Confidence gained at University helps Jen achieve her career dreams

Jennifer Hodgson, 30, from Chester has landed the role of Director of Communications at a brand new film and TV studio coming to the North West, Pacific Road Studios.

Jen has recently finished her BA in Fashion Marketing and Communication. She said: “When I returned to university at a later age, I really wanted to cement my knowledge of communications and gain the confidence I needed to succeed in the industry afterwards - I definitely think it has done that.

“I liked studying in Chester, because it’s the perfect location to get to all the major cities and yet you’re out of the hustle and bustle of London. In the past, everyone thought London was where you had to be to succeed in the creative industries - this is no longer the case. Although I did a number of placements in London which were extremely enjoyable, it does make you realise that the industry is developing and with the advancements in technology - you can literally work from anywhere! Being local to Chester, it’s been great for me to maintain a work/life/university balance and being in Chester has allowed me to maintain that.”

In her new role, Jen will be promoting the studio through the media and organising events, including writing news releases and liaising with agents, actors and journalists.

She added: “I’m just so excited to jump straight into this role. It’s been 10 years in the making and I came on board six months ago. Since then everything has sped up and we’re now two months from opening and making movies. This is the pinnacle of my career so far and just goes to show anything is possible. When I first started I thought people would find it strange that I was nearly 30 years old and coming back to university - but it’s been the total opposite. Having a bit of life experience has actually helped me on a personal level and also where the modules are concerned too. 

“The course has been fantastic for me and really cemented my strengths. It’s definitely given me the confidence that I’m going to have a great career in communications.”

Programme Leader Tracey Hall, said: “Jen has consistently been engaged with the programme, supporting her peers as Class Vice Principal. I am so pleased that she has been rewarded with a fantastic job at the end of her studies. The Fashion Marketing and Communication course underpins contemporary employability skills within the curriculum. An industry brief has also helped students understanding of professionalism and working to deadlines and this has resulted in a number of students gaining amazing paid internships overseas: Zoe Evans working as a Brand Developer/Marketing for Tally Fashion Brand in Switzerland; Ellie Preston interning with 10 Magazine London​ and Melissa Pendlebury working as a Communications Assistant to the Editor at a luxury magazine in Dubai.”

For more information visit @pacificroadstudios on Instagram.