Alumni Stories – Natasha Devlin
3rd January 2024
This series of posts looks at what our former students do after they graduate in History at the University of Gloucestershire. It demonstrates the various types of employment and further study they can go into. It provides useful guides for existing students, but also highlights the fascinating journeys of our graduates. The next story comes from Natasha Devlin (Class of 2020), who talks about her journey from History into Law.
Three years have passed since I graduated from the University of Gloucestershire. 3 years, 4 jobs, 1 master’s degree and many hours extensively pondering my career path. In the grand narrative of life, our journeys are bound to be laced with unexpected twists, detours, and transformational moments that shape the course of one’s future. My three years at the University of Gloucestershire studying History were definitely transformational and, in another way, it was a detour… albeit a fun and worthwhile one.
I chose an undergraduate history degree on my passion for the subject alone. At the age of 17 I knew I wanted to be an International Human Rights Lawyer, but I also knew that History was something I was not ready to give up. My passion for History was born out of the stories of individuals who had dared to challenge the status quo, rewrite the rules, and fight for justice. Traits that I admire and try to embody as a modern day historian and aspiring lawyer. In addition to this, I was captivated by the narratives of societies, the rise and fall of empires, and the evolution of human behaviour over time.
My sixth form careers advisor introduced me to the concept of a conversion course. This route allowed me the space to pursue an undergraduate degree in any field before a Law Degree. The idea of a conversion course is that it will cover the same core syllabus as an undergraduate Law Degree in an intensive 1 year course. This approach accommodated both my interests, shaping a purposeful academic and professional journey. Whilst this was the long route to my end goal it was what worked for me and sometimes, the road less travelled may be the path to your most remarkable achievements.
For three years I had the freedom to study the subject I loved. As many of us know, undergraduate life is like navigating uncharted waters. For most it is the first introduction to true independence, and this isn’t always as wonderful as we think it is going to be. My university experience looked a lot like most: late night library sessions, Mondays at Moos, student accommodation with a touch of mould, wonderful new friends, Wednesdays at Moos, the occasional late submission, financial independence (not always for the best), Fridays at Moos, exam nerves, cafeteria lunches, mental health realisations and a pivot into adulthood.
As a lover of literature and books, my favourite part of university was the library. I could pretty much always be found at the Francis Close Hall library, attempting to quietly wind the rolling history shelves apart. One of the best things to come out of my time at the University of Gloucestershire is my friendship with fellow History Alumni Rhiannon Carter. An individual who inspires me academically, professionally and personally, and to this day is my biggest supporter. The University of Gloucestershire also means a lot to my family. My two sisters attended and in my second year we were all attending at the same time on our different courses. It added to my experience that I was able to explore University life with them. I look back on my time studying history and I am grateful to the University of Gloucestershire for the numerous opportunities and unrelenting support.
In my final year at the University, Covid-19 came out of nowhere and we completed our dissertations from our bedrooms. On 28th May 2020 at nearly 2am I made my final submission from my bed. Covid impacted everyone and it knocked me off my planned route into law. I was laid off my job just before graduating, and I had to move back to my hometown and in with my parents. For a long while, the conversion course was not an option financially. After finding my feet and a few more stints in retail, I started a role which included teaching English to refugees, volunteered with Amnesty International and in my free time completed numerous professional development courses to help stand out in the legal world. Law remained at the forefront of my mind and long terms goals during this period and so I continued to work towards it.
In June 2023 I was offered a position as an Intellectual Property Paralegal within a growing firm. For those, who like me, hadn’t heard of Intellectual Property, it is non-physical property which is the result of creativity such as a Trade Mark or Patent. We come across them every day from Trade Marked sounds such as the Netflix’s ‘TA-DUM’ or colours, like Cadbury Purple which give the owner a monopoly over its use. It was not a legal area I was well versed in before this employment position but within my first two months it reaffirmed to me that law was exactly where I wanted to be. So, I finally confirmed my place at the University of Law to begin their MA Law Conversion in January 2024. Within four months at the firm, I was offered the opportunity to train as a Trade Mark Attorney. An opportunity that doesn’t come around too often, even to those who have already completed a Law degree. It’s a tough and competitive sector so I jumped at the chance to qualify.
My ultimate aspiration is to become a human rights lawyer and diplomat, advocating for the marginalized and oppressed on a global scale. This transition from history enthusiast to aspiring lawyer is a well-trodden path, I am by no means the first. History is a subject that works well with law, and many make the crossover from one to the other. The historical insights I gained during my undergraduate studies have proven to be invaluable as I navigate the complexities of the legal and diplomatic spheres. The ability to understand and draw upon historical contexts has provided me with a unique perspective. Understanding the historical contexts that shape our legal systems and the narratives that underpin critical legal decisions has been an invaluable asset.
So now, after one degree, many professional development courses, countless jobs and volunteer roles, I feel very lucky to be doing what I love and what I have wanted to do for a long time. New goals have been made and new plans are under way. I will complete my law degree in 2025 and at the same time begin my qualifications at Queen Mary University of London to become a licensed attorney. Following this I will undertake the barrister qualifications and move into Human Rights law where I hope to work on cases involving refugees, displaced persons and reforming the law around these matters. My academic journey is far from over.
My passion for history continues whether it be my growing home library with an array of topics from Jack the Ripper to the Gold Rush Era, or my holidays with Rhiannon where our shared passion surfaces in the way we appreciate culture and architecture. It will forever be a vein that flows through my life and makes me who I am, and it doesn’t hurt that it makes me a sure thing at a pub quiz.
Studying history at the University of Gloucestershire has taught me many things. But mostly this: circumstances do not define one’s potential. Today, my goal of becoming an international human rights lawyer and diplomat for the United Nations within the next 10 years often feels challenging to reach. However, 8 years ago, the idea of working at a law firm while studying for a law degree felt impossible. It goes to show that ambition knows no boundaries, and even the most challenging beginnings can lead to remarkable destinations. So, in conclusion: History is pretty cool.