Current job role: Public Relations Account Executive at Cultural Communications
What did you enjoy most about studying your course at Birmingham?
Campus life was vibrant, with always something happening, whether it was a celebration to take part in or an opportunity to learn something new. I also loved the academic culture at the university, particularly how passionate and supportive the lecturers were. I regularly met with my lecturers one to one to discuss essay feedback, plan assignments, and have general academic discussions, and this made a significant difference to my learning.
How has your degree influenced your career journey?
Within my course studying the wider influences of English within media and culture also led towards marketing, seeing how storytelling translates beyond just literature into our everyday lives.
What skills did you gain from your course and studying at Birmingham that you still use today?
My degree has taught me a great deal, both directly and indirectly. Directly, it developed vital communication and analytical skills that are essential in any role, such as reading between the lines to solve problems and, most importantly, understanding people and showing empathy. Indirectly, it also strengthened my time management and independent working skills.
What careers support did you get while you were at Birmingham and how did it help you?
I made extensive use of the career services, including CV writing support, LinkedIn and portfolio development, as well as direct interview coaching and preparation, including a mock interview.
What do you wish you’d known before starting your degree?
Be patient. I think that in the first two years, you are still exploring and developing your writing style. It isn’t until the third year that you begin to achieve top marks more consistently, because by then you have built an immensely strong foundation.