A brain well-trained by literature and music

A BA graduate uses critical thinking to advise on policy, writes Angela McCarthy

The ability to communicate clearly and structure effective arguments and analyses are important skills. A Bachelor of Arts offers students the opportunity to develop these transferrable skills while furthering knowledge and understanding of a huge range of philosophical, social and literary topics, including English literature, film, theatre and music, cultural anthropology, criminology, sociology and many languages.

A BA major at Victoria University requires eight papers: two at first year and then at least three papers at second and third-year levels. The papers are worth 20 points, so a degree requires 18 papers to total 360 points, the national requirement of points for a degree.

This degree differs from some other BAs, which operate on 15-point papers.

"Two of the papers must be in literature before the 20th century. This is fairly unique - only University of Auckland has an identical requirement. English literature offers a mix of papers that are period or theme-based, or deal with a particular author, genre or region. The people teaching the papers have an equally wide range of approaches to literature," says Associate Professor Peter Whiteford, who heads the School of English, Film, Theatre and Media Studies.

There are around 40 to 50 students enrolled in Honours at Victoria this year, adds Whiteford. About half will go on to Masters. Some go directly into doctoral programmes and some go abroad.

GRADUATE
Miriam Chote, 22

Graduate policy analyst, Ministry of Economic Development.

BA English Literature and Music History with Honours (1st Class) in Music History.

Salary: policy analyst $36,532 to $50,231 (graduate at lower end).

I work as a graduate policy analyst for the Ministry of Economic Development (MED) in the Crown Minerals group. My role is to provide policy advice on the management of the Crown mineral estate, and give advice on specific mineral exploration and development issues, including ministerials and speeches.

I also have to develop high-quality policy advice on specific policy issues. In any week I might be writing ministerials, briefings to the Minister and speeches. I have input into meetings and research specific policy projects or relevant issues.

Policy development and implementation includes consultation with iwi and hapu, as well as liaising with local and central Government on various issues. I'm also involved in making submissions on the Resource Management Act related issues.

I started at MED five months ago after completing a degree in English literature and music history. I then did an honours year in music history. I feel my study, particularly English, has prepared me well for the job. While the subject matter is very different, I regularly use my skills of analysis, critical thinking and the ability to break down and comprehend complex information. My study also developed my ability to adhere to deadlines, structure papers and communicate effectively. So I do not feel at a disadvantage for not having studied something like economics, for example.

I think there is a lot to be said for creative thinking. In English literature, you need to understand the context to analyse complex literature and consider arguments in prevailing critical thought. I am now applying these skills on a practical level.

I didn't plan to be a policy analyst. To be honest, I did not know what I wanted to do when I left school so I continued with subjects I was good at during school. I play flute and piano and have been involved in choirs most of my life and I've always really enjoyed English. In my first year I also did law and a couple of religious studies and art history papers to get a feel for other BA subjects. I hadn't realised the variety in a BA. I just thought it was broad and applicable to wherever I ended up.

It was half way through 2009 - my final year of study - when I realised I needed to seriously think about my next move. Then I came across a description of a policy analyst and it just "fit". I liked the balance of intellectual challenge, interaction with people and relevance in context of government. A job with relevance was a key thing for me. However I wasn't really sure what the job would be like before I got here.

I'm glad I'm in MED's graduate programme. The two-year programme involves at least one rotation across different branches. We participate in a number of courses, including learning about life in a government department, how to write for ministers, the policy environment and Official Information Act training.

We also get a buddy, a second-year graduate who is a friendly face, providing help and support. The graduate programme provides a broad foundation for policy analysts to move on to senior level.

MANAGER
Rob Robson

Manager, Petroleum and Minerals Policy/Crown Minerals.

Ministry of Economic Development (MED).

A graduate policy analyst needs disciplined and analytical thinking coupled with an ability to think outside the square. Excellent communication skills are a must (policy development is about bringing all persons' ideas into the mix). They must also have strong writing and research skills, the ability to adequately research an issue or topic and write about it in a logical, concise and objective fashion.

Miriam's qualifications in English and music bring a significant degree of intellectual flexibility and writing skills to the policy shop work space, which otherwise traditionally employs analysts whose backgrounds are in law, science and economics.

As with many employment areas, the recession has reduced job opportunities for policy analysts. However, there is always a shortage of good policy analysts - those who can think clearly, communicate and write.

TRAINING PLACE
* Qualification: Bachelor of English Literature and Music History.

* Where: Victoria University of Wellington.

* Contact: 0800 VICTORIA (0800 842 867) or (04) 472 1000, course-advice@vuw.ac.nz or english@vuw.ac.nz, www.victoria.ac.nz.

* Entry requirements: NCEA University Entrance, or equivalent, plus ranking from best 80 Level 3 credits over five approved subjects.

* 2010 tertiary fees: $4098 on average per annum.

* Application closure dates: January 29, 2011 or June 25 for July 12, 2010. Victoria University has a three-semester year: March, July, November.

angela@careerideas.co.nz