English graduate case study – Samantha Martin - Assistant Press Officer, University of Liverpool

I first became interested in PR as a career whilst working on the student newspaper. I was the Books Editor for two years and dealt with many press officers from various publishing houses as part of my role. I liked the fact that they were able to research their topic fully and write about the positive nature of their product. It also gave me a great insight into the work of journalists, as the two jobs very much intertwine.

My degree was essential in applying for work experience and jobs in this area. The English side of my course showed that I could write and research extensively and my communications modules demonstrated that I had knowledge of the media in television, film and journalism. I also found that my work experience whilst at University was equally important in the PR field. I worked for Liverpool Student newspaper as a writer and sub-editor for three years and I also did the PR for The Reader magazine (a publication produced by the School of English.) I began work experience at the University’s Press Office after graduation and was fortunate enough to stay there for two and half months, during which time I gained a great deal of insight into the media and the kind of skills required to be a press officer. I gained a lot of confidence and knowledge from working in all these areas and was able to draw upon them in my job interview.

A job became available at the University’s Press Office just as I came to the end of my work experience there. I applied for the job of Assistant Press Officer and went through an interview that required me to draw on my work experience and knowledge of higher education. I got the job and began work in September 2004.

The thing I enjoy most about my work is writing and learning about the various research areas that I promote. I get to meet and talk to academics from departments throughout the University and learn about their research projects, whether it is cancer research, a new archaeological expedition or a study into criminal psychology. The areas I write about are vast and challenge you as a writer. When I have researched the area and interviewed the academic, I put the material into a news article and send it out to the media. I also help to facilitate interviews for journalists and organise filming for television.

I advise all those who are currently studying English and Communications, to get as much work experience as possible. Working at the newspaper and Reader is valuable to any job in the media industry and also a great way to make friends and contacts.