English graduate Katie lands job at childhood favourite venue

22-year-old Katie enjoyed her BA (Hons) English and Creative Writing degree so much that her heart was set on doing a Master’s degree in Literature and Culture, which she completed this summer.

“There was definitely more I wanted to explore,” said Katie. “I’m really interested in Irish women’s literature and repetitions of the female body – my Master’s gave me the perfect opportunity delve into the subject more. It is one of the best things I’ve ever done.”

She had looked at a few universities but as soon as she visited Salford she knew it was the place for here.

“It just felt right, call it instinct,” she said. “My dad studied here too so it’s in the family.”

Katie grew up going to Victoria Hall, which is also home to Bolton Methodist Mission.

“My parents even married there,” she said.

She started volunteering at the Victorian auditorium during her Bachelor’s degree, and when the opportunity of a paid position arose, she immediately knew it was for her.

Katie works as a Business Development Manager, engaging with businesses and schools about venue hire. Working in a small team means she has lots of responsibility and the freedom to make the role her own.

“I can definitely put into practice things I learned on my degree, like doing grant applications. It also instilled in me lots of confidence, plus taught me about organisation and time management,” she continues.

While Bolton-born Katie is growing every day in her new job, she also aspires to go back into academia at some point in the future, potentially doing a PhD at Salford.