Critical Reflection A
Reflection on interview with Alice Taylor
Watching Alice Taylor’s interview surprised me by showing just how versatile a degree in Ancient History can be. I had previously associated the field mostly with academia, but Alice highlighted how her understanding of history connects to tourism, cultural heritage, and everyday life, and how these skills informed her master’s thesis. I was also struck by her reflection on reading Latin in Rome, which she described as a personally transformative experience. It showed me that the practical and analytical skills we develop, interpreting sources, thinking critically, and connecting information across contexts, can open opportunities far beyond what I had initially imagined. Her career path made me reconsider my own possibilities. While I have focused on educational content and public engagement, Alice’s example shows that roles in cultural heritage or broader tourism sectors could be meaningful and rewarding. It also reinforced the idea that Ancient History equips graduates with transferable skills that are valuable in diverse fields. I could advise future students that, beyond research and writing, studying Ancient History fosters analytical thinking, cultural literacy, and creative problem-solving, skills that prepare them for careers they might not even have considered yet.
Critical Reflection B
Reflection on Dr McWilliam's Skill Building Industry C interview
Watching Dr McWilliam’s Skill Building Industry C interview highlighted two key strengths that make Ancient History graduates stand out: attention to detail and the ability to independently manage complex projects. She explained that noticing small details is crucial for understanding historical contexts, and that this precision transfers directly to professional settings where careful analysis and accuracy are essential. Dr McWilliam also emphasised that learning to work on broad projects with minimal supervision develops problem-solving skills, self-motivation, and the ability to present coherent solutions, qualities she identifies as rare and highly valued by employers.
Reflecting on my own skills, I see clear parallels with my experience creating public-facing educational content, which requires research, critical thinking, and synthesising complex information for diverse audiences. I could strengthen my independent project management by taking on longer-term, self-directed initiatives and refining strategies to plan and present work effectively. I already feel confident marketing my analytical, research, and communication skills. Developing autonomy and project management further will allow me to stand out in careers in heritage, education, or public engagement. For graduates entering the workforce, Dr McWilliam emphasises that attention to detail and independent problem-solving are key strengths to highlight.
Peer Review & Reflection
Engagement in Review and Reflection tasks with Peer Nina McKinnon
Feedback from Nina McKinnon
You did an excellent job at providing an insightful and succinct reflection on this interview. I see that you mention a little about what you have focussed on previously in your studies, but it is discussed very briefly; perhaps expanding on this a little more might place greater emphasis on the skills that employers may value and make this reflection feel even more personal to you. Otherwise, this is a lovely reflection and it seems like you’ve hit every necessary point – great job!
Strengthen Reflection
I could strengthen my original submission by expanding on my own focus and experiences within Ancient History, highlighting specific skills I have developed that employers would value, to make the reflection more personal and connected to my career aspirations.
Nina McKinnon's Submission
Elizabeth Alvey’s interview demonstrates the diversity of occupations that a degree in Ancient History can unlock. After obtaining her degree from UQ and a Master of Information Technology at QUT, she landed the role of Senior Manager of UQ eSpace. Alvey’s passion for the research aspect of her degree led to this career, which subsequently developed her technological skills. She advises that in her line of work it is important to keep up with trends and ensure your use of technology suits your purpose. I found this relatable as a high school tutor, as following trends and applying technology according to students’ specific learning styles are crucial for engaging them in their work and building rapport. This interview highlights that skills developed in the study of Ancient History are transferrable to occupations in a variety of fields. I was once told, after explaining my degree to a customer at work, that I would have to study something else to get a job. After watching Alvey’s interview, I would advise future Ancient History students that it is okay to choose a degree you find interesting over something ‘practical’, as this degree can open doors into a range of different careers.
Feedback to Nina McKinnon
Your reflection is engaging and clearly connects Alvey’s experiences to your own. To make it even stronger, consider condensing the details of Alvey’s career path and instead focus on how being an Ancient History graduate has equipped you with the skills you are discussing. The personal link to tutoring is excellent, but it could more clearly show how these skills from your degree have supported your work, which would strengthen the connection for future graduates.