Student Profile | Shona McCluskey

Current student Shona McCluskey talks about her experiences of the University so far and the value of her current internship in our Communications and Marketing department.

Tell us about your time at the University

I chose the University of Edinburgh because of the standard of learning it offers and the Law School’s reputation. I visited a couple of University Open Days but I loved Edinburgh.

My course has been challenging and the academic support at honours level has been great. Overall, I think I have enjoyed my time as a student in Edinburgh because of the close knit network of students. Everywhere you go, you will always see someone you know and Edinburgh feels like a community. This is heightened if you are involved in extracurricular activities and the wide range of activities at Edinburgh has been amazing to gain a well-rounded experience at University. I have been involved in the Law Student’s Council since first year and I am also part of the News Team on Fresh Air Radio.

I am looking forward to fourth year to enjoy one last year of being a student and spending time with the good friends that I have made here.

Tell us about your internship

it is a great insight into how your degree can be used in a practical job.

I applied for the position of Media and Communications Assistant in the Marketing and Communications department after being involved in the News Team in Fresh Air. Although I am studying law, I am interested in working in the media and I felt that this would be an amazing opportunity to learn how the media plays a role in a large organisation such as the University of Edinburgh.

I am very lucky to be in the Marketing and Communications department as it coordinates a wide variety of media relations such as press, marketing and PR. I am mainly based in the Press Office but I get the opportunity to work in other departments too. I want to gain experience from my colleagues who have all had careers in the media as well as explore possible career paths to follow after I graduate.

Every day is different. I write press releases, web stories, help with filming and liaise with University staff and the Press to set up interviews. I track the University’s media profile and I enjoy using analytical skills I have developed through my degree. My writing is improving and it is a great insight into how your degree can be used in a practical job.

The future

I think this internship will help me with my future career for a number of reasons:

1. The panel interview which I went through to get the job was my first real interview experience and will definitely help me prepare for future interviews
2. By talking to my colleagues who have had successful careers in the media as well as watching how the Press and PR department operate, I have a better idea about how to pursue a career in the media.
3. I have learnt new skills and learnt how to apply skills I already have.
4. Having an internship provides experience that employers want to see and I feel it gives me a head start as a graduate.