Humaira Ashraf – online copywriter

BA Hons Journalism with English Literature (2008)

Before university: The Sixth Form College, Solihull

After graduation I started working at a local newspaper in Solihull, The Solihull News. This was originally a two-week placement which eventually became a freelance position lasting eight months. I reported on a range of topics for the paper, from breaking news in the local area to sports reviews and my personal favourite – a review of Hamlet at the RSC Theatre starring David Tennant.

I now work as an online copywriter for Farm Stay UK which involves writing copy for the new company website which is still under construction. (www.farmstay.co.uk) The company is based in Warwickshire and offers B&B, cottage and farmhouse breaks across the UK.

It is very different to the type of work I have done in the past, but online is the way forward so it’s a great place to start to learn the basics. My long-term goal is to continue working in the publishing industry, preferably to establish my career in public relations with a reputable organisation. I would love to travel a lot more, so a job that involves travelling abroad on a regular basis would be ideal.

The best part of my course was how relevant the material taught was to the skills required in the publishing sector. This meant that I was able to step into any newsroom and be more than capable of getting on with the job without being told what was expected of me. The help and advice from my tutors gave me an indication of the attitude required in order to succeed in this profession, that it was a ‘dog- eat-dog’ world out there so you have to be prepared to stand out. I can most definitely say that after completing my course I was more than prepared to take on a role related to my degree, despite my lack of experience.

Humaira is pictured, left, at the graduation ceremony in July 2008 alongside major journalism with minor English literature colleagues Samera Khatoon, centre, and Laura Hazeldine, right.