School of Languages and Area Studies (SLAS)

Florent Coddacioni
BA (Hons.) International Trade with English
Operations specialist, Hewlett Packard
Barcelona, Spain

I joined the BA Languages and International Trade as a final year direct entry student in 2004, having completed 30 months of studies at the Ecole de Gestion et de Commerce (EGC), Marseille, France. I wanted to acquire an international profile and improved my English. With Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) and through the exchange organised between the School of Languages and Area Studies and my EGC, I was able to further my ambitions. After graduating, I enrolled in the MA International Business with English at the University of Portsmouth’s Business School. Equipped with a strong international business experience, a good level of English and a sound understanding of inter-cultural business relations, I sought a position with a company working in an international environment. With the knowledge of a third language, Spanish, boosted by a short course in Spain, I found a position with Hewlett-Packard in Barcelona. I am now one of HP Operations Specialist for Hewlett-Packard Europe, managing “end to end” the accounts for one of HP biggest wholesalers in Africa.

This American company understood and appreciated the skills developed at undergraduate and post-graduate level. The skills acquired in Portsmouth, such as the ability to work in a multi-cultural team, to adapt oneself to other working cultures in order to reach common objectives, the understanding of business practices in different cultural contexts and of course the ability to communicate in English, French and Spanish were all invaluable skills for the development of my career.

I am now working in a 12 nationality-strong team. I am in daily contact with colleagues from all over the world. My studies in Portsmouth opened my mind, taught me how to manage projects, and developed a strong desire to work within an international environment. After Portsmouth, I started to think “global” rather than local and that was crucial for securing a position with an international company.

Laura Coleman
BA (Hons) Languages and European Studies
Cabinet Office
Whitehall, EU Justice and Home Affairs Policy, London

After working in France for the summer, a series of temporary jobs in the public sector, and a move to London, I joined the civil service in November 2006. I worked as an asylum case owner for the Home Office, where I was assessing asylum applicants for refugee status against the Geneva Convention and European Convention on Human Rights. Part of my work involved representing the Home Office in Court against false claimants, helped no end by my EU Law training from Portsmouth. I then moved into international policy - firstly working on a Citizenship Bill passing through Parliament, and then into EU strategy, where I worked on EU Home Affairs policy. I organised an international ministerial summit for the Home Secretary (pictured) and represented the UK at various EU meetings in Brussels and across the EU. I am now on secondment to the Cabinet Office in Whitehall, where I act as the desk officer for all EU Justice and Home Affairs Policy, reporting to the Prime Minister's EU Advisor.

Sarah Cousins
BA (Hons.) Combined Modern Languages
Records manager, Hampshire Constabulary
Winchester, UK

After graduating from Portsmouth I started a 13 month SCONUL traineeship in the library of the Institute of Germanic Studies, which is part of the School of Advanced Studies at the University of London. This library specialises in German language & literature and is the largest of its kind outside of Germany. The skills that I learnt during my semester in Marburg were key to securing this position for me.

Having successfully completed the traineeship, I was then able to proceed to an MA in Library and Information Studies at Loughborough University, in order to become a qualified librarian. Upon completing my MA, I got a job with Hampshire Constabulary working on an online policy library project. I was also involved in the creation and publication of the Annual Report, Annual Policing Plan and Precept notice, which required computing and proof reading skills. During this time I qualified as a Prince2 project management practitioner.

Information Management is a growing area in all public sector organisations, particularly with the introduction of the Freedom of Information Act. Section 46 of this act requires each organisation to have a Records Manager. This post was created within Hampshire Constabulary and I am the first incumbent of that post. As Records Manager it is my job to try to improve record keeping practices force-wide; oversee the continued development of the Central Archive Facility and aid with the implementation of new national guidance, such as that which has emerged following the Bichard Inquiry. All of these involve awareness raising and a strong educational aspect. I have found that the experience I gained at Portsmouth University in giving presentations has proved invaluable and I would list that as the most useful, transferable skill I have.

Darren Davey
BA (Hons.) French Studies
Investment Banking, Morgan Stanley
London, UK

My decision to enrol on the French Studies undergraduate course at Portsmouth was arguably one of the easiest decisions I've made to date. Academically, the degree programme itself was universally recognised and respected for its contemporary approach to learning and the quality of the teaching staff. Through the options offered, the course gave me the opportunity to mould my degree to suit my interests, being Modern French Politics and European Economics. Studying aside, Portsmouth also offered the kind of social life that I sought.

Studying at the School of Languages, you can't help but enjoy the multi-cultural atmosphere. The opportunity to further your language skills is omnipresent. Moreover, in terms of my personal development, I have never learnt or enjoyed myself as much as during my year abroad. I met great people from all over the world, and many of them remain close friends.

After graduation, and having made the decision to look for jobs with French as a major requirement, I found a weak job market initially hampered my efforts. However, after a couple of months, and a four-stage interview process, I got a job in investment banking for Morgan Stanley, where my language skills were a definite plus in helping me to get the job. Moreover, there is definite scope for maintaining and developing my French, as the role will increasingly involve exposure to, and involvement in, French market practices. I would definitely advise future graduates to make that extra bit of effort that, ultimately, puts into practice the skills acquired at Portsmouth, and enables them to use their language skills.

Matthew Ellis
BA (Hons.) Latin American Studies
Project manager, Cubana Airlines
Cuba

Since graduating in Latin American Studies in Portsmouth I have been working in IT for the past 4 years. Firstly for Compaq and then for the last three years for an Airline IT company called SITA. They supply Network solutions for most of the Airlines in the whole world. This may not sound like it has much to do with my Degree and a lot of the time it does not. However I first got into computers because of the Spanish Language skills I had gained whilst studying Latin American Studies. My first work with SITA was as a Coordinator of Airport IT surveys in Latin America. I had to regularly communicate with Different countries in Central and South America, whilst also Flying out to Brazil for meetings. Since then I have become a project manager and the latest project I am working on has been for Cubana Airlines the National Carrier for Cuba!

I have realized since being away from University how important Spanish is. So many people think it is a good thing I speak Spanish and I find it so useful in my job. Latin American Studies has also proved to be important as far as understanding the way Latin Americans work and conduct business. It is so different to the way that people work in Europe and also different from Asia. Having worked in these environments as well since leaving Portsmouth, I find it fascinating to see how so many different cultures have to work in the same way, in the Airline business.

Michele Ferrara
BA (Hons.) Combined Modern Languages
Entrepreneur
South East England.

I have always been adventurous (I am rally race co-driver at semi professional level). I have always wanted to go abroad, to meet new people and to understand other culture. I always like to make things happen. I left my native Italy to come and study in Portsmouth, since the University seemed to offer what I was looking for: a cosmopolitan environment, opportunities to improve my languages skills (essential if you want to meet and understand other people!), a flexible choice of units, some with a strong professional elements, other helping you to understand the world in which you live, to understand others as well as yourself! In that respect, my year abroad helped was a fantastic experience!

After graduation, I worked in Switzerland for an International company, European Trade & Consulting as an Assistant Marketing and Sales Consultant. There I furthered my knowledge in marketing and finance and was to put into practice what I had learnt during my degree. However, I soon wanted to put into practice other skills I had developed in my course, particularly entrepreneurship skills. I decided to create my own company in real estates management. It is doing well and I am now planning to start a second business, producing and delivering freshly prepared food to private companies and public sector institutions, such as hospitals and nursing home.

At Portsmouth University, I met great people from all walks of life and learnt so much through them. I gained many skills, professional and personal skills. But above all, my studies have strengthened my desire to live life to the full, to go ahead, to explore, to take (calculated) risk, to make my life my own.

Anna Freiman
BA(Hons) Languages and European Studies
Intern at the European Union
Economic and Social Committee, Brussels.

I am situated in the Social Section dealing with issues regarding to Employment, Social Affairs and Education. Furthermore I am an assistant of an expert group dealing with Universal Human Rights. I attend several meetings in the EU Parliament and EU Commission, discussing topics related to the EU and human rights and other political issues. I draft reports and contribute with my knowledge in several opinions alongside with administrative tasks. At Portsmouth University I studied European Studies which of course have been a great advantage for me in order to receive this internship. Before my studies at Portsmouth University my knowledge about the European Union was limited, yet through several courses at European Studies I developed a great understanding about the EU and also on European politics, law, history and many other areas.

After studying Spanish at Portsmouth University I got inspired to continue learning this language so I went to Argentina to work as a volunteer. This was amazing and a true life experience and was good thing to do after three years of studying. I did not only develop my Spanish skills but also the ability to understand and respect other cultures in depth. Although, meeting new people and cultures was nothing new for me because after my years in Portsmouth I met a lot of people with different backgrounds and I now have friends throughout whole Europe: Italy, Spain, Bulgaria, and Poland amongst others.

After a year in Argentina I started a Master in Sweden, doing Human Rights and went back to South America to do research for my dissertation which was on the topic State Terrorism and its violation against Human Rights.

Portsmouth University do not only offer great education and courses but professional tutors. They are highly engaged with students in many ways and I was really motivated to study and learn. Also after my studies the tutors have been really supportive as I, after request, received recommendation letters and advice on EU related issues which has been really helpful to me.

Francesca Harrison
BA (Hons.) Languages and European Studies
Modern Languages Teacher
Hampshire, UK

During my four year degree course in French Studies, I studied a variety of units including Linguistics, French History, Translation as well as the French language aspect. What I really liked was that you learnt such a diverse range of subjects relevant to France and the French-speaking world. I spent my Year Abroad working as a Language Assistant in both a school and college in France. This was such an amazing opportunity to develop my language skills and my cultural awareness of France. It also helped me to develop other skills that are essential for the world of work such as being able to communicate confidently and coherently in the foreign language. By completely immersing myself into the language and the culture I feel that it certainly broadens your horizons.

I had considered for a long time to enter the teaching profession teaching Modern Foreign Languages to Secondary school students, but it wasn’t until I worked as a Language Assistant that I was certain that teaching was what I wanted to do. The degree that I chose put me in good stead for the world of work it developed my presentational, people and ICT skills that are important to me as a future teacher. Also, during the second year we had a specific careers unit that allowed us to become familiar with the careers centre at the University that has advisors to point you in the right direction for future career aspirations and we also had speakers come and talk to us about writing the ideal CV and how to stand out from other candidates, which I feel is very important especially when there is such competition in getting graduate jobs. I completed by PCGE at the university of Portsmouth in 2007 and am now employed as a full time modern language teacher.

Dr Karen Heard
BA (Hons.) European Studies
Senior lecturer in European Studies
University of Portsmouth, UK

After graduating with a first in European studies from the University of Portsmouth, I went on to successfully complete a 6 month traineeship within the Directorate General for Agriculture of the European Commission in Brussels. Having now completed a PhD in European public policy, I am now employed as a Senior Lecturer in European Studies at the University of Portsmouth.

I can but highly recommend the European Studies degree. It provides students with an excellent multi skill set with which to effectively analyse the various European institutions, actors and interests intermediating within and around the European Union, and the often complex decision-making processes. The combination of modern languages, European history, economics, comparative public policy and law (depending on the options chosen) equips students with a sound foundation whether it be leading to further academic studies or the start of a career in the broad political domain at either the local, regional, national or European level.

I can only wish prospective candidates for the European Studies degree the same happiness and academic success that I enjoyed on this course.

Lourdes Iglesias Devesa
BA (Hons.) Combined Modern Languages
Market Analyst: Revenue Management Department, UPS International
Brussels, Belgium

For a long time, I have had a passion for languages. The University of Portsmouth helped me to nurture and develop this passion. I studied French and Italian in a department with a true international ‘buzz’, with students and members of staff from different cultural backgrounds. My year abroad in Senegal and Italy also contributed to develop my interest in other cultures and different working environments.

After graduation from Portsmouth, I left the UK and travelled to Belgium hoping to use my newly acquired language skills. As my studies gave me a sound grounding in Economics and Marketing, I was able to find a job 4 months after graduating with a famous American Bank, JP Morgan. After extensive training, I worked there as a “corporate actions specialist” for finance products. My language skills were essential for this job, as most of my customers where based in all the main European capitals (Madrid, Lisbon, Paris, London, and Milan). The economic and marketing terminology that I acquired during my studies was invaluable. Recently, I have changed job and am now working for the Marketing department of United Parcels Services International, with specific responsibility for revenue management for all the strategic accounts of our German and Scandinavian clients studying at Portsmouth has enabled me to pursue a career in an international environment. The languages skills I have acquired, as well as the variety of options which I studied, have given me a solid base on which to build the career I wanted.

Rebecca Kay
BA (Hons.) Languages and European Studies
European Leonardo Mobility Programme Manager
University of Udine, Italy.

Studying in Portsmouth has given me a great insight the history, politics, culture and society of France and Italy. My year abroad enabled me to combine a work placement in the first semester with an Erasmus study period in the second. My year abroad laid the foundations of my future career and personal development. I spent the first 5 months doing a work placement in Paris. As Secrétaire de Direction at the head office of Darty (the biggest electrical goods retailer in France). It was a tough experience, as I was expected to do the same work and achieve the same standards as my French colleagues. It was an important « growth » experience for me, an extremely formative period. I acquired knowledge about office administration, how to hold formal telephone conversations with clients and suppliers (which I didn’t know how to do in English, let alone in French!) and improved my public relations skills. The second part of my year abroad was spent studying in Udine, a small town in northern Italy on the border with Slovenia. I perfected my Italian language skills and experienced a completely different style of life from the one I had led in Paris! While I was there, I started to learn another language, Slovene.

After graduating I went back to Udine. The TEFL course I had followed at Portsmouth University enabled me to complement my income by giving English classes. I soon started a work placement at Udine University. I am now part of the team and for the past three years, I have been managing the European Leonardo mobility programme, which funds internships in European countries for students and graduates. My language skills and the professional and cultural experience I gained during my year abroad have helped me to find my professional and personal path in Italy, where I have now started a family.

Christine Kriza
BA (Hons.) European Studies
Assistant Health Advisor, DfID - UK Department for International Development
London, UK

I graduated in European Studies with English as a foreign language, BA (Hons) in 2003. During my degree I spent four months volunteering for an NGO in Dakar. While working in Senegal I gained an understanding of the importance of community participation in HIV/AIDS programmes. At the same time I had the opportunity to do research for my dissertation on the ‘Assessment of the EU’s HIV/AIDS policies in Africa: the case of Senegal’. After graduating, I worked in a number of (sometimes boring) fixed-term jobs and went on to do an internship at the European Commission’s DG for Development in the area of social and human development where I was particularly involved in policy work on HIV/AIDS and gender issues. I then went on to study for an MSc in International Health at Queen Margaret University College in Edinburgh and have recently started to work as an Assistant Health Advisor at the DfID’s Central Research Department.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my undergraduate studies and believe that the opportunity to go to Senegal has enabled me to gain important work experience that helped me to do work in an area I’m really interested in.

Kelly Leworthy
BA (Hons.) French Studies
Translator
London, UK

I count myself very lucky for finding the job I did so soon after University. I was worried that it would either take forever or that I would never find a job in the languages field. I currently work for a translation company in the heart of London. By some bizarre coincidence, after graduation I was headhunted by a girl working for the company who I’d met on my year abroad in Lyon! So you see, if it weren’t for Portsmouth University and the degree course I chose, I would never have found this job that I now love so much.

My degree was in French Studies and I enjoyed it immensely. I found all the staff very happy to help. They always made time for me, to answer my many questions and give me guidance. Thanks to this course and the staff involved, I was not only able to effectively grasp the language, but develop a more profound appreciation for the culture. My year abroad helped develop this appreciation further and form friendships in the UK, across the channel and beyond, relationships that will forever be close to my heart.

Jessica Lowe
BA (Hons.) Languages and European Studies
Head of communication, Skillshare International

I graduated from the University of Portsmouth in July 2002 with a 2:1 in Languages and European Studies.  I had spent the third year of my course in St Petersburg and then Dakar (Senegal), both of which were amazing experiences which I will never forget.  I have always been interested in international development and whilst living in Dakar did a placement with Catholic Relief Services.  I wanted a job which would enable me to work in international development even though my degree was in European Studies and I continue to have a real interest in EU issues.

In July 2002, I moved to Leicester and joined international development organisation Skillshare International as the Organisational Communications Officer more recently as Head of Communication. Skillshare works to reduce poverty, injustice and inequality in Southern and East Africa and Asia by placing international volunteer development workers, securing financial resources and running a Leadership Development Programme. 

Earlier this year, my role became broader and as Communications Manager I took on responsibility for our web site, media relations and PR as well as internal communications.  I work with people from all over the world and have travelled to Lesotho, Mozambique, Norway, South Africa, Swaziland and Uganda to organise conferences and visit programmes.  The job is challenging and enables me to continue developing my skills.  I do not use my languages every day, but they have been useful.  Together with voluntary work in development education, I believe it was my experience of living in Senegal and working at CRS that really helped me to get this job.  The European Studies course is great because it is flexible and allows you to tailor your studies to your own interests.  For example, having spent 6 months in Dakar, I took the France and West Africa module in my final year.  I think the course gives students a lot of useful knowledge and transferable skills and I would highly recommend both the European Studies course and the year abroad experience.

Roland Moore
BA (Hons.) Applied Languages
Civil Servant, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
London, UK

Following graduation, I worked through various employment agencies using one or both of my languages. After two or three months, I secured a more permanent post, as a Recruitment Officer at the Head Office IBM's personnel department for Europe, Middle East and Africa. This job involved co-ordinating the internal recruitment of IBM staff in France, Italy and Spain and made the most of the language skills that I had competently developed at Portsmouth.

Having successfully applied to a government recruitment scheme, I began working as a civil servant at the Health and Safety Executive, in the policy division dealing with chemical legislation and workers’ protection. As a team, we were responsible for developing chemical policy at the international (OECD and UN) and European levels. I was responsible for the implementation of some EU Directives and the publication of documents and guidance leaflets explaining complex chemical regulations. The knowledge in EU policy that I acquired during my studies, as well as my BA dissertation on European Environment policy, enabled me to understand exactly the process in which I was involved. Moreover, my languages skills enabled me to secure a training programme with the European Commission’s Environment Directorate General in Brussels, where for six months I gained further insight into European environment legislation. I now work for the Waste Strategy division of Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) after having completed a MSc Environment & Sustainable Development.

Jake Moreland
BA (Hons.) Latin American Development Studies
Field Officer for the United Nation High Commission for refugees
East and West Timor

The last thing I wanted to do after A-levels was start a university degree! I simply threw a few things into a rucksack and began exploring. After a year travelling and working in South America, I became fascinated by everything the region had to offer: vibrant cultures, fantastic music, extreme geography, exciting histories, magical literature and uncertain futures. When I saw the University of Portsmouth’s course in Latin American Development studies, I had to do it- especially since the third year would be spent in Latin America.

The highlight of the degree was my year in Guatemala working with refugees. I set up a position for myself through a small aid organization based in London. I was sent to the northern jungle region of Guatemala where I spent a year living alone in a village over seven hours’ walk from the nearest town with electricity and a phone! My job was to accompany the return of refugees to the village and monitor their reintegration into Guatemala at a time of heightened political tension.

Since leaving Portsmouth, I have been working as a field officer for the United Nation High Commission for Refugees (UNHHCR) in West and East Timor. It isn’t quite like Latin America but many of the issues are the same; indeed the skills from Latin American development Studies are as useful here as they were to me in Guatemala.

Tatiana Poliakova
BA (Hons) Applied Languages (German and English)
MA degree

After two years of studying German and English linguistics and literature at a university in Slovakia, I decided to take a year off and experience the English culture. During this “gap year”, my long-time wish to study in the UK only strengthened. I became especially fond of Portsmouth’s beautiful location by the sea where modern, multicultural, vibrant life is intertwined with the city’s famous past. Eventually, I decided to stay in the UK and begin studying at the University of Portsmouth. However, the most decisive factor for embarking on my studies at the University of Portsmouth was its excellent reputation in the field of Linguistics and Foreign Languages. I was convinced that choosing BA (Hons) Applied Languages would not only satisfy my keen interest in German and English linguistics, but it would also give me the opportunity to gain an insight into translation – an area which I found incredibly appealing. Indeed, it has been one of the most rewarding decisions in my life so far. The opportunities offered by the University allowed me to grow and develop not only academically but also professionally and personally. Studying languages generally gives you something extra and helps you to stand out from the crowd. You become a multicultural ambassador-communicator, which is valuable in the increasingly multicultural society.

One of the most enriching and exciting parts of my four year long undergraduate course was my Year Abroad. Living in Germany for 11 months, I had the chance to test and improve my knowledge of German as well as become a part of the German culture and experience a new way of life. More importantly, I was fortunate to have worked as an intern in a well established translation agency - Fry & Bonthrone Partnerschaft, in Mainz-Kastel - that specialised in finance and marketing texts (http://www.fb-partners.com/). During my placement, I was involved in the company’s Project Management as well as Translation and Tools & Resources Departments, which included composing and sending order confirmations to freelance translators and clients, pre- and post-editing texts, carrying out minor translations under supervision, contributing to the update and maintenance of terminology database. The small-scale nature of the company was very beneficial because I was involved in each part of the translation process, from Project Management to Terminology Research and Management, as well as actually translating texts. This experience equipped me with valuable skills, strengthened my self-confidence, and reinforced my determination to pursue a career in the field of translation.

After graduating in 2009, I went straight on to the MA in Translation and Technical Communication at the University of Portsmouth to gain the necessary qualifications and to continue nurturing my passion for translation.

Karen Poore
BA (Hons.) International Trade with Spanish
International Executive Assistant for Africa and the Middle East
Law Society for England and Wales
London, UK

Like many people, immediately after graduating I spent some time doing temporary work. Certain aspects of my degree course had influenced my ideas as to what career path I wanted to pursue. As part of the compulsory third year abroad I spent a semester studying and working as a stagiaire in Dakar, Senegal. It was a fantastic opportunity and I wouldn't hesitate to go back there if I was to do it again. It may have been more challenging than going to France in terms of having to push myself and be quite self-sufficient, but I found the whole year abroad very rewarding academically, linguistically and personally. In my final year I took some modules on West Africa and Algeria and ultimately hoped to find work in the field of international development.

Largely due to my experiences in Senegal I was offered the post of Local Co-ordinating Officer for HiPACT, an association of British Universities committed to widening participation in education. The organisation had recently initiated projects with Nigerian state governments and I was based in Nigeria working with government officials and local staff to set up offices and implement educational projects. At the end of the 20 months I spent working with HiPACT I had spent several periods in Nigeria, seen the projects expand to the extent that the Head of State attended an inauguration ceremony for one of them and was based in the UK office as International Programme Co-ordinator. Recently, I have started a new job with the Law Society of England and Wales as International Executive Assistant for Africa and the Middle East. In Uganda, I have led for an assessment visit for a project which has been granted European Social Funding with the aim of strengthening the capacity of the Legal Aid Project of the Uganda Law Society. My language skills come in useful and ultimately have given me a lot more scope for movement within this field.

Mary Robb
BA (Hons.) European Studies with French and Spanish
Library Executive, House of Commons Library
London, UK

After graduating in 2000, I moved to London and worked as an Administration Assistant for the European Children’s Trust- an international development agency working to help families and children in Eastern Europe. Although my role was primarily an administrative one, I also got involved in translating brochures and leaflets into French and editing an in-house newsletter. I also represented the organisation at a European Parliament conference on the Stability Pact, which was an opportunity open to me because of relevant knowledge gained through my European Studies degree.

I really enjoyed my time at ECT, but due to financial reasons I was forced to look for work in the private sector where salaries are generally higher for graduates. I found a job with a French Executive Search firm where I worked as a PA in the London Office. The work was interesting, I was able to use my languages and I learnt about business in the commercial world.  However, after 9/11 business slowed considerably and I started to think about what I really wanted to pursue career-wise, as I couldn’t see myself staying in the private sector long-term.  I went to see a careers counsellor who helped me to consider which projects or tasks I had most enjoyed during my academic and professional life, and I realised that I was drawn towards academia and research-based roles involving information searching and advising others.

I decided to embark on a MA in Information Services Management - and it was obviously the right choice for me as I graduated with a Distinction in 2003. During my MA I was able to develop my interest in politics and Africa (initiated during my year out in Senegal whilst studying at Portsmouth), and my MA dissertation looked at the development of the internet in West Africa. On completion of my MA I applied for a job with the House of Commons as a Library Executive, and after a gruelling interview process and months of security checks, I started work.

I have been here at Parliament for a year now and I am really enjoying the work and the opportunities for career development that are on offer. My job involves indexing parliamentary questions and other parliamentary material and answering queries from journalists, other organisations and the general public about the history and the business of the House of Commons. I am also the subject specialist for indexing parliamentary material on health. I am currently undertaking my Chartership qualification for Library and Information Professionals, and soon I will be starting a secondment to the International Affairs and Defence Section within the House of Commons Library, where I will be working directly with European Union Material. 

Overall, the knowledge I gained during my European Studies degree has prepared me well for the world of work, and I have found that interviewers have been especially interested the time I spent in Spain and Senegal whilst studying at Portsmouth University. Languages have been an asset throughout my career to date, and although I haven’t necessarily needed them in order to get the job, they have certainly opened up new opportunities for me which I wouldn’t otherwise have had.

Claire Smitherarm
BA (Hons.) Latin American Development Studies
Health Recruitment Advisor
Royal College of General Practitioners International Department and Voluntary Service Overseas

Since studying for a degree in Latin American Development Studies (1994-1998), I've worked in a variety of roles where my knowledge of development issues and Spanish have been of enormous benefit. Admitting to being a linguist in the workplace often results in being called upon to be an impromptu translator and interpreter in the most unlikely of situations! I believe that the ability to speak a language also enabled me to take on a lot more responsibility than I would have envisaged. For example, whilst working at the Royal College of General Practitioners International Department, I found myself managing the Latin American healthcare projects because I was the only person who could speak Spanish!  More recently, I worked as Health Recruitment Advisor for Voluntary Service Overseas - an international development agency that sends skilled and experienced volunteers overseas.

Natasha Ward
BA (Hons.) Combined Modern Languages
Environmental Specialist
Inter- American Bank
Washington, D.C., USA.

Whilst studying for my degree in Combined Modern Languages at the University of Portsmouth I developed a strong passion for Latin America, environment and development issues. Since graduating I have gone on to travel extensively in South America, settling for two years in Chile where I worked as a Consultant for the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America in Sustainable Development Issues. I returned to the UK to complete an MA in Environment, Development and Policy. For the past 2 years I have been working as Environmental Specialist for the Inter-American Development Bank. I am preparing the next Sustainability Review for the Bank and continuing with Greening action plans for the Bank - including the carbon neutral program I am setting up.

Taking Hispanic Studies as part of my language degree at Portsmouth has enabled me to pursue a career in Latin America, as well as fully enjoy my travels in the region, not only in terms of language skills gained throughout my degree but also more importantly in terms of the wider framework of studies I followed. During my four years of study at Portsmouth I took options in Latin American Economics, Geography and Development, which has given me a solid base on which to build a career in research on issues involved in sustainable development in the Americas.

Dave Warne
BA (Hons.) French Studies
Commercial Director
WEXAS -The Travellers Club
London, UK

My interest in travel and global issues began before my French Studies degree, but it really developed during my four years at Portsmouth. Around the core subjects the course offered a suitably wide range of complementary options to fuel my interest. I chose the West Africa and European Community options which enabled me to appreciate the global context in which France exists and gave me the option to spend my year abroad in Senegal. Not only did this allow a unique insight into Africa and issues facing the developing world, but living there also allowed me to develop the confidence to deal with a diverse range of people from widely differing backgrounds. During my course at Portsmouth I also began to develop three key skills that I rely heavily on in my travel industry career:- report writing, chairing meetings and preparing and running training courses. The experience I gained in West African earned me my first travel industry position, running the Africa Desk at STA Travel. My job involved advising and arranging travel for independent travellers (where my 'on the ground' experience in West Africa was invaluable) and assisting other STA Travel staff in marketing, training and other activities. I have stayed within the travel industry ever since: I am currently Commercial Director at WEXAS - The Travellers Club, with overall responsibility for maximising revenues for the company through negotiation with airlines, hotel and car hire companies.

Andrea Zanaglio
BA (Hons) Languages and European Studies
European parliament: MEP assistant

In 2008, I graduated with a BA(Hons) Languages and European Studies. I gained a first class degree with distinction in French and German. The degree programme has allowed me to specialise in European policy-making and European law, broadening my knowledge and interest in the European Union. During my year abroad, I did a stage in the European parliament in Brussels and worked in Vienna as congress manager assistant at Austropa Interconvention, in the heart of the city.

After graduation, I went back to Italy for a while, applied to many different European jobs and was fairly quickly selected for a 5 month traineeship at the Committee of the Regions of the EU in Brussels. Working in the Secretariat of a political group, I had to attend a lot of CoR commissions’ meetings and report back to the Secretariat. I also undertook ad-hoc research on a wide range of policies (such as environmental, transport, regional and immigration policies) and analysed European legislation to provide the Secretariat with the information to formulate its position. Following this traineeship, I was offered a new position as Assistant to a Member of the European Parliament (MEP). My MEP was elected for the first time in June 2009: he is a young, determined politician. I assist him in many different ways, organising his agenda, managing his mail and undertaking more political tasks for him. At the moment I am developing a strong portfolio of competencies to build my career prospects within the European Union.

My language degree has equipped me with a lot of core skills to work at EU level, including a strong grounding in EU policy making and EU legislation. But above all, it helped me to discover that I was interested in regional, national and European politics and gave me a taste for transforming debate, research and ideas into action.