Selina Brown

Media And Communication BA (Hons), Media Enterprise MA

Selina always knew she wanted to go to university, but without a clear roadmap or financial safety net, the path wasn’t easy. As the first in her family to earn a master’s degree, she navigated uncertainty with grit and purpose, driven by a passion for storytelling and a desire to build something lasting. At Birmingham City University, she found the practical training, opportunities and community that helped turn her vision into a powerful reality.

“I always knew I wanted to go to university, but my journey to BCU wasn’t a straight line. I was born in Birmingham, but grew up in Nottingham, and eventually returned to Birmingham to study.

Being the first in my family to get a master’s degree meant there was no roadmap to follow. And coming from a working-class background didn’t make it easier. I didn’t have a financial safety net, so I knew that I had to work hard, not just to afford university but to make sure I got the most out of it.

I had a passion for storytelling and communication, and I wanted to study somewhere I knew would give me practical skills and industry experience. BCU stood out to me because it had strong links with the media industry, strong diversity representation and focused on hands-on learning. I didn’t just want to earn a degree, I wanted to leave university with the skills, confidence and connections to build a successful career. Studying at BCU shaped my journey in ways I couldn’t have imagined.

Once I arrived at BCU, I threw myself into every opportunity that came my way. Studying here was truly a transformative experience. I loved how broad the Media and Communications course was. I wasn’t forced to specialise too early and had the chance to develop a wide range of skills, all of which have been invaluable in my career.

The course gave me a strong foundation in multiple areas, and by the time I graduated, I had a skillset that allowed me to work across different industries. My MA in Media Enterprise took things a step further. It gave me an entrepreneurial mindset and helped me understand how to build my own brand, secure funding and turn creative ideas into sustainable businesses, knowledge that has been crucial in my journey as an entrepreneur.

I took on several internships during my time at BCU, and they played a huge role in shaping my career. I secured placements at MTV and Freud Communications in London, which gave me a front-row seat to the media and PR industries at the highest level.

Now, I am the founder and CEO of the Black British Book Festival, which I launched in 2021. What started as a small initiative has grown into Europe’s largest celebration of Black literature, partnering with major brands such as Pan Macmillan, Penguin, TikTok, Glastonbury, Audible, Paramount and World Book Day.

Alongside this, I am a children’s book author with Penguin, with my debut book released in May 2024. Writing has always been central to my work, and being able to publish books that reflect diverse stories is something I’m incredibly proud of.

No two days are ever the same for me. Some days, I’m in meetings with publishers, sponsors and partners, planning the next stages of the festival. Other days, I’m writing and editing my children’s books, developing new story ideas or preparing for a book tour.

I also travel frequently for speaking engagements at universities, literary events and corporate spaces, sharing my journey and inspiring others to build their own creative careers. Balancing everything requires a lot of organisation and discipline, but I love the variety and the impact my work has.

Since graduating, my career has taken me across the world. I have worked in New York and Kenya, and those experiences reinforced just how transferable my skills were internationally. In the UK, I launched my own initiatives, including Little Miss Creative, an organisation that works with schools across the country to empower young women through creativity and leadership.

Everything I learnt at BCU still shapes my career today. The practical skills I developed in media production, design, journalism and marketing are things I use daily as an author, event producer and entrepreneur.

One of the biggest challenges I faced was breaking into industries that haven’t always been inclusive. Publishing and media are competitive fields, and as a Black woman, I have had to push through barriers and create my own opportunities. And I overcame this by building my own platforms rather than waiting for permission.

The Black British Book Festival exists because I saw a gap in the industry and decided to fill it myself, and launching this festival and seeing it grow into a major international platform has been my proudest achievement. Also, signing my book deal with Penguin was another huge milestone for me. Writing books that will inspire the next generation is something I’ve always dreamed of, and now I get to do that full time.

I have big ambitions for the future, and I see my work evolving on multiple levels. Firstly, I want to expand the Black British Book Festival to become a global movement, creating spaces for Black authors and stories beyond the UK. And on a personal level, I hope to continue growing as an author.

My debut children’s book with Penguin was just the beginning, and I aim to create a bestselling book series that introduces diverse characters and experiences into early childhood reading. Representation in literature is so important, and I want my work to make a lasting impact. Beyond publishing, I see myself stepping into more leadership and mentorship roles, helping the next generation of creatives find their voice, build their careers, and create opportunities for themselves.

If you’re considering studying Media and Communications at BCU, my biggest piece of advice will be to take full advantage of everything the university has to offer. Your degree will give you the foundation, but what will really make the difference is what you do beyond the classroom. BCU gives you access to industry-standard equipment and expert lecturers, so make the most of it all!

Also, network as much as possible. Speak to guest lecturers, attend industry events, and connect with people on LinkedIn. The media industry is all about relationships, and the connections you make at university can open doors later in your career.

Finally, believe in yourself and your vision. The creative industries can feel overwhelming, and sometimes, impostor syndrome creeps in, but you belong here. If you have a dream, go for it.

If you are starting out in your career, I would say be patient but be proactive. When you graduate, it might take time to land the perfect job, but that doesn’t mean you should sit and wait for opportunities to come to you. The more you put yourself out there, the more doors will open. Be open to trying new things, and don’t limit yourself to just one career path. Finally, trust yourself. There will be moments when you feel like giving up, moments when you question if you’re on the right path. Keep pushing forward. Success doesn’t happen overnight, but if you stay committed, it will come.

‘I AM BCU’ represents resilience, creativity and leadership. It’s about taking what I have learnt and using it to break barriers, create opportunities and make a lasting impact.”