Jill’s decision to study both linguistics and management has led to a varied career working with people from around the world.
Not only did her time at Bath help guide her towards several dream jobs – today Jill owns and leads her own consultancy firm – but her experience of campus life and the friends she made while at the University has stayed with her.
To mark 40 years since she left the University, Jill reflects on her experience.
Why did you choose to study at Bath?
I’d visited my older sister for a weekend during her first year at the University of Bath and immediately fell in love with the friendly feel of campus and beautiful Georgian city.
I wanted to study a practical course that combined languages with business subjects, which is why I chose European studies with a final year option in comparative management. That way I could hone my French and German skills whilst also studying economics and management.
I also liked that it gave me the opportunity to spend my third year completing work experience in France and Germany, which has been invaluable to me.
Did you have a particular career in mind when you chose your course?
I wanted to work in a commercial role – sales, marketing or account management – and was also interested in training (not teaching). I was aware that Bath had a good reputation for links with industry and was keen to maximise these.
Can you tell us about your experience of studying here?
The University of Bath did not disappoint! I was lucky to have a place to stay on campus in the first year and loved meeting my fellow students and making real friends – many of whom have remained my best friends for life.
As a campus university, it was so useful to have everything in one place – lecture halls, the library, the refectory, concert hall, sports hall, swimming pool – all much smaller of course in those days! All the staff and students were very friendly; it felt like we were part of a happy family. During the summer, we would occasionally sit outside in the amphitheatre for smaller lectures.
I loved visiting all the iconic spots in the city – the Roman Baths, the Pump Rooms, Pulteney Bridge, the Assembly Rooms, Victoria Park, the Circus, the Abbey – especially at Christmas. After our finals we went rowing along the Avon and walking in the hills surrounding Bath. To socialise, we went clubbing at the Island Club, affectionately known as ‘Bog Island’, Charlie Browns and Moles, often for the student rate of 50 pence! And naturally, we enjoyed the local pubs in the surrounding stunning villages of Norton St Philip, Bathampton and Batheaston.
How did your studies help you to develop, professionally and/or personally?
Studying linguistics helped build confidence in my speaking and writing ability. This has helped me throughout my career when presenting to boards and senior leaders and, more recently, writing eBooks, recording audio talks and speaking to global audiences.
Reading economics and management also meant that I had an early understanding of business, which has been invaluable in all my roles since graduating.
I was fortunate to use my French in my first role as well as provide executive coaching to senior French clients, including a global CEO, based in Paris. Similarly, I have worked in the country and with several German leaders. Being able to travel and use my languages in my job has been very enjoyable and rewarding.
Describe your career journey since graduating. What is a typical day like in your current role?
I am very fortunate to have had a varied career involving several of my dream jobs!
After graduation I immediately joined Air France in London as their first graduate trainee to work in a public facing role. I was very ambitious and quickly moved into business sales and then secured my dream job of managing the South and South Wales for Air France. I spent a total of ten years in the airline industry, which I loved.
Another dream job was working for the BBC in Bristol, promoting the commercial services to large companies and advertising agencies.
For the past 22 years I have worked for my own consultancy company and every day is different. One minute I could be supporting a global leader in the US, helping to align their people with a new vision and strategy; the next I could be coaching a director. It’s busy but I thoroughly enjoy my work, and all my studying, training and experience has enabled me to be an expert in my field.
What advice would you give to prospective students thinking about studying your course at Bath?
It is sad to see the demise of modern languages in the UK. Speaking French and German has enabled me to work abroad, as well as meet so many wonderful friends on my travels.
In today’s uncertain world, I feel it is more important than ever to learn about contemporary politics, culture and society in Europe, and the continent's role in the wider world.
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