Robert Cade

Robert Cade graduated with a degree in Modern and Medieval History in 2005. He is now a Managing Consultant specialising in Operating Model Design and Performance Improvement with Capgemini Consulting.

How did studying at the University help you in your career?
"My history degree taught me to work independently and approach work with an analytical mind – one of the core capabilities for consultants. A high percentage of our employees are history graduates for this reason. I appreciated the opportunity to gain a perspective of a wide period of history and specialise in the areas that interested me the most."

What does your role entail?
"I have worked at Marks and Spencer, Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs, Burberry, Home Office, Transport for London, The Government of India, Royal Bank of Scotland, and the Department of Work and Pensions. On one day last week I was delivering training in Paris, the following day facilitating a meeting with the Permanent Secretary at the Department of Work and Pensions, and the following day creating a business plan with our executives in Telford!"

What extra-curricular activities did you take part in at Birmingham, and how do they help you now?
"I would not have had the opportunities available to me if it was not for my involvement with volunteering through the University of Birmingham. During my time at University, I was President of Local Leagues for 3 years, volunteered with Kids Adventure and set up a football tournament for local schools. This directly led to me being a finalist in the National Student Volunteer of the Year and provided me with my work experience at Sport England. Ultimately it also gave me the differentiator in my interview for Capgemini."

What advice would you give current students?
"My advice to current undergraduates is to utilise the free time that studying history provides to get involved in other University activities. You will need a good degree but will require a differentiator to set you apart from the competition."