Megan Johnson

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I completed my undergraduate degree, with a First Class Degree in Journalism in 2021. During that time, I gained a span of work experience, most of it virtually, due to the pandemic. I was able to work within a range of media organisations: Channel 4, Quite Great PR & Marketing, Greatest Hits Radio, Candid Orange, and Bauer Media. 

What have you been doing since finishing your studies? What are you doing in terms of your career?

Since graduating with a Media degree in Journalism, I branched out into marketing. I undertook a summer internship at a community interest company, creating digital content for them. 

I then was able to progress to a position as a Digital Marketing Lead, running all the communications within a start-up tech company. This role gave me the freedom to independently own the marketing of a company which was just starting to launch its product. I even got to travel abroad to Barcelona to attend a tech marketing event! 

After that, I progressed to work as a Digital Marketing Executive for clients at an agency, before securing a role at my dream company Journey Further - a performance brand agency. 

What company are you working for, what is your role, and what does it involve?

I work as a Marketing Executive for Journey Further. The company provides performance brand services such as creative strategy, media strategy and marketing science. They have an incredible culture of flexibility, learning and a focus on trust and mental wellbeing so it’s a great company to work for!

My role involves running the company's social media accounts, managing events, working on the website and any other content marketing bits and bobs. 

What experiences at Leeds do you think have particularly helped with your career?

Leeds is a great hub of digital, creative and media businesses. One thing that especially helped me connect with them was joining the School's Industry Mentor Scheme’, meaning I could network with media professionals.

I was actually able to work on the filming of a Channel 4 documentary just by chatting to journalists that I met at a uni-hosted Media Futures event!

Why did you choose to study your particular course? Why did you choose the University of Leeds?

Journalism is such a versatile degree. I felt like it would open up lots of options for a career in tech, digital or media - all of which are highly in-demand professions. Leeds is also a great Northern city with loads going on there.

What aspects of the course did you enjoy the most?

I loved getting to analyse current media and assess what techniques and concepts were being used ‘behind the scenes’ in my favourite movies and series. There was loads of freedom to study any media artefact you wanted!

What would you say to students thinking about studying your course?

Journalism is such a valuable course to gain real-life industry experience. Everyone on my course really developed their confidence and you can fall into a wide variety of careers across the media, marketing and digital industry.

What does Leeds as a city have to offer students?

Leeds is my favourite city (I haven’t left since moving here for uni and have no plans to!). I love how close everything is so you can get everywhere you need super easily. There’s loads of shops, bars, pubs, clubs, venues and cafes within walking distance. Plus you can get out fully into the countryside with as little as a 15 minute drive.