My University of Chester Experience: Future Ready

My name is Edi Bennett, and I am a third-year English Literature student who transferred to Chester for my second year and commute back and forth between the city of Chester and my hometown.

Variety of Modules

As well having a wide range of module choices such as Gothic Literature, Gender Agenda and 19th Century Literature, in my second year studying Literature at the University of Chester there was a dedicated English at Work module. There were a few options to choose from, varying from only lectures to three months of continuous work or a combination of both taught sessions and hands-on experience. I selected a mix of lectures focusing on a range of industries and a professional placement, working three days a week across a six-week period. There were a variety of different work opportunities, whether it was within marketing, estate agencies or food distribution and development.

As someone with a keen interest in exploring the publishing industry, I elected to work with an independent publisher, Cahill Davis Publishing. For just over a month, I gained work experience with editing, proofreading, communicating with bookshops and even writing blurbs.

It is Well Known that Publishing is a Highly Competitive Industry

This English at Work module meant that I got a placement experience that was extremely valuable and secured my interest in securing a future job in the publishing industry. A key moment for me was reading a manuscript from start to finish and communicating my thoughts on it being published or not with the publisher; I was making practical decisions with a high degree of responsibility as well as drawing upon my creative writing skills and understanding of readers to create a blurb for said manuscript. This placement experience meant I got a clear example of a 9-5 day, with multiple check ins with the publisher.

I Developed Many Transferable Skills

As well as now having publishing experience, a lot of the skills I developed are transferable and apply to general editorial roles, whether it be in publishing, social media or journalism. These skills range from Proofreading, Editing and Blurb-writing, to Communication, Writing briefs and Copywriting.

Volunteer Opportunities

I got to carry this passion further (as the spring term only had two modules) with an opportunity to volunteer with Hay Festival, a renowned literary festival based in the town of books also known as Hay-on-Wye. I volunteered as a steward and camped by myself for the first time. Within this role I was introduced to a fast-paced events industry, where we greeted festival goers, checked tickets and managed crowds.

The head stewards had a great system whereby, as a beginner steward, you start working at a small venue and slowly work your way up to the biggest venue. This meant by the end of volunteering I had helped manage a venue which could hold up to one thousand audience members.

I was able to put my literary knowledge to use and gain teamwork, communication and events experience. Overall, my interactions with the general public were so useful as they helped me develop my confidence when working in crowded spaces. This experience within a literary festival has meant I'm continuing to volunteer with similar events such as the upcoming Wolverhampton Literature Festival.

Getting Work-ready

As someone who is about to be a graduate, these work experiences alongside academic skills are going to be so useful for job applications, my growing network and my future career as a whole.

I am really grateful for the work-ready attitude that the courses at University of Chester have. Why don't you get in touch to see the placement or work opportunities your future course may have?

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