Student Profiles

I managed to attain two jobs after graduating from Manchester Met, both of which were with the University. The first as a freelance journalist writing two magazines, one for the Faculty of Health, Psychology and Social Care, and the other for the Innovation and Knowledge Exchange Centre. The second job was as the publicity and press intern for the Faculty of Science and Engineering.

I am still currently working as the publicity and press intern for the Faculty of Science and Engineering after having my contract extended. One of my main roles has been to help promote the University’s work as Manchester celebrates 2016 as European City of Science through press releases and social media. I am also responsible for increasing Manchester Met Engage’s presence on Twitter and Facebook, with the aim of generating greater brand awareness and increase social engagement at events. Alongside these, I am also contributing to the Faculty’s development of augmented reality and its use within teaching and research.

After spending a few years travelling in between my undergraduate degree and Masters, I thoroughly enjoyed returning to study. The relaxed, yet challenging classroom setting offered the students the chance to develop together throughout the course, which in turn also formed a very strong team mentality. I enjoyed the Journalism Professional Practice (JPP) and Broadcast Skills units the most about my degree. JPP improved my understanding of what is required to write, interview, and work as a journalist from the very first lecture, and taught me the necessary writing styles for different mediums. Broadcast Skills offered me the chance to learn how to be a presenter, film and edit footage fit for broadcasting. I thoroughly enjoyed the filming and editing in particular, as it allowed me to understand the process involved, and the possibilities of editing. The course offered the broad spectrum of skills needed to be a modern day multimedia journalist, ranging from video editing and radio production, to the coding required to build a website, combined with the appropriate writing style.

Yes, I did a placement at the Oldham Chronicle newspaper for two weeks. Following my experience, I think it is very important for students to undertake a placement. It allowed me to apply what I was learning in the classroom in a real work setting, and gave me more confidence in my writing ability.

I would say that my top tip is to immerse yourself in all aspects of the course. After graduating, I have used every skill that I was taught, many of which I use daily, and wouldn’t be able to do my job without them.

I’m inspired by knowledge; and the idea that I will never stop learning.

Having studied both my undergraduate and postgraduate degrees at Manchester Met, I genuinely appreciate the fact that it has helped to shape the person I have become today.