Where are they now? YSJ alumni Philip Price on Literature at Work: Publishing

In order to begin explaining my life after the three years studying at York St. John University (2015-18), I first need to highlight some events which occurred over my three years as a YSJ undergraduate.

I chose English Literature as my BA subject at YSJ for only one reason: my passion for books. I knew from a young age a University degree was going to be almost mandatory for future success. I chose to study at YSJ for one simple reason: it felt like home. I travelled from my hometown a few miles outside of Norwich up to York and instantly fell in love with the campus. Besides the stunning architecture, I instantly believed that the tutors at YSJ cared for me as an individual rather than merely a student on the course.

In the second semester of my final year, the University offered a module, ‘Literature at Work,’ which allowed students to explore the many avenues of employment after taking an English Literature degree. Within this module, most weeks consisted of a lecture and Q&A from people working in employment from journalism to publishing. Prior to my final year at YSJ, I had very little idea as to where my academic career was leading me. Again, I knew I wanted to work with books; however, my in-depth knowledge of specific book-related sectors was almost non-existent.

David Barker, who worked with Continuum publishing, later to be purchased by publishing behemoth Bloomsbury, offered an extremely insightful lecture on life in the publishing world. I instantly fell in love with every element of the industry and truly believed I had finally worked out the next step of my academic career.

I spoke to David after the lecture and discovered he was a lecturer at the University of Derby, offering a Publishing MA. After visiting an open day at Derby, I was offered an unconditional offer on the course.  All of the events, from my initial conversation with David to the offer on the Publishing MA happened within a few months over early to late Spring 2018.

September 2018 saw the beginning of my MA at Derby. Throughout the first semester, I came to understand that without choosing YSJ, this opportunity may have never been offered to me. I have fallen in love with academia once again and now wish to pursue a career in Publishing after this semester. The MA offers students to create and engage with a ‘Major Project’ of their choice, where you must find and publish work of your choice (specifically written for the project). I decided to work with YSJ and their alumni in order to create a short anthology of work which can then be distributed to current and future YSJ students.

This piece has touched mostly on my academic life during and after my time at YSJ, but it would be unfair to leave without acknowledging the friendship and community which I have become a part of.  I have made friends with students who I now see as friends for life, alongside creating bonds with tutors who I know are always willing to help with anything I need, even after my transition from student to alumni.

YSJU Graduate and Work Placement Fair, 17 October 2018

The Graduate and Work Placement Fair is on Wednesday 17 October – 11.00am – 3.00pm at York St John University in Temple Hall. We have a range of employer attending offering Graduate and Year in Industry opportunities and Summer Internships/Placements, a list of the organisations attending can be found here [https://www.yorksj.ac.uk/careers-placements–opportunities/careers-events/employers-and-organisations-on-campus/#d.en.44720] and below. The Fair is an opportunity for students to not only find out about a range of careers but to gain confidence in speaking to employers and start to build networks.

Graduate and Work Placement Fair, 17 October 2018

11.00am – 3.00pm in Temple Hall

Don’t miss this great opportunity to talk to employers, discover what career prospects are out there and where you fit in!

Employers Attending:

The Distance

Postgraduate Study at York St John

Yorkshire Education

Wolsely UK

Clinical Selection Ltd

TransPerfect

HMRC

Anaplan

Technology in Play

Placer

NFU Mutual

ExP

The Grand Hotel and Spa

Civil Service Fast Stream

Royal Air Force

Step

Magical Maths

GradIntelligence

Stroud Resourcing

Mandarin Consulting

XCM

IDEXX Ltd

SimplyBiz

PureNet

Teach First

Yorkshire Graduates

Mitrefinch

Enterprise Rent a Car

Volunteering Opportunity: Light Night 2018

Light Night 2018 Volunteer Information

Light Night is a multi-arts and light festival which takes over Leeds city centre on 2 nights in early October. The city’s arts and cultural venues open their doors late into the evening, and artists transform indoor and outdoor spaces into exciting, interactive works of art.

This year’s festival will take place on the evenings of Thursday 4th and Friday 5th October. Volunteers must also be able to attend one of our briefing sessions taking place at 6pm on Wednesday 19th September and 6pm on Monday 24th September.

Being such a large city-wide event, which is increasing in popularity year on year, Light Night relies on a large number of volunteers. The role of Light Night Festival Volunteer will involve a number of different duties, and opportunities may vary depending on what this year’s Light Night priorities are.  You may be asked to assist an artist, undertake market research, or work as a visitor assistant. 

Continue reading “Volunteering Opportunity: Light Night 2018”

event reflection. the perks and pitfulls of social media: how your digital footprint could both help and hinder your career.

By Tia Byer

On Wednesday 29th November, York St John University held a social media awareness workshop exploring the dangers and benefits of social media. The workshop was run by Andi Keeling. With over 30 years of operational experience working in the corporate world, Andi’s expertise provided York St John students with vital information concerning how to trace our online footprint.

Continue reading “event reflection. the perks and pitfulls of social media: how your digital footprint could both help and hinder your career.”