Liz Daniels – BA(Hons) Journalism, 2006

Freelance Journalist – Equestrian Specialist
Before university : The Westwood High School, Leek, Staffordshire

Scotland! In 2007 I became a self-employed freelance equestrian journalist. I have been very lucky and worked hard to achieve a good reputation within the industry. This has led to several doors opening and, as well as getting regular work from many national publications, I now also do some marketing, PR and a small amount of design.
I have written for a number of publications including Horse & Hound, Horse, Horse and Rider, Scottish & Northern, Horsemart, Pony and many member body publications.
One of my proudest achievements is my work with the British Grooms Association, an important national organisation which supports grooms in the equestrian industry. I started as a voluntary contributor which led to a paid position as the editor of their members’ magazine. This in turn has led to a part time position as PR manager and more recently being made a Director.

I have received no further training but feel that my work has naturally progressed with experience, although there are always ways to improve. I can see the benefits of being employed by a publication where there are always people to offer constructive criticism, but personally I wouldn’t swap the flexibility my job offers.

My goals? To enjoy life! Find a work/life balance! To be recognised for my work within the industry. To find some work with decent wages! To write a book. Continue to appreciate how lucky I am and make the most of every opportunity that comes my way.

My degree gave me the practical skills needed to be a journalist, but more importantly my lecturers gave me the confidence and belief in myself and my writing which allowed me to establish myself as a freelance. At the time of graduating I remember feeling unprepared but looking back I realise this was normal jitters and once I got into a job I realised I did actually know what I was doing!

I went to Staffs as a ‘mature’ student in order to fulfil my goal of being able to work with horses, but not on a stable yard. I think the fact that I had the confidence to become self-employed less than six months after graduating, (and still have a job!) is testament to the hard work of the lecturers and the quality of the teaching course at Staffs.
The best thing about my time at Staffs was meeting people who have become lifetime friends – and the method of teaching used.