Jennifer Charlton

What course did you study for your undergraduate degree and why?

I studied media production: journalism at York St. John. I got into Newcastle, but I wanted to move away from home. I got into Chester but felt that was too far from home. So, I settled on York. Throughout school and sixth form English was always one of my strongest subjects, and after studying English language, media, and geography at sixth form, I wanted to peruse my writing. But I loved media, so felt that journalism was the best combination of the two. I wanted to do film or music reviews for magazines or websites.

Which postgraduate course have you chosen to study at Northumbria and why?

I decided to study digital marketing. The course was very appealing to me given the variation in its modules. I chose Northumbria specifically because of how good the course is. Also, I’m from Durham so it meant I could live at home and save up money for once I graduated.

What were your reasons for changing direction?

I enjoyed my undergraduate degree, but after having done some modules in journalism on social media work, I realised that was where my strengths lay. I wanted to expand my writing and media skills into digital marketing. I also did some work experience placements in my undergrad, and one of them introduced us to SEO (which digital marketers can specialise in) and that really piqued my interest.

What advice would you give somebody who is thinking of studying an entirely new subject for postgraduate study?

I’d probably say to someone thinking about studying postgraduate that is different from their undergraduates degree, to think about what they are really interested in. To think about what career they want to go into and if this subject and extra qualification would help to open doors for them. To also think about whether they want to challenge themselves.

How is your current course helping to prepare you for employment?

We have been given plenty of opportunities to gain extra qualifications/certifications, which means we could look more appealing to employers.

Describe Northumbria in 3 words

Well-established, friendly, professional