Like many history students UoP history and politics alumni Lucy Bricknell didn’t leave university with a clear plan of what she wanted to do next. But, as she explains below, she discovered that the skills in researching, analysis and writing she had developed in the course of her studies, prepared her well for a career in communications.
When I graduated from the University of Portsmouth, like many graduates, I didn’t have a perfectly mapped‑out career plan. I knew I enjoyed research, writing and understanding the bigger picture, but I wasn’t yet sure how those interests would translate into a job. What I didn’t realise at the time was just how well my History with Politics degree had already prepared me for a career in communications.
Lucy on Dartmoor
Since graduating in 2022, I’ve built my career at the Met Office, where I now work as a Communications Executive. Looking back, the skills I developed at Portsmouth have been central to my progression.
After university, I was keen to find a role that offered both initial structured development and the chance to gain real‑world experience. By chance, I came across a listing for a Government Communications Service apprenticeship scheme and realised that the key skills required for the apprenticeship were the same as those I had developed during my degree. After a successful application, I was allocated a place at the Met Office as a Public Relations and Communications Apprentice. This gave me the opportunity to apply what I’d learned at university in a practical setting, while continuing to develop professionally.
Over time, I progressed from an early‑career role into a permanent communications position. Each step helped build my confidence, deepen my understanding of strategic communications, and confirm that I’d found a career path that genuinely suited me.
The Met Office building in Exeter
At first glance, history and communications may not seem obviously related, but in practice, they’re closely linked.
Studying History with Politics at Portsmouth gave me experience in:
- Analysing complex information and identifying what really matters
- Researching thoroughly and critically, assessing sources and evidence
- Writing clearly and persuasively, often under tight deadlines
These skills are used daily in my role. Whether I’m helping communicate scientific information to the public, supporting engagement, or contributing to longer‑term communications planning, the ability to take complex material and turn it into a clear, accessible message is essential. This skill set is something I was able to develop through essays, seminars and independent study during my degree.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my career so far has been how much responsibility and opportunity I’ve been given since graduating. Working in communications at the Met Office means no two days are the same. In my role, you’re constantly responding to what’s happening in the world around you, especially the weather!
Since joining the Met Office, I’ve worked across a range of communications activity, learning directly from experienced professionals and contributing to work that has national impact. That learning‑by‑doing approach has been fundamental to my progression and is something I’d strongly encourage graduates to seek out.
If you’re studying history and wondering what comes next, my advice would be not to underestimate the value of your degree. The skills you gain are highly transferable, even if the career path isn’t immediately obvious. Be open to opportunities that allow you to develop professionally, build experience and explore different options.
My time at the University of Portsmouth gave me a strong foundation, academically and personally, and helped equip me with the skills I use every day in my career. I’m proud of that journey and excited to see where it leads next.
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