Classics : Job options

Jobs directly related to your degree

• Archivist - acquires, manages and maintains documents and other materials that have historical importance for individuals, organisations and nations. Archivists make such information accessible to users such as academics, researcher and the general public.
• Museum education officer - involves working with existing collections and exhibitions to develop and deliver educational and learning programmes. See also other possible museum roles including museum exhibition designer, museum/gallery conservator and museum/gallery exhibitions officer.
• Advertising copywriter or public relations officer - roles which draw upon your understanding the power of language, persuasive communication and understanding culture and society issues.
• Historic buildings inspector/conservation officer - particularly relevant to degrees with architectural content and appealing to graduates interested in conservation and curatorship outside a museum environment.

Jobs where your degree would be useful

• Secondary school teacher - several institutions offer Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) within this subject area. Teaching positions within further education colleges and universities are also an option.
• Solicitor - prepares contracts and legal documents, represents clients and manages legal cases. Solicitors need to have the ability to assimilate complex information, an analytical approach with strong written and oral presentation skills.
• Civil Service fast streamer - joins an accelerated development programme and is exposed to a variety of government departments and agencies. Suited to your intellectual curiosity, research skills and independent working ability. See also Politician's assistant.
• Information officer - responsible for the acquisition, management and distribution of information for an organisation or client. Involves classifying materials and developing organisational systems, understanding how information is consumed, conducting research, writing reports and answering client enquiries. See also Records manager.
• Social worker - designs, formulates and conducts social research projects. Researchers also collect, manage and analyse information, which they present in oral or written form.
• Editorial assistant - assists senior editorial staff in the commissioning, planning and production of books, journals, magazines and a broad range of materials. The work may even be directly related to classical studies if you work for an academic or specialist publishing house.

Other options

You do not necessarily have to move straight into a full-time job or postgraduate study once you have finished your degree. Taking time out is increasingly common amongst graduates, whilst they consider their options. It is advisable however to use any time out wisely, whether you are planning to travel, volunteer or gain work experience. Think about your long term career plan and how you can develop your skills and acquire valuable experience for your CV.

For example, many museums run volunteering programmes and would welcome enthusiastic and knowledgeable volunteers. Securing some work experience or an opportunity to work shadow within an advertising agency would certainly give you an insight into that industry, as well as competitive advantage. If travelling, you could perhaps look for relevant temporary work such as being a guide for archaeological or historical tourist attractions.

Although some of the jobs listed here might not be first jobs for many graduates, they are among the many realistic possibilities with your degree, provided you can demonstrate you have the attributes employers are looking for. Bear in mind that it’s not just your degree discipline that determines your options. Remember that many graduate vacancies don't specify particular degree disciplines, so don't restrict your thinking to the jobs listed here. Look at your degree... what next? for informed advice on career planning and graduate employment, or login/register with My Prospects to find out what jobs would suit you, a helpful starting point for self-analysis.

Explore types of jobs to find out more about the above options and related jobs.