Telling stories
After studies that focused on history, art and curation, Máire Cox has developed a career in writing and communications that currently involves developing stories for the School of Literature, Languages and Cultures' various channels. She tells us more about her role.
My background
Having completed a degree in History of Art, and a postgraduate diploma in Museum & Gallery Studies, I thought a career in the arts and cultural sector beckoned. It was the architectural history part of my degree, though, that shaped my career path, leading to a job in communications for Grimshaw (architects of The Eden Project, Southern Cross Station etc.) and, when I moved to Edinburgh, to Architecture and Design Scotland. After the birth of my daughter, I combined freelance writing for architects and architectural publishers with a very small, part-time communications role in OPENspace research centre at Edinburgh College of Art (ECA). That blossomed into a bigger role (lasting almost ten years and winning me a Principal’s Medal for Exceptional Service), which I variously combined with other part-time roles at the University of Edinburgh, including the position of ECA Web Content Officer, before I took up a full-time position in the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures (LLC).
At Edinburgh
I’m now the Web and Communications Officer for LLC. It’s a great, wide-ranging role, taking in everything from engaging audiences in research, to sharing students’ views on their learning experience. The skills I’ve developed over the years in writing for people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities are essential to the job, and I’m always developing new ones, such as using video effectively, particularly on social media. LLC is a fantastic place to work, with a very inclusive and enabling team of academics and professional services staff, and a brilliant student and alumni community who always respond with such enthusiasm when it comes to telling their stories online.
LLC is a fantastic place to work, with a very inclusive and enabling team of academics and professional services staff, and a brilliant student and alumni community who always respond with such enthusiasm when it comes to telling their stories online.
Something I know...
Being a School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures, we’re very fond of a celebration! Largely thanks to colleagues like Fiona Carmichael (Computing Support Officer), we have always got something up our sleeves, particularly if it’s in support of a charitable cause. TattieFest is probably my favourite; the sourcing, cooking and eating of multiple types of potato. In fact, with bake sales, Chinese New Year tasting menus, an Easter egg hunt etc., you could say that food is a very strong theme for us.
Contact Máire
Máire is always keen to hear from alumni of the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures. If would you like to share your story with her, please get in touch: