UTS got us to practically apply what we were learning in every lesson, which really helped me to improve my writing across a range of styles that was invaluable for getting my job at Universal Media. The final two courses in my third year focused on getting us to create a writing portfolio, which I found to be a great resource to showcase to future employers.
Why did you choose to study Creative Writing at UTS?
I always knew that I wanted to work in writing. When I was looking at writing courses, UTS was the only university that actually focused on the practical aspects of writing, rather than purely theoretical. UTS teaches about different genres, techniques and styles in a practical, assessment-based environment, which was something I really valued and called out to me immediately.
Looking back, what were some of the highlights of your time at UTS?
Two main highlights from my time at UTS stand out to me. The first was being part of the Peer Network, I had a lot of fun engaging with and meeting lots of people and helping out new students at orientation days. I can attribute a lot of my current self-confidence to working with the Peer Network. The second is the core creative writing classes in my course. I had so much fun engaging with groups of like-minded people and challenging my own creative abilities to grow and improve.
What is your current title and what does the role involve?
I currently work as an Editorial Coordinator for Universal Media Company. I work with the Editor to produce three annual magazine titles, which involves contacting and liaising with clients for materials, writing features, editorials, articles and product listings, editing the magazines, and working with the sales and design team. In addition to this, I run three active social media pages, write 1-2 weekly e-newsletters (which also involves liaising with clients and creating and writing articles), manage one of the company websites and assist with marketing when needed. I also visit shows and go to events.
I previously worked as an intern at Universal Media before I applied for the position and I have also interned at Harper Collins in Sydney.
How did UTS help prepare you for a career in writing?
UTS got us to practically apply what we were learning in every lesson, which really helped me to improve my writing across a range of styles that was invaluable for getting my job at Universal Media. The final two courses in my third year focused on getting us to create a writing portfolio, which I found to be a great resource to showcase to future employers. The final course included lectures where people across the writing world came in to talk about their experiences; this was something I really valued as it helped me to have an understanding of what’s out there and what I could expect.
What advice would you give to Creative Writing students?
Internships. You never know what’s out there and what doors may open by working as an intern. Yes, you probably won’t get paid and yes, you may not necessarily be doing the most important jobs, but it’s the groundwork for gaining a good reputation with a company and learning how to do all sorts of jobs. Get an internship and work hard to prove yourself. Don’t complain and have an open willingness to help in any way possible, and even if a job doesn’t open up in that exact company, the people will keep you in mind for future jobs or for recommending you to other companies. Also, don’t forget to talk to your lecturers about getting internships; they have a wealth of connections and resources and are happy to help. Getting the first job is tough, but keep at it and don’t be afraid to apply for everything, even something that isn’t what you initially wanted, you may be surprised at what you end up enjoying.
Do you have any long-term career goals or plans?
I would like to work my way up to becoming a magazine editor and later a publisher. I am also currently working on writing a book that I hope to send to publishers in the next year or so.
