Being able to communicate your ideas clearly and persuasively is useful in every career path, especially if you want to work in a creative field

A photo of Alexander Keen
Alexander Keen
Communications and Marketing Manager, Sent Into Space
BA English and Philosophy
2012
Alexander works as a Communications and Marketing Manager for Sent Into Space.
A photo of Alexander Keen

What are your main responsibilities?

  • Directing marketing strategy
  • Handling press enquiries
  • Writing customer-facing proposal documentation
  • Managing the website content

What other jobs have you had since graduating?

  • Bid Writing Intern at Sent Into Space
  • Sales & Marketing Exec at Sheffield Live!
  • Admin Assistant at Palmer & Harvey

How has your degree from the School of English and your time at the University of Sheffield helped you in your career?

Studying English literature developed my appreciation for language, the intricacies of clear communication and the power of tone, as well as improving my cultural references, which are vital in a marketing role. Writing essays to a deadline (when I met them!) helped me learn to balance the desire to get things perfect against the necessity of delivering things on time, managing workflow. Research skills are also vital in a modern office job, especially working at a small business where you might wear many hats. 

What is your greatest achievement to date?

I scripted a series of promotional shorts for Michael Bublé's latest album and he called me "a genius".

What career advice would you give to a student interested in studying English?

Studying English is really the study of communication. Being able to communicate your ideas clearly and persuasively is useful in every career path, but especially if you want to work in a creative field. It took me several years after graduating to find a role that really let me put my skills to work, and I never stopped learning. I wish I'd made better use of the resources provided by the university to help me find a job.

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