In February 2024, DHPA collaborated with colleagues in LLMVC, Social Sciences, the Careers and Employability Service and Alumni Relations, holding two panel events in which Aberdeen alumni spoke about how their careers involve ‘working with words’. Support was generously provided by the Development Trust’s Student Experience Fund.
Our fantastic speakers were:
Rory Buccheri: Food and Drink Reporter for The Grocer and Freelance Journalist (MA English-History of Art, 2022).
Eloise Leeson-Smith: Strategic Linguistic Consultant (MA Language and Linguistics, 2013).
Hannah Nicholson: Writer, Library Assistant, Contributor to Speakin’ Weird (MLitt Creative Writing, 2017).
Tilda Nilsson: Programmes and Administrative Officer, Cease UK (MA Business Management-International Relations, 2020).
Rebecca Stewart: Centre Fundraising Organiser, Maggie’s Aberdeen (MA Psychology-Sociology, 2022).
Shane Strachan: Writer and Performer, Lecturer in Creative Writing (MA English-Language and Linguistics, 2010; MLitt Creative Writing, 2011; PhD English, 2015).
Our contributors discussed the range of ways in which they work with words on a regular basis, including creating website content (Eloise), academic teaching and assessing (Shane), devising corporate proposals (Rebecca), writing press articles (Rory), corresponding with MPs (Tilda) and advising library users (Hannah).
They spoke honestly about the importance of exploring opportunities while you’re a student, getting involved in societies, knocking on local doors and sourcing mentors. Careers events are a great way to network, and LinkedIn can also be a valuable tool for making connections and gaining insight into different professional pathways. The Careers and Employability Service currently offers two mini career courses on LinkedIn, to help you to build your profile, and expand your professional connections; more information can be found here.
Our event booklet provides additional information on our speakers, together with further profiles of Aberdeen graduates who have gone on to succeed in multiple career sectors which involve working with words.
