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Megan Fryer

What made you want to apply to your course and to Leeds?

I attended an open day and immediately fell in love with the city and University. The course combined my interest in English and Cultural studies wonderfully. The option to select a discovery module throughout the entirety of my degree was a further aspect that appealed to me.

Each year, I have explored something new, including stage management, creative writing and feminist philosophy. I was also enthused by the prospect of an optional year in industry, something which I chose to complete.

What other activities are available for students to take part in outside of their studies, and which ones have you tried out yourself?

The extensive range of extra-curricular activities available at the students' union  was a further reason for my decision to apply to Leeds.

I utilised this to its full extent and would highly recommend that any future students do the same as it is these activities that allowed me to stand out when applying for work placements. I have been a member of the English department’s netball team  which has been a fun, light hearted way to keep fit and meet new faces. In second year, I was selected to be a Social Secretary for the English Society. As a group of twelve peers we worked to ensure that the members of the English Society enjoyed their experience at Leeds, through social events, fund raisers and trips. I became a member of the University’s newspaper The Gryphon in first year, writing articles for the Arts and Lifestyle and Culture sections.

In my second year, I became the online editor for the Lifestyle and Culture section, running meetings and editing articles on a weekly basis. In my final year I joined Art Society and Yoga Society, attending weekly life drawing and Vinyasa classes. The atmosphere at all societies that I have joined has always been incredibly welcoming and friendly. It is through these that I have found so many like-minded individuals who have enriched my experience at Leeds.

Did you take a work placement or study abroad year?

I considered both a study abroad year and a work placement before deciding, with the assistance of the University’s Careers Centre, that a work placement would be most suited to me. I worked as the Creative Services and Pre Production Intern at Warner Bros. in London.

The year has undoubtedly enriched my university experience, exposing me to a busy office environment and allowing me to expand my knowledge of marketing and the entertainment sector.

I found that in returning to University for my final year my time management and organisational skills had significantly improved. My confidence in general had certainly also improved, as I learnt how to network effectively, maintaining strong working relationships both internally and externally. 

What do you plan to do now you’ve finished your course, and how do you think the skills and knowledge you’ve developed at Leeds will help with these plans?

I will be returning to London following graduation to start work with an events agency based in Soho. The work placement, extra-curricular activities and academic course that I have completed during my time at Leeds have all contributed to my employability after graduation.

Combined, they have allowed me to formulate a well-rounded CV, demonstrating an enthusiasm for new ventures, a capability to learn quickly and apply new knowledge effectively.