Journalism graduate Irene Cafagna says the chance to publish during her studies helped her land Brussels role
Date: 23 August 2017
Journalism BA graduate Irene Cafagna graduated from London Met in 2012. Now she works in a communications role for the European Parliament in Brussels, and credits the experience she received at London Met with helping her achieve success.
“I had one of the best times of my life while I was studying at London Metropolitan University,” she said. “I met many new friends, some of which I am still in touch with, and enjoyed my years as a student to the fullest.
“Studying in the UK was my dream and it came true at London Met where I improved myself both as a student and as a person.”
During her time at London Met Irene was a news writer for the University’s news website, the Holloway Express. Her dissertation was entitled “Brain Drain”, about the brain drain phenomenon focusing on the migratory flow from Italy to England, particularly London.
Irene likes the fact that London Met’s Journalism lecturers are experienced professionals, with many of them having worked for the BBC: “The best aspect of my course was that all teachers have had stunning careers and experiences in the field.
“They were always very helpful giving essential and useful suggestions and trying to make us focus on the very practical aspects of working as a journalist. This is what you need most when approaching the real job market after graduation.”
Irene is currently participating in the European Parliament’s Schuman Traineeship, where she writes and edits articles for the Italian edition of the European Parliament website and translates infographics from English to Italian.
“I was looking for new opportunities abroad and searched for journalism options on the internet. That is how I found the link about the Schuman Traineeship at the European Parliament, with the specific option for journalism graduates.
“In the selection process, I was also asked to provide some of my articles published on officially registered journalistic publications so I can say that previous work experience in publishing was definitely crucial in order to be accepted.”
Irene also manages the European Parliament’s Italian Twitter account: @Europarl_IT, and collaborates with the Transport, Energy and Technology Unit.
“My favourite aspect of my current role is the multicultural and active environment I work in. There is never a day of boredom in the European Parliament and the people you work and interact with are from all over Europe, which makes it even more exiting.
“Here you keep challenging yourself every day and you have the opportunity to meet important people and influencers you would have never thought possible.”
In her spare time, Irene enjoys travelling: “I always try not to visit the same destination twice as I prefer exploring new places,” she says. She also enjoys swimming, hiking in the mountains, reading and learning new languages, and she has recently taken up photography as a hobby.
London Met’s Journalism BA (Hons) course offers you the chance to cover breaking news in our newsroom, participate in exciting news days, develop a range of writing skills for different media outlets, and learn video, audio and mobile techniques for this rapidly changing industry. Find out what our Journalism students have been up to lately in their blog.
Want to do something you love? London Met can take you there. 96.7% of all 2017 London Met graduates are in work or further study.
You could even start this September, thanks to Clearing. Visit londonmet.ac.uk/clearing
