Graduate interviews
Melody Banner, graduate in American Studies
"Since completing my American Studies degree in 2006, I've spent a year working for an advertising agency near Leeds, and now I work for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) in London.
American Studies lets you look at different areas of study such as history, literature, music and politics to show potential employers that you have a good understanding of a variety of subjects.
Taking part in the University's exchange programme with Longwood University made me realise that I would like to work in America for British interests. As the FCO has some posts in America it is possible for me to go and work there either in the Embassy in Washington DC or in one of the consulates we have over there.
I would say that my three years at Derby doing American Studies was three years well spent. The varied classes meant that there is always something to look forward to."
Aimee Feenan, graduate in American Studies
"I chose to read American Studies without any real idea of what I wanted to do once I'd graduated.
The course appealed to me because it covered pretty much every aspect of what 'America' is. I was able to learn about culture, music, history, politics, film, photography and much more, what more can you ask for when you haven't really decided which career path to take?
I had favourite subjects of course; particularly looking at photography and literature, and I'm delighted to have been introduced to the works of Walker Evans, J.D. Salinger, Sylvia Plath, and Ansel Adams to name just a few.
I'm currently working for a publishing company as an assistant desk editor. The subject areas we work on here are very similar to those I read on the American Studies course, particularly the area of modern political affairs. The multidisciplinary nature of the American Studies degree has allowed me to be flexible with my career choice - it makes you more adaptable."
Laura Williams, graduate in American Studies
"The American Studies team at the University of Derby is second to none. Thanks to them I received all the guidance I required throughout my degree. My dissertation supervisor was invaluable, advising on potential lines of enquiry and reining me in when I threatened to go off on a tangent! Their support was pivotal in my success.
The vast array of subject matter and the interdisciplinary nature of the course means that you can approach each assignment from your own unique angle. The wide choice of modules allows you to build the degree around your own particular interests, and fits in easily with other programmes on the Joint Honours Scheme.
People always ask why I chose American Studies and I always say:
"America is such a powerful looming spectre in the modern world, learning about its history and culture not only informs you of where it has come from, but also drives home what lies in the country's global future and how, ultimately, it affects and influences us all."
The programme offered at the University of Derby does all this and more."
Chris Davies, graduate in American Studies
"American Studies at the University of Derby exceeded my expectations; the variety of topics touched upon within the course, along with the interdisciplinary nature of the modules opened up numerous angles for cross-examination and kept the learning experience fast paced and broad reaching.
The interdisciplinary nature of the modules and a teaching approach that allowed lectures to open up topics for participation and discussion between lecturer, student and key texts, provided new impetus for areas of personal interest, and aroused my interest in areas I had previously dismissed.
It was through American Studies at the University of Derby that I was able to expand on already acquired interests in American culture, and furthered my ambition of pursuing postgraduate study and subsequent work within the American television industry.
From American Noir fiction, to Cold War foreign policy, and the realm of trans-nationalism, American Studies at the University of Derby peaked my interest in areas both familiar and alien, and propelled me towards a desire for further study at postgraduate level."
