Deborah – BA (Hons) Applied Media

Hometown: Redruth

Course: BA (Hons) Applied Media

Career: Freelance Archivist

Looking to start her career in camera operating, Deborah was thrilled to find that she didn’t need to move away in order to gain her degree and enrolled on a foundation degree at the University Centre. After completeting her foundation degree, she took the BA (Hons) Applied media top up and it was during that year that she discovered Archiving, which sparked the decision to persue a new career path.

Deborah said: “I came across the archiving career path whilst studying the course, particularly when we were looking at the professional development and career element. I originally was going to pursue a career as a camera operator but have found the archives so much more fulfilling and links in with the film and photography.”

“The tutors were very encouraging with my ideas and gave me support with completing assignments, especially with my dissertation.”

“We had access to lots of equipment including, Mac computers, camera, microphones, lights and tripods. We were also given access and links to resources online and in the learning centre on campus.”

“Working for myself, I have set up my own website, I monitor my own social media page and I am using my camera to make films and produce photographs. I also use the editing software for these methods of production, so i often use skills that i gained from my course”

“My advice would be, never be afraid to look outside the box when it comes to careers. It’s never ever straight forward and that is what’s good about it. Archives might not be the first thing that comes to mind when studying media, but it opens up a whole new world to possibilities and you might just fall in love with it like I did.”

Currently working as a freelance archivist, Deborah provides services to businesses and members of the public, with her work ranging from explaining how to build family trees, to giving in-depth talks to groups.