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Journalism experience leads Holly to her passion

15 July 2022

 

From working as a Capital Dance FM rave reporter, winning at the Journalism Awards, then studying in India, Holly Havelock made the most of every opportunity during her time at Teesside University.

Holly Havelock (left) with Teesside University's Rachael Barker (right)
Holly Havelock (left) with Teesside University's Rachael Barker (right)

Now she is ready for her next adventure as she graduates from the BA (Hons) Journalism course as part of the class of 2022.

Holly, 24, from Middlesbrough, said: “I really enjoyed my university experience. I had such a good support system from my tutors and I'm sad that it's over but I'm happy that it's happened.

“The course I studied was very stimulating as no two modules were the same and we were given quite a lot of creative freedom with assignments.

“I'd say the best experience on my course was learning so much about myself that I didn't know. Discovering new talents and having the chance to showcase them through various pieces of work.

“The three years have flown by – you really don't realise how fast your time at university goes.”

During her studies, Holly had the exciting opportunity to work as a rave reporter for Capital Dance FM, developing her passion for dance music and gaining valuable insight into her dream career within the industry.

“I was initially contacted by producers through social media after they saw a post on my Instagram about how excited I was to be going to Glitterbox at Ministry of Sound in London,” Holly explained.

“I covered the event for them and was invited on air via video link to be interviewed with Capital Dance host MistaJam to talk about my experience there.

“I managed to secure an all-access pass at the event and was able to get some amazing footage from backstage with the likes of Bob Sinclar and The Shapeshifters, who are some of my favourite artists.

My university experience has definitely given me the confidence in myself that I needed

Holly Havelock

“Capital then invited me back for a second week to cover a MistaJam event at The Keys in Yarm which I was ecstatic about as it was so close to home.

“It was an insane experience overall – l wish it could be my full-time job.”

Holly’s creative talents were recognised at Teesside University’s Journalism Awards 2022, where she was named Vlogger of the Year and Video Journalist of the Year.

She added: “It took me by surprise as I was up against some really talented people. I didn't expect to win anything so to win two categories made me feel on top of the world.

“With the two awards I won, I secured work experience at two different firms, so I have that to look forward to in September.”

Holly also had the opportunity to visit India during her course as part of a prestigious study abroad programme.

She added: “Having the opportunity to study language and culture in India was so exciting for me because it's something completely different to anything I've done.

“I've always loved travelling and meeting new people so when I was offered a place on the study abroad programme it was a no-brainer.

“My university experience has definitely given me the confidence in myself that I needed. I cannot thank my tutors enough for believing in me and my work in times when I doubted myself.

“University gives you all the tools you need to make your way in the professional world and it's up to you to utilise them as much as you can.”


 
 
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