Amy McGarahan
What is your current role?
At Clothier Lacey, I:
- Strategise, create and distribute comprehensive social media marketing for clients.
- Write press releases and distribute them to local and national media.
- Write blog posts for Land and New Homes clients.
- Built and manage the company website.
- Assist with the organisation of events such as awards ceremonies.
- Cultivate strong client relationships.
For NARC. Magazine, I:
- Write concert, single and album reviews, as well as news previews.
- Interview artists such as Billie Marten and L Devine.
- Liaise with industry professionals, including PR companies, agents, managers and artists.
Studying at Newcastle
In what ways did your music degree at Newcastle prepare you for your current role?
My music degree prepared me for my current roles by emphasising the importance of networking. Technically, when you start university, you are networking with your peers from day one - and when you look at it like that, it isn’t as scary as it may seem.
Building relationships, initiating conversations and treating others how you want to be treated is the best way to expand your network. IcMus is a friendly place, so you naturally get talking to everyone around you.
Additionally, the modules I undertook placed a strong emphasis on research and writing, which hugely developed my copywriting skills. This skill has been so invaluable, from blog writing for clients at Clothier Lacey to writing articles for NARC. Magazine.
I discovered a genuine passion for writing through my degree and continue to build on the skill in my professional life.
What did you enjoy the most?
The enriching experiences embedded within the Music Enterprise and Creative Industries Placement modules were the most enjoyable part of my music degree.
Engaging in diverse work-related projects, such as my placement at music and events PR company, JAC Media, was not only fulfilling but also instrumental in shaping my professional journey. I was also introduced to NARC. Magazine through this module, for which I continue to write alongside my full-time job.
These experiences enhanced my CV, which gave me confidence when applying for my current role at Clothier Lacey, and provided invaluable networking opportunities. In a friendly city like Newcastle, almost everyone in the music industry is interlinked in some way, which is great when building your network.
Additionally, my year abroad at Trinity College Dublin gave me an opportunity to immerse myself in a different culture, from an educational and personal perspective. I made friends with people from different countries and walks of life. Having already acclimatised to university life in Newcastle, this experience was a great opportunity to embrace being a student in a new city!
