Chris Connor
Current Employer/Organisation Name
Five In A Boat/Freelance
What have you been doing since leaving Exeter, and what are you doing now?
For the past few years I’ve worked in PR in the energy, tech and gaming sectors. I’m currently working at the Tech/Music PR agency Five In A Boat. Alongside working in PR I’ve been a freelance journalist since graduating, mostly focusing on Music, Film & Television. I have bylines in NME, IGN, Metro, Radio Times and have done a number of interviews, covered music and film festivals and written a number of features and reviews.
Why did you choose this career? And what do you enjoy most about your work?
I initially wanted to pursue a career in politics as that was my degree and after doing a placement with a Public Affairs agency, I really fell for the PR element within it. I’ve always been passionate about entertainment and culture and so I’m grateful to work in something I enjoy so much. Lockdown and remote working have given me the freedom to pursue a career in PR and journalism, otherwise my writing may have dropped off. I enjoy meeting likeminded people and expanding my world view through art and finding new things that may not otherwise have been on my radar, be it a new band or film.
Please tell us if you were a member of any societies, groups or sports clubs?
I regularly wrote for Exeposé and The Falmouth Anchor while at Exeter. I was also a member of the Expresso Coffee Society and regularly attended screenings at the Campus Cinema, discovering a host of independent and international films. I was also part of the Politics Society in my first year and Postgraduate Society during my Masters.
What did you enjoy most about your programme and what was the biggest highlight?
I enjoyed the breadth of the Masters course covering topics from South East Asian Politics, US Politics to one of the first Brexit modules and in my BA and MA an opportunity to really dissect a topic with a sizable dissertation.
What did you most enjoy about studying here?
Personally I feel incredibly lucky to have studied at both Exeter’s Streatham and Penryn sites. I enjoyed the mix the two offered and the opportunity to experience Devon and Cornwall’s countryside, coast and more. Falmouth and Exeter are two stunning places to study, both with plenty to offer.
Why did you choose to study at Exeter?
At the time Exeter had been voted #1 in The Times’ University of the year list. My Grandparents also lived close by so that certainly influenced my decision. Of course Exeter also is internationally renowned, especially its politics department.
What skills and experiences have been most useful for your career?
In terms of skills from University I would say having done a highly literate, essay-based subject certainly helped, having a great grasp of the English language helps me to write in a range of styles and adapt to my target audience. I would also say writing for a student paper is a huge bonus as it helped shape my first interactions with editors, a key part of both my work in PR and journalism. Attending proofing sessions was a big help too.
What advice would you give to a current student who wishes to pursue your career?
I would say not to be daunted by something that might initially seem to big a jump or out of your comfort zone. When I first began writing for Radio Times I had only really written for quite small unpaid publications but the confidence from pitching and having my ideas land so well led me to regularly pitch bigger outlets with many thankfully accepting my work.
What are your plans for the future?
I’d like to keep expanding the areas I write on to incorporate books and gaming more. There are many outlets I’d love to tick off my bucket list and I’d love to write a fiction novel at some stage in the coming years.
