Abigail Spanner

Abigail Spanner graduated from Kent in 2020 with a degree in Classical & Archaeological Studies and Comparative Literature. She is now pursuing a PhD at the University of Nottingham while working as a Research Associate for the Digital Transformations Hub.

Abigail credits Kent’s excellent teaching, career support, and extracurricular opportunities for helping her develop key skills. 

 
Tell us about your career path since graduation.

After graduating from the University of Kent, I moved to Durham during the COVID-19 pandemic, and started an MA course at Durham University from September 2020 to September 202, graduating in June 2022. I moved to Derby to live with my parents while I was job hunting after my MA. Job hunting after the pandemic was difficult, but I managed to gain work experience at Canterbury Cathedral in October 2021. This was through the Kent Career's service and I shadowed employees in the Archives & Library, learning a lot of useful skills. After this, I was successful with one of my job applications and began working as an Exam Invigilator at a local school in Derby (November 2021). I also took up a childminding position and worked as a domestic cleaner to add to my wages while I saved up for future academic/professional options. During the autumn of 2021 to the summer of 2022, I applied for many other jobs, PhD positions and funding opportunities. I managed to secure places at Edinburgh, Oxford and Nottingham universities, and I was placed on waiting lists for funding. In the end, I was unsuccessful that year with any funding applications to cover the cost of tuition fees. However, I had saved enough money to afford to commute from Derby to Nottingham and begin a PhD there. In the academic year 2022-2023, I gained a temporary position as a Teaching Affiliate for the Department of Classics and Archaeology, and from October 2023 I have been working as a Research Associate for the Digital Transformations Hub within the Faculty of Arts alongside my studies (which also partly funds my PhD tuition fees). I am due to complete my PhD this year, potentially graduating either in November 2025 or January 2026.

What does a typical work day look like for you?

I mostly work remotely writing my thesis, but on Fridays I work at the university. I either drive to university early before the rush hour and have breakfast on campus before starting work at 10am in the Digital Transformations Hub (DTH), or I leave my house later and arrive just in time to start my job. As a Research Associate, my tasks vary but they generally entail providing technical support to staff and students using the PCs or equipment (e.g., cameras, recording devices, mics, GoPros, etc.). If someone wants to borrow our equipment, I record the asset and give the user a return date similar to a library loan system. I run a digital archiving project connected to the Hunter Archaeological Society and we have student volunteers involved in all of the DTH projects. I am responsible for teaching my students how to turn physical copies of archaeological journals into Searchable PDFs. It is challenging and very rewarding. At the end of the day, I lock up the DTH and make sure everything is securely stored before leaving the premises and making my way home.

Can you share a professional highlight from your career so far?

The professional highlight of my career so far has been securing the Research Associate position during my PhD. While I love my academic research, it has been a privilege being a holder of a scholarship at the university as well as a professional staff member. I get to enjoy this important work experience alongside my studies that I might not otherwise have gained through ordinary scholarships or working part-time.

How did your time at Kent help you achieve your current career?

Overall, I gained so much from my academic studies and the opportunity for a year abroad. The staff were excellent, the teaching was superb, and I enjoyed so many opportunities to explore career paths, and develop my skills inside and outside the classroom. The careers service also helped me secure a valuable work experience opportunity at Canterbury Cathedral and I will always be grateful for that. I have very fond memories of my time at Kent and I have been able to take so much with me, even life skills and confidence in my abilities.

What advice would you give to our current/prospective students who are looking to get into the same line of work?

Keep an open mind as to what jobs are out there for you. I'm not yet at the point in my career where I have a permanent full-time position but I know that with a flexible, hard-working attitude, I can find my way towards the career that I want. I know that it will take time and patience is key. It's important not to get discouraged; if one door closes, I believe another will always open. Plus, be on the lookout for any voluntary work experience while you're studying - great for building CV and networking.

Did you get involved in any extracurricular activities as a student?

Yes:

• Treasurer for KCAS
• Academic Peer mentor
• Student Ambassador
• Student Representative
• Student volunteer at the CA conference 2017

Outside of university, I volunteered at a local museum and archaeological trust.  

Do you have a favourite memory from your time at Kent?

That's so tricky! I have many favourite memories! I think one of my favourites has to be when the Classical Association Conference was hosted by the University of Kent in 2017, and I was a student volunteer at the event. It was very exciting!

Is there anything you would do differently if you could repeat your time at Kent?

I would put more time into my friendships with classmates, take the time to do the recommended reading for the modules, and not rush through smaller assignments. Even the smaller tasks ended up meaning a lot to me in hindsight. That being said, it's also important to not have too many regrets. Better to learn from the past than wish I could have a do-over.

Are you still in touch with other Kent alumni or academics?

I'm still in touch with a few academics and alumni from Kent - I'm planning to send a nice thank you email to the lecturers who helped me along the way once I've completed.