Katie Hunt

Katie Hunt has received BA History and MA Modern History degrees from Kent and is now working towards her PhD in surf history. Through being awarded the Bolt Scholarship she has been able to take a research trip to Orange County, California where she spent five weeks visiting archives and building a network within the beach communities. 

Tell us about your career path since graduation

After my undergraduate degree, I decided to enter the postgraduate world of research and continue my studies. I did an MA degree first and then continued to a PhD. I decided to do all three degrees back-to-back, as I felt I was not ready to end my studies in my field just yet.

By pursuing further studies, I have had the opportunity to present papers at several conferences, research abroad, and co-edit a special issue journal. I now feel I have made a mark in my field.

What does a typical work day look like for you?

A typical workday for me is going to Templeman Library on campus for three to four hours to do research for my thesis on surf history. I would start my work by reading through any relevant interviews, watch clips from online archives, and study books that will help me with writing. Once I have collected my research, I will then write a chapter which will be added to my final piece.

As my PhD spans three years, I have enjoyed a good balance between writing and research, and everyday life. I am able to do various part-time work around my PhD too, which has enabled me to get work experience and financial support, whilst also completing my academic goals.

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

My favourite highlight from my PhD at the University of Kent was being awarded the Bolt Scholarship, which paid for a research trip to California. I spent five weeks in Orange County, visiting archives and building a network at the beach communities for my project.

Not only has the trip helped my work significantly, as I visited important surf museums and archives, but it has also built my confidence as an academic and allowed me to be a part of the space I am writing about.

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

My time at Kent has enabled me to meet my current academic supervisor, who has supported my ideas throughout the process. Kent has built up my confidence in self-belief and has allowed me to think outside of the box, since my early undergraduate days.

Surf history is unusual, so I am grateful that it has been an accepted and celebrated part of the community.

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

If you would like to be a member of postgraduate studies, I advise you to study what you really enjoy – if you are enthusiastic about it and are willing to research it endlessly, then you are the perfect candidate.

Writing such a long thesis will take a lot of research, so if you believe in your argument, it will be a positive and life changing experience to be able to be part of a field you find a passion in.

It will open doors to new networks and amazing scholarship programs, that could change your career path after postgraduate studies.

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

One of my favourite memories was being able to teach a mini seminar at Kent. It was for an undergraduate module that discussed the history of California. I presented my work on surf history, sharing some stories from the past.

It was really great being able to share my passion with the students and help them to engage with wider cultural histories. When I travelled to California, I sent the seminar group virtual postcards on subjects they were learning for first-hand examples. It was a great experience to share.

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

I wish I had engaged more in campus activities and society events – there are some great opportunities that I was too shy to participate in, that in hindsight I would have enjoyed.

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

As I am still at Kent, I do still keep in contact with academics and I am friends with alumni on social media, which allows me to keep up to date with their news. I am also contacted by people looking for assistance in applying for postgraduate studies or wanting more information about my career path.

What are your future ambitions?

My future ambition is to publish books on surf history, to bring to light the important pioneers and spaces of the sport. I would love to continue sharing my research amongst academics and the general public, to keep their story alive.