Case studies
Three UoN graduates with a degree in classics share their career paths since leaving the university.
Emma Norris, Membership and Events Coordinator, The Heritage Alliance
What is your current role and what does it involve?
I currently work as the membership and events coordinator at The Heritage Alliance (THA), a membership organisation that brings together and advocates for the UK’s heritage sector. My role has two main areas of responsibility.
For membership, I lead on maintaining personal and supportive relationships with THA’s 200+ member organisations, the recruitment of new members, and collaborate on the creation of business strategies for the team.
For events, I coordinate a series of sector and member events including two flagship events Heritage Day and Heritage Debate. Part of my role also includes representing THA at various sector events which has taken me across the country to London, Birmingham, Derby, Bath, to name a few.
I’m also a newly appointed Trustee at the Black Country Living Museum, which is allowing me to develop my experience in a board-level leadership role.
How did your Nottingham degree support your career ambitions?
Through my heritage-focused degree at Nottingham, I was able to develop a solid understanding of the sector and its wider context. My dissertation delved into international relations and conflict studies, through which I discovered a real interest in the intersection of heritage and politics – which led me to my current role and organisation.
My degree also helped foster a sense of ambition. Before starting my final year, I discovered the academic awards offered by the School of Humanities and set myself the goal of winning one. I went on to receive both the Dissertation Prize and the Third Year Archaeology Prize, which showed me what I could achieve with clear focus.
My current role wasn’t entry-level or designed for graduates, and I believe the ambition and self-confidence I developed during my studies have been pivotal in getting me to where I am now, just a year on from graduating.
What knowledge or skills from your degree to you use in your current job?
I feel quite lucky to have studied something at university that I genuinely loved. Classical civilisation for both the mythology as well as the more hard-hitting aspects including politics and attitudes towards women and the disabled. Archaeology for its breadth, with my modules taking me from the origin of humanity right up to recent global conflicts.
The sector knowledge I gained through my degree has been key — I now work closely with archaeological organisations, museums, universities, and heritage sites, so understanding their context and challenges has been essential. It also helps when organising events, as I’m familiar with the key voices, organisations, and topics that matter in the sector.
I also regularly use skills I developed at university, including written communication (through essays and social media posts), creative design (from coursework projects), public speaking (through society involvement and during assignments), and time management (balancing academic work with extracurricular roles).
These all now feed into regular tasks such as writing mass communications, creating marketing materials, chairing sector-wide events, and leading a busy events team.
Beth Carter, Fundraising and Enterprise Coordinator, British Film Institute (BFI)
What is your current role and what does it involve?
I coordinate the BFI's Fundraising team and Executive Director in generating philanthropic, sponsorship and commercial income, to supports the projects and initiatives of the BFI, a charitable organisation that represents and informs the UK's film industry.
I got into this role after training in MA Theatre for Community and Education at Mountview Theatre Academy, alongside working as a fundraiser in a small charity and as a freelance theatre and digital content producer. My interest in project management, meaningful charitable initiatives and love for film, led me to apply for this role.
Tell us about any extracurricular activities you took part in
Nottingham New Theatre - as a publicity manager on committee, and participated in shows as an actor, technician, producer, writer and director. With support from the Students' Union, I was the producer of our original show "Order From Chaos" at Edinburgh Fringe 2019 which was an amazing experience.
I was also Vice President of Classoc, and member of Yoga Society.
How did your Nottingham degree support your career ambitions and add value to what you do?
I did my classical civilisation degree because I loved the subject and wanted the learning experience, as a priority over 'career ambitions'.
Classics is not necessarily a discipline with a set career path, which can be off-putting for some, but has been immensely beneficial to me, as I do not feel that my degree has pigeonholed me into one set of working skills.
The love I have for classics shines through when I get the opportunity to discuss it in applications and interviews, demonstrating a commitment to engaging in genuinely enjoyable, valuable and educational experiences - a key component of the UK's charitable arts industry.
Ellie Blythe, Librarian and First Point Officer
What is your current role and what does it involve?
I am a librarian and first point officer; it’s a role that extends way beyond the traditional image of working with books!
I deliver community events, collaborate with local services and provide support with applications such as blue badges and bus passes.
In addition, I manage the running of the library, including supervising volunteers and library assistants.
How did you become a librarian?
I began working in libraries immediately after finishing university, starting with a temporary position as a library assistant. I drew on the research and organisational skills I had developed during my degree and through years of studying in libraries myself.
From there, I became a school librarian before returning to public libraries, where I now work as a librarian.
During my first interview, I spoke about my love for classics, which I studied at university. This helped me standout as a I demonstrated a genuine enthusiasm for learning.
Alongside this, I undertook a CILIP chartership which included volunteering in different libraries and connecting with professionals across the sector, and I even spent a few days at the University of Cambridge to learn more about their practices!
What advice would you give to a current students considering this career?
Many people describe librarianship as their ‘dream job,’ and highlight a love of reading. While a passion for books is valuable, the role goes much further than this. Libraries are about supporting people and creating a safe space. Libraries are typically the first point of contact for people who are vulnerable, so having a desire to help people is important.
The job market can feel daunting, particularly with concerns about funding or closures. However, libraries are constantly evolving and adapting to the needs of the community. It’s important to look at how you could expand your service in this role.
For a student considering this career, I would recommend seeking opportunities out at university, as universities typically hire for library staff. Don't be afraid to build as relationships can open opportunities within this sector.