Naomi Owen

BA (Hons) English Language and English Literature

Former BA (Hons) English Language and Literature student, Naomi Owen, answered a few questions for us about her time at Birmingham City University and what she has been doing since she graduated.

What course did you choose to study and why?

I studied English Language with Literature. The decision to study English was really easy, almost as if there were no other options. I had loved reading and writing from a young age. It was my best and favourite subject in school and college. I had no idea what I wanted to do career-wise but knew this degree would take me a step closer. I chose Birmingham City University's course because of the huge variety of modules and the flexibility we were given in choosing them. I chose to major in Language because I have a strong interest in sociolinguistics and felt that, in comparison to Literature, Language offered an element of certainty in its findings.

When you started university, did you know what you wanted to do as a career?

I had no idea what I wanted to do for the majority of my time at university. I changed my mind multiple times!

I would recommend that all students try to get any work experience available to them, especially if they are looking for some career inspiration. I volunteered for the REP Theatre and a children’s literacy charity called Beanstalk. These experiences were extremely valuable; not only did they give me an insight into the world of work, they also allowed me to gain many transferable skills and looked great on my CV. I felt that I was making the most of my spare time and enjoyed meeting new professionals who were happy to answer any of my questions. Although neither of these placements were in the industry I work in now, it was just as important for me to find out what sort of jobs didn’t suit me. If I hadn’t done this, I could have ended up applying for so many jobs that weren’t right.

Although I did not have a specific career path in mind, I can see now that during my time as a student I was able to find out more about myself which has led me to where I am today. Learning what is important to me and where my strengths are means that I can now work in an industry that I am passionate about and able to put to work the skills my degree gave me.

What is your current role?

Since leaving BCU my career has taken me into the world of policing. I am currently a member of Police Staff within the West Mercia force area, in a proactive role. Although policing may seem miles away from studying the English language, I believe that I use my degree every day in a multitude of ways; from data analysis and presenting briefings to simply building strong relationships with my colleagues in a workplace where good morale is vital.

My first role after graduation was as a Force Contact Officer with West Midlands Police. This primarily involved taking emergency and non-emergency calls, grading their severity and making sure the correct resources were sent out if necessary. It was a difficult role, as are a lot of positions new graduates take on when starting out in the world of work. My advice to those in a similar situation would be to stay resilient, remind yourself of the reasons why you applied for the role and what you want to get out of it and never downplay the skills you are gaining along the way. There is plenty of time to find your path and change your mind but each and every step has its own value.

How has your life changed since you have graduated?

Now looking back, I have a real appreciation for the hard work I put in to my degree. I have a genuine interest in the subject I chose and now I have time to learn for my own enjoyment without being under pressure. I continued working academically for a little longer after graduating on an article I had submitted to the Southern Journal of Linguistics, titled ‘‘Foxy Knoxy’ and Femme Fatales: Media Representations of Women and Crime'. It has now been published!In the year following graduation I moved in with my partner. We recently adopted a retired racing greyhound called Ellie. She loves squeaky toys and her favourite food is mackerel!

In September we finally made it to California on a month-long road trip! The holiday had been cancelled twice due to the COVID pandemic. Hiking in Yosemite Park and seeing Humpback whales in Monterey Bay were my highlights.

What main skill from your university days will you take with you through your life?

Throughout my time at university my personality definitely came into its own and through being surrounded by like-minded people I felt happy with myself and the values I held. I truly believe that the relationships you make and the independence you gain whilst at university is just as valuable as achieving your degree. My confidence has grown considerably and continues to do so. This has definitely stemmed from the social side of university and also the opportunities we were given in seminars to voice our ideas, free from judgement. Having this as my foundation will always help me with whatever hurdles I may face and looking back will always remind me of the importance of friendship.