The Graduate Diaries: Lorna Holland

Name: Lorna Holland

Subject Studied:  Creative & Professional Writing

University:  Canterbury Christ Church University

Year Graduated: 2015

 

 

What is your new/current role? 

Content Writer

What does that mean exactly?

I work at a digital media agency so I am always working on a diverse portfolio of clients across a range of different industries. Unsurprisingly, the bulk of my role involves writing content such as articles for the client’s blog, guest posts on behalf of clients or content for client’s websites.

How long did it take you to get a job?

I have worked several different jobs since graduating, but it took just over a year to land my current job.

 

When you applied for the job, what was the application/interview process like?

I applied online via a popular job search website and was invited in for an interview. I was actually offered the job right there and then after my interview which was a pretty amazing feeling.

How long have you been working in your new job?

Almost a year now. How time flies!

Did you think this is what you would be doing after you graduated?

I didn’t really have any specific expectations in mind. I just knew that once I graduated, I wanted a job where I could put my skills to good use and write for a living. Digital marketing seemed like a great way to make that dream a reality.

 

What have you learnt about yourself since working in your new role?

That the more I write, the better I get at it! It’s something you’re told time and time again, but you really do get better at something the more that you practice it. Aside from writing most of the day at work, I also do freelance writing and run my own blog, so I really do write for a living in all senses of the phrase.

 

Have you used your skills or learnt new ones during your time at your new job?

Yes! I use and refine my writing skills every day, but I’m also continually learning new things about digital marketing. I’m not very clued up when it comes to the technical side of things, so it’s been a real eye-opener to get industry insights from that point of view.

 

Have there been any challenges/surprises?

Maintaining a consistent content output when you’re tired or going through a creative slump is difficult. When you freelance you can just put things off and wait until another day, but when it’s your job you just can’t procrastinate. This realisation has actually done me and my writing a real world of good, though, so it’s not all bad.

 

And last of all, what advice can you give to graduates who are looking for a job in their chosen industry?

Don’t give up! You may have been looking for a while, but finding the right job can sometimes take time. If things aren’t going your way, try to widen your search or just apply to more jobs – you never know when your dream job is just around the corner!