What I studied and when I graduated

I studied BA History at the University of Manchester, graduating in the summer of 2024, after studying for three years. I considered doing the History and American Studies course, but I ultimately decided to do solely History, as within the course I would still be able to choose to do American History modules. My interest in American History continued throughout my studies, which culminated in my dissertation focusing on Lyndon B Johnson’s Foreign Policy.

My career path after University

Following my degree, I did a gap year, in which I continued to work as a Duty Manager in a retail store. During this year, I didn’t really have a clear picture of what my ideal career would look like, as choosing to do History arose from my enjoyment of the subject as opposed to a clear job in mind. Following many applications to a range of roles, I secured a graduate scheme at the global law firm Latham & Watkins, known as the Business Services Trainee Program.

My current role

As a Business Services Trainee, I rotate into a different Business Services Area every six months. The program is a two-year scheme, which hopefully culminates in a full-time role, in one of the departments you rotate in. So far, I have rotated in the Conflicts department within the Office of the General Counsel and also within the People Analytics team. The difference in my first two rotations, reflects why I applied for this program, as it has allowed me to determine what my ideal job role may look like. This is my favourite part of the scheme, as the variety of rotations offered, allows me to develop such a range of skills and has really helped me diversify my skillset. Also, the firm is so collaborative that it any rotation, I can learn about other departments and gain such great insight into how the firm operates.

How my course prepared you for this job

My degree helped me prepare for my role as a Business Services Trainee as the skills I gained from my degree were necessary in securing the role and also so helpful to my day-to-day work. My history course was mainly assessed by long essays and a very high level of attention to detail was necessary here. My skills in maintaining this level of detail are central to my current role as accuracy and attention to detail are so pivotal in any department within a global law firm. The analytical nature of a history degree, in analysing both primary and secondary material, has also prepared me for my current role as analytical skills have been very central to my first two rotations. Finally, any degree requires time-management skills which are also so valuable in the workplace as managing your own workload is central to succeeding in any workplace environment.

Tips or advice for offer holders?

I would say when studying history, to try and pick as many far-ranging modules as possible, as I think it was so interesting to learn about such differing periods of history that the University offers. Also, I would say to not panic if you don’t know what your career looks like and if you still don’t know when you finish your degree. I think being so open to a range of careers, after my degree, ultimately led to my role now.

Written by Rachael Grange, a BA History graduate (2024). 

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