Billy Fitzjohn BA History, 2010
Account Manager
Hi, I'm Billy Fitzjohn and I studied BA History within History at the University of Southampton.
Don’t just come out with a degree – Make the most of all the other types of opportunities that are available to you. You don’t get anything like it in the professional world and you can do literally anything whilst at University so don’t waste any time!
Please give a description of your professional life post-university, including any achievements or stand-out moments.
Becoming President at the Students Union put me in good stead for professional life as well as working as an Intern in the Communications office. I am now enjoying a role with Endsleigh looking after our relationship with Student Unions and Universities in the South West of England. Being offered the role with Endsleigh was a highlight as it is a competitive market out there to get a job.
Did you know what you wanted to do with your degree after leaving university, and have your aspirations developed or changed since then?
Not fully, I always concentrate on short term goals and my short term goals back at University were to get a 2:1 and become the SU President, once I achieved those, it wasn't until the end of my Presidency that I started thinking about a career. My aspirations grew after being SU president as I had learnt so much during that year.
What initially interested you in your subject?
It was one of the few subjects I was good at whilst at College! I enjoyed learning about things from the past that are still relevant today.
What skills did you acquire whilst studying your subject and through what means (i.e. essays/group tasks?)
I probably learnt most of my skills outside of my course and in the general University world by getting involved in things. Whilst I enjoyed my course and it gave me some skills, it wasn't half of what I learnt compared to the other things I did: living independently, getting involved in the Students Union, Sport, part time work whilst studying etc.
Do you believe these skills have assisted you in your career and if so, how?
The skills I learnt outside of my course - Yes. People skills and confidence goes a long way in any career and having the ability to communicate and build relationships with people is something so simple but it can take people so far!
Would you recommend a degree at Southampton to others and what advice could you offer to students and recent graduates of your degree subject about moving forward and choosing a career path?
If you are a History student I would recommend trying to look beyond your course to get skills to set you up for professional life. Don't do this at the expense of your course and make sure you get a good grade as employers will see history as a good transferable degree. However don't just come out with a degree - Make the most of all the other types of opportunities that are available to you. You don't get anything like it in the professional world and you can do literally anything whilst at University so don't waste any time!