout my degree and use them on a day to day basis within my role. I will always be grateful to my degree for giving me the foundation and skills necessary for a successful career.
See the Careers Office website for further information about possible careers.