Elizabeth Oliver

Current Employer/Organisation Name

Royal Museums Greenwich

What have you been doing since leaving Exeter, and what are you doing now?

I am Digital Content Producer at Royal Museums Greenwich, which comprises the National Maritime Museum, the Royal Observatory, the Queen’s House and Cutty Sark. As part of my role, I interview curators for online features, coordinate filming projects for exhibitions and generate content for social media and e-newsletter campaigns. I previously worked as part of the editorial team at Think Publishing, a magazine publishing company. I have experience creating content for some of the UK’s leading organisations and charities, including The Arts Society; the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) and CPRE, the countryside charity. I run a literature website, ‘Printed Pearls’, which reached the final of the UK Blog Awards in 2019.

Why did you choose this career? And what do you enjoy most about your work?

I knew that I wanted to have a career with a strong emphasis on writing, ideally within the publishing, arts and heritage sectors. I thoroughly enjoy being able to write about a variety of topics, from astronomy events and pioneering women in maritime to art conservation and history. I also enjoy using digital platforms and formats to tell stories in different ways, whether through video, long form e-newsletters or social media threads.

Please tell us if you were a member of any societies, groups or sports clubs?

I was a soprano choral scholar with the University of Exeter Chapel Choir.

Were you part of the Exeter Student Ambassador Scheme at any point during your studies?

Yes.

What did you enjoy most about your programme and what was the biggest highlight?

I enjoyed having the opportunity to be taught by some of the world’s leading academics and learn about so many different types of literature. The extensive range of modules gave me a comprehensive understanding of literary history and the social, political and cultural events that shaped some of the greatest works of literature. I really enjoyed learning about medieval women’s literature and have since gone on to interview medievalists about their work on medieval women.

What did you enjoy most about studying here?

I enjoyed having access to world class academics and their knowledge. The green surroundings on campus and the modern and extensive facilities were a great motivator for my studies.

Why did you choose to study at Exeter?

I was attracted by the English’s department international reputation and the campus’s green surroundings and modern facilities.

What skills and experiences have been most useful for your career?

One of the most useful skills I have developed has been the ability to take complex issues e.g. coral bleaching and write about these topics in a clear and engaging way. Strong communication skills have been vital when interviewing curators, scientists or students, to ensure I elicit discerning responses to strengthen my articles. Organisation has also been very important, particularly when working on multiple magazine titles at once, to ensure that all deadlines can be met.

What advice would you give to a current student who wishes to pursue your career?

I would recommend that all students create a portfolio of their work, which they can show to prospective employers. When I was at Exeter, I started a website ‘Printed Pearls’, which aims to make literary history more accessible. My blog provides an insight into my writing style and even enabled me to secure employment after leaving university.

What are your plans for the future?

I hope to continue developing my writing skills, tackle more complex features, and have the opportunity to utilise different digital platforms to ensure that I continue to tell stories that are relevant and engaging. I would also like to publish a novel or screenplay!