Ciera Cree Drury is an MA Magazine Journalism student in receipt of the Stationers Foundation Scholarship.
What motivated you to pursue postgraduate study?
I undertook a bachelor's degree in Media and Communications which I thoroughly enjoyed.
However, after leaving my BA, I remained unsure about the specifics of what I wanted to do in the future. Media and Communications as a course was very broad, which certainly has its perks. But I wanted to learn more about what options were available to me, while continuing my love of learning.
I was also highly involved with the student journal during my BA which peaked my interest in journalism. Magazine particularly, as a more creative sort of person, sounded the most appealing.
Why did you choose City?
City's amazing journalism reputation aside, the university sounded like a place that was going to challenge me -and it certainly has! I'm used to being the hardest working person in a room surrounded by people half trying. Whereas at City on my course everyone works incredibly hard and wants to shine. It's so different being in that kind of environment
Did you secure any financial support such as a scholarship or bursary?
I received a £6,000 scholarship from The Stationers Foundation (still can't believe it!) and Student Finance.
I also do any part time flexible roles on the side that I can because everything helps and London is expensive!
What has been your favourite module or aspect of your course so far?
My favourite modules on my course so far have been Digital Media and, Arts and Culture. I love the way that they allow me a creative space to explore aspects of journalism in a more interpretative manner, yet the classes are also informative. I DO like the course's broadness, yet it isn't broad in the exact same way as my BA degree was.
This City course is broad but you have so many professionals coming in and important people rallying around you that you truly never feel lost and wonder whether you'll end up anywhere.
Yes, I don't fully know where I want to go or what I want to be but I know I'm in great hands and will smash it in the future if I keep believing in myself.
What knowledge and skills has your course helped you develop?
The MA Magazine Journalism course has undoubtedly increased my sense of confidence and encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone in ways I never would have done on my own accord.
Because these steps are part of my course I know that I have to do them, so the push is necessary and forced, in the best way. There have been times where I've felt discomfort but in a way that I know it is making me grow.
I also feel that in terms of development the networking in the journo department is unmatched. It never would have crossed my mind that I can just go up to people or email these important people but I can and have!
What opportunities and experiences has City offered you so far?
Aside from offering me the course City has given me the chance to undertake amazing work placements that I never would have dreamed of having.
I spent 2 weeks in January this year working in the News UK building with The Sun's magazine supplement, Fabulous magazine, and I even appeared in TWO issues of their printed magazine!
City has also given me a great chance to network, push myself in ways I never have before and to grow not only as a creative/writer, but also as an adult experiencing not just a course, but a course that truly does all that it can to be reflective of the "real world".
What are your career plans and how has City prepared you for them?
This ties in with the previous answer but my next plan is to speak to City about my plans actually!
I got accepted onto City's competitive mentoring scheme and want to learn more about niche job roles within writing, media and the arts. I feel like I could be so many things but at current feel unsure of where I would best fit in.
So my current plan is to spend the next 6 months with City navigating this and discovering more about what I want out of a career. It's daunting to be honest and say that I feel uncertain but at the same time I'm incredibly grateful to have the opportunity to discuss things with a professional.
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