Bernadette  Gallagher MA Transnational Studies, 2006

Consular regional Policy Advisor and Analyst at the British Embassy Madrid (FCO)

Hi, I'm Bernadette Gallagher and I studied MA Transnational Studies within Modern Languages at the University of Southampton.

The MA gives you the tools and the freedom to pursue your intellectual interests independently within the supportive environment of a small, close knit group of similarly motivated students.

I am responsible for identifying, researching, and assessing the impact of a variety of issues with the potential to affect the British nationals who visit or reside in one of the countries in the Southern European consular network. Key issues include residency, access to healthcare, tax issues and property disputes. Communication is key to the role, whether briefing senior officials, drafting text for the website or explaining policy changes to customers.

The MA Transnational Studies gave me a firm academic grounding in conducting sound research, analysing information, formulating clear and well-evidenced arguments for or against particular course of action, managing projects independently, meeting deadlines and managing workload.... these are all skills I'm required to use on a daily basis in my current job.

Additionally, the course encouraged me to exchange ideas and hold creative discussions with other students. I think that this practice of learning and developing from and with others is a crucial skill in the workplace.

 

My advice to new students

Take advantage of as many of the opportunities that will be available to you as you can, whether linked to your course, cultural, sports, societies, careers advice - so much is on offer and it all adds to your experience and later on, wherever you end up, you might well just look back and see the start of it all there in Southampton!