Case study

Industry connections opening doors for Emily

Journalism graduate Emily Robertson has landed a full-time job working for one of Nottingham’s top public relations companies, Eden PR, after gaining first-class honours in her degree. But she credits the work placements and industry contacts she made during her course as key to her career success.

Gaining experience

Opportunities for Emily began almost as soon as she started her Journalism course. She explains: “During my first year, I was offered a job through the University for a local media studio. I worked there throughout my first-year summer and gained amazing knowledge and contacts that set me up for the beginning of my career.”

During her second year, for her work-based module, she carried out a two-week placement at Derby Theatre and worked for their media department, creating content and learning new skills. She says: “My lecturers are all out-of-industry experts, most of them still work in the field. This was so beneficial for our studies as their knowledge and examples are current and relevant.”

In her final year of university, she managed to gain another two jobs within the industry due to her lecturers’ recommendations and contacts.

After completing the three-year programme, she spent the summer freelancing and working for multiple companies that her lecturers had connected her with throughout her degree. And she says: “Their support didn’t end when university did, which was amazing. I felt I could email them at any time for tips and help with employment.”

Emily Robertson taking pictures
Emily during her first-year Photojournalism module

Why choose Derby?

It was a simple decision for Emily. “The Journalism course was ranked in the top 10 journalism courses in the UK,” she says. “When I attended an Open Day, the lecturers were so welcoming, knowledgeable, and genuine. I had an incredible three years and am so glad I chose my course.

“My lecturers allowed me to try different modules and helped me to grow my passions and interest into my career. They helped me gain placements, work experience and so much more. Three years later, I now have amazing working professional relationships with all my lecturers I met in 2018.”

And she says her lecturers’ support was vital in her getting her job with Eden PR. She says: “Without the support and amazing industry knowledge experience and contacts from my lecturers, I would never have been able to even interview for the role.”

As well as her PR role, Emily is also studying the new MA Journalism programme at Derby.

Kedleston Road, Derby Campus entrance

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