Polly Dacam
Having graduated with an English Language BA in 2022, Polly now works as a Press Officer at Business in the Community.
About Polly's career
Describe your current role:
I am responsible for all communication and liaison between regional, national, and international press and media and my organisation, including drafting and editing articles, press releases, and comments relating to all campaigns our organisation leads. I also work with our campaign directors to work out how we can most effectively get our ideas and research as an organisation out into the media.
I really enjoyed the freedom of being able to decide which direction I would take my studies, and whether to take a more scientific approach to the degree, or a more creative approach, or a combination of the two.
How did you get into this field after studying English Language at Newcastle?
I had previously done some work experience with Business in the Community, which led to some paid holiday jobs with them. This eventually turned into a proper part-time job during my last year at university. When I graduated, this became full-time, and I was then promoted to Press Officer.
Studying English Language at Newcastle University
How has studying English Language at Newcastle helped you in your career?
The English Language degree has been useful and helped me to adopt the voice of the organisation. Writing a lot of essays as part of my degree, as well as different pieces aimed at different audiences, has given me the ability to switch between different levels of formality depending on the audience and medium in which the copy is going out. My interest and knowledge in the creativity of language has helped me in crafting press releases and copy.
What advice would you give to a student interested in studying Linguistics?
English Language is a degree that gives you incredible grounding, which can take you in many directions when looking at career options. It’s such a broad and diverse subject, which can equip you for a variety of different careers.
What was the best thing about studying English Language at Newcastle?
One of the things I really liked about the course was that it was so diverse. You could choose from such a range of modules which covered a huge variety of areas. There were options for modules which were more data analysis driven and others which were more research and reading-centred. I really enjoyed the freedom of being able to decide which direction I would take my studies, and whether to take a more scientific approach to the degree, or a more creative approach, or a combination of the two.
