Francesca Elena Sciarrillo

Tell us a bit about your experience at ¶º±ÆÖ±²¥â€¦. 

Where to start! I spent four years studying at ¶º±ÆÖ±²¥ and loved every second. The welcome I received from the English Literature team right from the very first Open Day I attended made me sure that Bangor was the place for me. I made the decision to stay and complete a MA degree after my undergraduate as I enjoyed the course so much. I know I will always look back fondly on my time at Bangor and would love to sneak back in to lectures and seminars if I could!  

Why did you choose to study at ¶º±ÆÖ±²¥? 

I felt very strongly about studying at a Welsh university and Bangor was the perfect fit for me. Everyone made me feel so welcome when I attended the Open Day and each lecturer within the English Literature department made me feel right at home immediately by being so friendly and approachable.  

The course was also a huge factor in my decision to choose ¶º±ÆÖ±²¥. The breadth of modules was so exciting and something that felt very unique to Bangor in comparison with the other universities I had visited. Each lecturer that I spoke to at the Open Day spoke passionately about their area of expertise, both during taster lectures and during one-to-one conversations. This really brought the course to life and helped me to picture myself sitting in lectures and seminars. There was no doubt in my mind about which university to choose after leaving Bangor that day!  

How has your career developed since graduating from ¶º±ÆÖ±²¥, and what is your current job role?

I accepted a position as a graduate apprentice with a not-for-profit company based in Flintshire after graduating from ¶º±ÆÖ±²¥. An English Literature degree was essential for this role and for the job role of Public Relations Officer which followed on as a direct result of the apprenticeship.  A huge part of this role required creative thinking and writing: this lay at the centre of my studies at ¶º±ÆÖ±²¥. Whilst the transferable skills that I obtained during my time at Bangor were extremely useful for these job roles, I was also able to (hopefully!) put my passion for literature and library services to good use. This is certainly something that I was able to develop with the support of the English Literature team at Bangor, and I am extremely grateful for this.  

I will be starting a new job role with Cyngor Llyfrau Cymru – the Books Council for Wales – based in their children’s department as Reading Promotions Officer. Whilst I have not started this role yet, I feel confident that the transferable skills obtained at Bangor will prepare me for the new and exciting challenges that lie ahead.  

I also write columns for a Welsh language magazine every two months and weekly for its online website. The majority of these columns – much to the editor’s delight I’m sure! – centre upon books and my love for literature and reading: again, something that I was able to explore and enjoy during my time at Bangor.  

I also work as a ‘Welsh for Adults’ tutor for Coleg Cambia based in north east Wales. The skills required for this role – such as speaking in front a group, organisation, proofreading, and creating engaging content – have undoubtedly been aided by the skills I obtained whilst studying at Bangor.  

In what way did studying at ¶º±ÆÖ±²¥ enhance your employability? 

For me personally, the communication and social skills that I developed as a result of studying English Literature at Bangor have been one of the biggest professional and personal benefits. They have undoubtedly enhanced my employability. Also, I was always encouraged and supported to think and write both critically and creatively,  and pay attention to detail. This has been extremely important – especially working within a marketing and communications department where attention to detail is crucial. I feel that my passion for literature was always encouraged and nurtured by the lecturers, and this has always stayed with me and shaped my career – particularly now as I begin a new chapter with Cyngor Llyfrau Cymru: an organisation which encourages a lifelong love of books and reading.  

What advice would you give to students studying in the ¶º±ÆÖ±²¥?  

Enjoy every second! It’s true what they say, it goes by far too quickly! Go to all the fantastic events organised by the English Literature team – especially author events, shows and guest talks. I’d also encourage anyone studying at ¶º±ÆÖ±²¥ to go to Cymraeg lessons (Welsh lessons) – it opens the door to so many amazing cultural experiences and it will hopefully make you feel even more proud about studying at a Welsh university. Plus, you will always have a piece of Cymru (Wales) with you wherever you go in the future as you can keep the language, as well as amazing memories, with you.  

In once sentence, what was your favourite thing about studying at ¶º±ÆÖ±²¥?  

My favourite thing, aside from reading and writing in Shankland library, would most definitely be taking part in seminars and being able to share my love of literature with other people, and discovering authors and books that will stay with me forever.