Nick Johnson Philosophy

Client Services Advisor, University of Southampton Student Services

Hi, I'm Nick Johnson and I studied Philosophy within Philosophy at the University of Southampton.

I would recommend a degree at Southampton. My experience of the teaching and administrative staff has been first rate. Complementing this is a truly vibrant campus and students’ union with so much going on. The advice I’d offer first is just to try to and experience it all- the clubs, the courses, the societies. Put yourself out there and you won’t be disappointed.

Please give a description of your professional life post-university, including any achievements or stand-out moments.

I'm almost two months in to my year-long Graduate Internship and have found the experience a terrific learning curve. My work with the Careers and Employability Service involves liaising with employers, holding employability events on campus, organising events of my own and promoting the Careers and Employability Service to students. So far I've been especially pleased with representing the University at a Dyson Careers Conference and increasing our social media presence- during a particularly quiet time of University activity the Careers and Employability Services twitter page has increased its follower count by 15% in the seven weeks I've been here.

Did you know what you wanted to do with your degree after leaving university, and have your aspirations developed or changed since then?

I wasn't sure what I wanted to do after University although I was keen to stay in the area for one more year. I've worked in a number of functions within the University and hugely enjoyed the atmosphere of being on campus. Working with the Careers and Employability Services interested me because of the variety of the role; I routinely engage with students, external recruiters and colleagues. Hopefully after this internship, I'll have a greater idea of what particular fields and activities I'm interested in.

What initially interested you in your subject?

Philosophy fascinated me because I thought it'd provide answers to questions that always puzzled me- ideas of God, existence, morality- the rather heavy stuff. I soon changed my mind after reading a few books- philosophy doesn't provide you with the answers but gives you the tools to methodically think your way through them.

What skills did you acquire whilst studying your subject and through what means?

Communication was a major skill that I cultivated in philosophy. To be able to speak with confidence and coherence is great but I've found the ability to comprehensively listen to another person a far more useful attribute. To be able to process another's argument and words makes it so much easier to either point out the flaws in their proposal or ensure a much more successful collaboration.

Do you believe these skills have assisted you in your career and if so, how?

Absolutely. I feel like after contemplating a course of action I would be able to justify why I chose it to colleagues and managers. Philosophy forces you to be able to reason your way through complex ideas and then logically convey your own thoughts. When giving progress reports or explaining my actions this has most definitely come in handy.

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?

I would recommend a degree at Southampton. My experience of the teaching and administrative staff has been first rate. Complementing this is a truly vibrant campus and students' union with so much going on. The advice I'd offer first is just to try to and experience it all- the clubs, the courses, the societies. Put yourself out there and you won't be disappointed.