Focus on what you’re passionate about

Before my Master’s I knew that a career in arts and culture was my goal, but I wasn’t sure what form it would take. I think that it’s often difficult to pinpoint exactly what you want to do post-university, but I found my time at UCL helped me narrow down what I was truly passionate about.   

I studied MA European Culture and Thought: Culture which aligned closely with my interests, and I was able to explore a vast range of topics: policy, art theory, global politics – the list goes on!  

I wanted to pursue a career in arts and culture, and I am lucky enough to be working in the field now. In my current role as Coordinator at World Cities Culture Forum, a global network focused on cultural policy in cities, I have the opportunity to engage with innovative cultural initiatives worldwide. I collaborate with thought leaders in the field, gaining valuable insights into policy and practices that is shaping culture in cities across the globe.

Developing a ‘problem-solver’ mentality

I chose to study at UCL because of its highly regarded reputation for academic excellence. To me, the course I chose reflected UCL’s ethos of thinking differently and inspired me to consider familiar subjects from new perspectives.  

UCL encourages us to challenge ourselves academically, the ability to analyse complex ideas, articulate my thoughts clearly, and engage with diverse perspectives becomes much easier and demonstrates the ‘problem-solver’ mentality that a lot of employers look for.   

My Master’s also helped me to cultivate a strong sense of independence and adaptability, which are skills that have been key as I navigate the ever-evolving field of arts and culture! 

Through choosing UCL, I opened myself up to being challenged in a way that was be incredibly rewarding in the long run.

The role of UCL Careers and networking

As someone who sometimes felt averse to networking, the idea of putting myself out there could be a lot.

To overcome this, I took part in a networking scheme offered by UCL in which students were placed with alumni to talk about their experiences after university.

I found this helpful as it made me really think about which questions to ask to learn more about someone else’s career trajectory.

UCL’s amazing Careers service played a key role in shaping my professional journey. From CV reviews to careers guidance, I was regularly in touch with the team to book appointments before submitting applications or having interviews.  

I’m grateful for the support that the Careers service offer, and I encourage all students to take advantage of it – it is beyond useful.

Plus, I’m very fortunate to say I found my role immediately following my Master’s through the UCL Careers job board! 

I highly recommend that students keep their eyes peeled for opportunities and set regular job updates on the UCL Careers job board.

A bright future ahead for Annabelle

My time at UCL was incredibly valuable for all sorts of reasons: it challenged me academically, allowed me to meet and interact with people from all walks of life, and made me really think about what I want from my future.

More than anything, UCL has shown me what I’m capable of. I feel so proud when I think about how much I was able to achieve there and the way it pushed me to grow both academically and personally.

Looking ahead, I feel empowered and confident about the opportunities that the future holds.

UCL has equipped me with not only the knowledge but also the resilience to tackle challenges in any field I choose.

I’m excited about the future, knowing that I’ve had the chance to learn from some leading academics and be part of a vibrant, forward-thinking community.