Did I learn how to be a creative copywriter at uni?
Well no, not e
xactly. I studied Philosophy at Nottingham University. I loved the subject and came out with a 2 , 1 BA Hons Degree in Philosophy from a good uni. But once I’d finished, the question dawned on me - OK so what do I do now?
Philosophy doesn’t really give you much direction. It doesn’t push you down any particular career path. So I felt some regrets afterwards, wishing that I’d chosen some kind of business/marketing-money-making-related subject instead…
But as I ventured into the world of employment, and picked-up some sales and leadership skills while downunder (in Australia), I began to understand the use of my degree. Philosophy teaches you to think. It stretches the boundaries of your mind.
I realised that philosophy had equipped me with the skill to tackle any task or dilemma in a logical way. It gave me an analytical perspective, which is proving to be pretty darn useful afterall… So maybe it didn’t teach me how to succeed as a creative copywriter, but it gave my brain a kick in the right direction.
So was ‘thinking’ the only thing I did at uni?
No. I also drank several pints at the student union, watched many episodes of ”The Mighty Boosh” and “Family Guy”, went to parties dressed as a pirate, learnt (very) basic Spanish, and took salsa lessons to pick up chicks. But those things aren’t very relevant right now.
The other major skill that I developed at uni was of course my ability to write… If there’s one thing you have to do a lot of on a philosophy course – apart from pondering about deep stuff – it’s writing. I had to hammer out loads of lengthy essays on abstract and intricate subjects. Although they were very technical and brain-numbing in parts, my essays always included wit. Maybe too much at times. I guess it was the creative copywriter inside trying to break out.
It was this growing hunger and talent for writing, combined with my sales experience and love of advertising that led me to the copywriting world. And that is the tale of a creative copywriter.
Stay tuned for how to be a creative copywriter online, links to my work, information about ‘The Institute of Copywriting’, and all kinds of other hints, tips, stories and lots more…
