- Julie Rolls
- BA Scandinavian Studies
- Graduated:
- International Liaison & Recruitment Manager, UCL International Office
Why did you choose to study Scandinavian Studies in general and at UCL in specific?
I wanted to pursue a degree programme which involved a foreign language but preferably one which was new to me. I had no family connections whatsoever with Scandinavia but it was a region which interested me in terms of language, culture, politics and history and the breadth of the Scandinavian Studies programme appealed to me. Few universities offered this subject, but nevertheless UCL seemed the obvious choice because of its strong reputation.
What did you like most about your degree programme?
I enjoyed all aspects of the programme, but my favourite courses were the languages (Danish was my main language) and the history of Scandinavian languages.
What was it like being a student at the Scandinavian department?
I particularly enjoyed being a student in a small department where the academic staff knew who I was, where we had small group teaching all the time and where students in all the different year groups knew each other and mixed. There was a very positive and supportive atmosphere in the department. I have to admit that it was also great to be a student of what was regarded as one of the more obscure subjects which amused/bemused in equal measure my friends doing run-of-the-mill degree programmes!
How has your degree been of benefit to you since you took your degree?
The degree has helped me in many ways. Having a good degree from a top university has undoubtedly opened doors for me, and the transferable skills acquired and developed through the Scandinavian Studies programme (analytical, time-management, communication etc) have stood me in very good stead. I have used my languages for translation and other communication purposes in all the jobs I have held since graduating, even if only by accident rather than by design. Spending time abroad as an international student has been of enormous value to me; it may sound like a cliché but the experience was character-building and taught me a great deal about adapting to and coping with a new environment. It instilled a sense of versatility in me and taught me how to appreciate and understand different cultural approaches. Many people asked me why I did this particular programme and what kind of jobs it would lead to. I graduated with many skills which have been valued by my employers and I can safely say that I wouldn't be in my career now without the skills, knowledge and experience I gained from studying Scandinavian Studies at UCL.
