Category: Insights (page 1 of 9)

Advancing your Career with Coding: Learn Programming with Python

October 30, 2024 / / 0 Comments

In today’s digital-first economy, programming skills have become increasingly valuable across virtually every industry. Whether you’re looking to switch careers, advance in your current role, or simply future-proof your skillset, learning Python could be your stepping stone to new opportunities.

Why Python?
Python has emerged as one of the most in-demand, high-level programming languages globally, and for good reason. Its clear, readable syntax makes it very easy to learn in comparison to other programming languages (like C/C++, JAVA, JavaScript, etc.) and therefore ideal for beginners, while its powerful capabilities support everything from automation and scripting to data analysis and artificial intelligence. Companies like the BBC, NASA, and Google rely on Python, and it’s the backbone of innovations in fields ranging from healthcare to financial services.

Python in the Age of AI
The rise of AI and developer copilots has transformed the programming landscape, making now an ideal time to learn Python. Far from replacing developers, AI tools are empowering them to be more productive and creative than ever.

AI-Enhanced Development
Modern Python developers work alongside AI tools that:
• Autocomplete code and suggest solutions
• Catch potential bugs before they occur
• Generate code snippets from natural language descriptions
• Explain complex code and suggest improvements
• Automate routine programming tasks

This means that even as a beginner, you can now have powerful AI assistants helping you learn and code more efficiently.

Future-Proof Skills
While AI tools can now handle routine coding tasks, they’ve increased demand for developers who are able to:
• Architect complex systems
• Review and validate AI-generated code
• Write precise prompts for AI tools
• Integrate AI capabilities into applications
• Understand the limitations of AI assistants

Transform Your Career Prospects
The UK tech sector is experiencing unprecedented growth, with programming skills commanding competitive salaries and offering flexible career paths. Recent studies show that Python developers in the UK earn an average of £57,000 per year.

But Python isn’t just for software developers. Knowledge of Python can enhance your value in roles such as:
• Data Analyst
• Business Intelligence Specialist
• Marketing Analyst
• Financial Modeller
• Research Scientist
• Project Manager

Hear from Our Alumni
“Philip is a fantastic tutor who has a dynamic approach to teaching the basics in Python programming. I really appreciated the way that we could always ask for help during exercises and also that we could send me him requests for materials to be treated during class.” Anne Marie Muller, former student

“This course is ideal for anyone wanting to start the thrilling journey of implementing AI. It effectively combines hands on practical skills with clear, fun explanations of the underlying theory – not easy with a subject that combines partial differentiation and a jumble of confusing terms and emerging ideas. I would strongly recommend you sign up.” Peter Bradley, former student

“Genuinely one of the best tutors I’ve ever had – both at undergraduate & post graduate level. I’ve tried to learn how to code dozens of times and it’s never stuck. Philip was excellent at judging the level of the class and guiding us through the slides carefully. He went above and beyond, and made me feel extremely well supported. 10/10 will be recommending to my colleagues! Thank you, Philip!” James Donovan, former student

Why Choose Our Python Programming Courses?
At City St George’s we run a range of python courses from an Introduction to Python Programming to Data Analytics and Machine Learning. Our intensive short computing courses are designed for busy professionals looking to acquire practical programming skills. Over five-ten weekly evenings, you’ll progress from basic concepts to creating real-world applications. Here’s what makes our python courses unique:

Practical, Industry-Focused Learning
• Taught by Industry Professionals
• Industry-standard tools and best practices
• Flexible evening and weekend schedules

  • Comprehensive Curriculum – subjects covered include:
  •  Python fundamentals and programming concepts
  •  Working with databases
  • Data analysis and visualisation
  • Building basic applications
  • Working with HTML pages
  • File manipulation: Reading and Writing Files
  • Conversational AI Use

Expert Instruction
Our instructors bring years of industry experience, combining theoretical knowledge with practical insights from their work at leading tech companies.

Your Learning Journey
The courses are structured to ensure steady progression while accommodating work commitments. Each week builds on previous knowledge through:
• Interactive live sessions
• Guided practical exercises
• Real-world project work
• Peer learning opportunities

Next Steps
Join the thousands of professionals who have transformed their careers through coding. Our next introductory python programming course begins in January online.

Ready to take your career to the next level? Why not attend our free online open evening session on December 12 to learn more about how Python programming could transform your career prospects.

Back to School: Expand Your Horizons with City’s Online Short Courses

September 16, 2024 / / 0 Comments

As the autumn leaves turn to brown, that familiar ‘back to school’ feeling settles in. But who says learning is just for kids? It’s never too late to expand your knowledge, develop new skills, or explore a passion you’ve always wanted to pursue.

This autumn why not embrace the spirit of lifelong learning and enrol on one of our online short courses? Whether you’re looking to advance your career, indulge a creative interest, or simply challenge yourself, we have something for everyone.

Diverse Course Offerings

City’s online short course program spans six subject areas:

  1. Business and Management: From entrepreneurship to project management, gain the skills to thrive in today’s competitive business world.
  2. Computing: Dive into the digital realm with courses on programming, cybersecurity, and data analysis.
  3. Creative Industries: Unleash your artistic potential with courses in Music Business, Event Management, and more.
  4. Languages: Open doors to new cultures and opportunities by learning a new language or improving your existing skills.
  5. Law: Explore the complexities of the English legal system, learn about specific areas of law, or enhance your understanding of legal principles and practices.
  6. Writing: Whether you dream of penning the next bestseller or want to enhance your professional writing, our courses will help you find your voice.

Flexible Learning for Busy Lives

Our online courses are delivered over zoom or teams so that you can join from home and fit education around your work and personal commitments. With expert instructors, interactive content, and a supportive community, you’ll have all the tools you need to succeed.

Invest in Yourself

In today’s rapidly changing world, continuous learning isn’t just an option—it’s a necessity. By enrolling on one of our short courses, you’re investing in your future, opening new doors, and keeping your mind sharp and engaged.

So why wait? Embrace the ‘back to school’ spirit and take the first step towards your next achievement.

Ready to start your learning journey? Explore our courses or email our friendly short course team on shortcourses@city.ac.uk. Your next learning adventure is just around the corner.

Celebrating Literary Dreams: The Captain Tasos Politis Scholarship Empowers Aspiring Novelist

September 3, 2024 / / 0 Comments

Scholarship Winner Merveille Faila

We are thrilled to announce that Merveille Faila will be 2024’s recipient of the Captain Tasos Politis Scholarship. This generous scholarship, supported by City Alumni Ambassador George Politis, provides a fully funded place on our prestigious year-long Novel Studio programme, aiming to provide opportunities for talented, aspiring novelists from low-income households.

The Novel Studio offers a structured and supportive environment for writers to learn about the craft of novel writing and to develop their own novels over the course of a year.  The course has built a reputation for spotting and nurturing emerging novelists and has a very strong track record of published alumni. Through the Captain Tasos Politis Scholarship, we are able to open doors for talented individuals who might otherwise face financial barriers to pursuing their writing ambitions.

This year’s scholarship recipient, Merveille Faila, has said:

“It is a great honour to be the recipient of the Captain Tasos Politis Scholarship. As someone aspiring to develop my voice as an emerging writer, the scholarship provides the resources to do so in a structured and supportive environment. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to gain greater exposure to the literary world, and to learn and grow in my experience of crafting a novel.”

This sentiment embodies the very essence of what the scholarship and the Novel Studio programme aim to achieve – fostering new voices, building confidence, and providing the tools and connections necessary for success in the literary world.

George Politis has said:

“It is such a great honour to support literature and talent.  I try to follow in my dad’s footsteps, always curious.  That’s why we launched the FinTech. Lab at Bayes, all about innovations and technology.  Progress requires creativity and imagination.  The Novel Studio is all about that, training our future inspiring novelists. Congratulations to Merveille, eager to hear your voice!”

We are hugely grateful to George Politis for his visionary support. By funding this scholarship in honour of his late father, Captain Tasos Politis, George is investing in the future of literature.

The Captain Tasos Politis Scholarship also represents City’s commitment to diversity in literature and our belief in the power of storytelling to shape our understanding of the world. We look forward to being part of Merveille’s writing journey as she embarks on her Novel Studio year.

For anyone interested in City’s writing short courses, join us for our online open evening on Wednesday September 11 where you will have a chance to try one of our free taster sessions. Full details avaiable here.

Beyond Borders: Cultural Insights and Business Opportunities in Learning a New Language

August 31, 2024 / / 0 Comments

The Power of Language Learning in Global Business Success

In today’s interconnected world, the ability to communicate across cultures is more than just a valuable skill—it’s a crucial asset for business success. Learning a foreign language goes beyond mere translation; it opens doors to new markets, fosters deeper relationships with international partners, and provides invaluable cultural insights. In this blog post we explore the importance of language learning for business professionals aiming to thrive in the global marketplace.

The Cultural Competence Advantage

Cultural competence—the ability to understand, communicate with, and effectively interact with people across cultures—is at the heart of successful international business. Language is the key that unlocks this competence. When you learn a new language, you’re not just memorising words and grammar; you’re gaining insight into the values, beliefs, and customs of another culture.

A study by the Economist Intelligence Unit found that 47% of companies surveyed “do not offer enough training to hone their employees’ language and communication skills, and 40% believe there is not enough emphasis placed on recruiting or selecting people who are suited to cross-cultural environments.” Respondents also reported that “differences in cultural traditions” (51%) and “different workplace norms” (49%) were “the greatest threats to the smooth functioning of cross-border relationships.”

Enhancing Business Prospects Through Language

Learning a new language can significantly boost your business prospects:

  1. Building trust: speaking a client’s language shows respect and commitment, fostering stronger business relationships.
  2. Negotiating effectively: understanding cultural nuances can give you an edge in negotiations.
  3. Expanding market reach: language skills allow you to tap into new markets more efficiently.
  4. Improving decision-making: multilingual individuals often demonstrate enhanced cognitive abilities, including better decision-making skills.

Success Stories: Companies Benefiting from Localisation and Multilingualism

With an increasing shift towards personalisation in marketing, understanding a local market and the values, aspirations and language of its customers has become key to improving customer experience and expanding globally.

  • Airbnb: by supporting over 60 languages on their platform, and encouraging hosts to be multilingual, Airbnb has successfully expanded into multiple international markets.
  • Coca-Cola: the company’s “Think Local, Act Local” strategy, which includes adapting marketing and product names to local languages, has helped maintain its global market leadership.
  • HSBC: after a costly mistranslation of its “Assume Nothing” campaign, HSBC invested heavily in cultural and linguistic training, leading to more successful international operations.

Strategies for Incorporating Language Learning into Business Development

  1. Encourage employee language learning: offer incentives or discounts for in-house or external language courses.
  2. Create language exchange programs: partner with international branches or clients for mutual language learning.
  3. Use language learning apps: incorporate daily practice with apps like Duolingo into your routine.
  4. Immerse yourself: attend international conferences or arrange business trips to countries where the target language is spoken.

Language Courses at City

At City, we understand the language needs of business professionals. Run by our experienced language coordinator, Agnes Shepherd, our courses include:

  • Chinese Mandarin: spoken by over 900 million, Chinese Mandarin is the most widely used language in the world.
  • Arabic: there’s a rising demand for Arabic speakers throughout western countries.
  • German: one of the most important languages in the European Union, used by large numbers of businesses and organisations.
  • Spanish: the official language of 20 countries.

Each course focuses not just on language skills, but also on the customs and etiquette of the target culture. Our flexible schedules and online options make it easy to fit language learning into your busy professional life.

Taught by experienced native tutors and delivered in small, interactive groups, City’s language courses will immerse you in your chosen language with a fully interactive programme of teaching designed to get you speaking, reading and writing in a foreign language.

Interested? Join us on Wednesday 4 September, from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm for a special taster evening on campus. Discover our language courses, available both online and in the classroom, and meet our tutors and staff while learning something new.You’ll get a chance to try out a free 40-minute language course in anything from Arabic to Japanese.

Or register for our free online open evening on Wednesday 11th September 6pm to 7.30pm, where you’ll get a chance to try out one of our many languages on offer in our taster sessions. Full information and details are available HERE.

 

Maximising Your Learning Experience: Tips for Short Course Online Learners

August 8, 2024 / / 0 Comments

For those who you who have never taken a course with us, we offer short courses in a range of subjects from writing to computing, languages, business, and creative industries. Catering to the busy schedules of professionals and lifelong learners, most of our courses are ten-weeks long, but we also offer one or two-day workshops, and the majority are delivered via Zoom or Teams. With the new academic year around the corner, we’ve compiled a list of practical tips to help you get the most out of your learning experience while studying from home.

 1. Stick to a Schedule

Consistency is key to managing your time effectively. Treat your online course schedule as you would a traditional in-person class. Mark your calendar with class times and allocate specific periods for reviewing materials, completing assignments, and participating in discussions.

2. Actively Engage in Classes

Active participation is crucial in an online learning environment. Keep your camera on if possible, ask questions, and contribute to discussions. Engaging with your tutor and classmates will enhance your understanding and make the learning experience more interactive, and more enjoyable

3. Stay Organised

Keeping your course materials organised can save you time and stress. Use digital folders to store notes, assignments, and readings. Tools like Google Drive, OneNote, or Evernote can help you keep everything in one place and easily accessible.

4. Take Regular Breaks

Sitting in front of a computer for extended periods can be tiring. Incorporate short breaks into your study sessions to stretch, hydrate, and relax. The Pomodoro Technique—studying for 25 minutes followed by a 5-minute break—can be an effective way to maintain concentration and engagement.

5. Network with Fellow Students

Building connections with your peers can enhance your learning experience and provide support throughout the course. Participate in group activities, or create a study group to collaborate and share insights.

6. Practice Good Posture

Maintaining good posture is essential for physical comfort and health while learning from home. Try to ensure your chair provides proper support, keep your feet flat on the ground, and position your screen at eye level to prevent neck and back strain.

7. Enhance Your Technical Skills

Familiarise yourself with Zoom, and Teams used for your courses. Make sure you iron out any login difficulties way ahead of the first session. Learn how to navigate these tools effectively, including using breakout rooms. This will help you avoid technical difficulties and participate more effectively in class.

8. Stay Motivated and Set Goals

Short courses can be intense, so staying motivated is crucial. Set clear, achievable goals for what you want to accomplish each week. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small, and remind yourself of the reasons you enrolled in the course.

9. Seek Feedback and Support

Don’t hesitate to reach out to your tutor for feedback on your work or clarification on course materials. All our lecturers are happy to answer questions about the course content and delivery and to help you with any issues that arise.

10. Explore Opportunities 

City short courses has a range of opportunities available to students on particular courses. Familiarise yourself with what’s on offer, e.g. current and past writing students are eligible for our termly City Writes Competition, and make sure you make the most of your time at City.

Enrolling in a City short online course offers a fantastic opportunity to advance your knowledge and skills in a convenient and flexible format. By following these tips, you can help maximise your learning experience and achieve your goals. Happy learning!

For those who would like to try out one of our short courses, we are running an online open evening on September 11 2024, with tasters in a variety of subjects. Attendance is free but you’ll need to register to secure your spot. Full details are here.

 

City Writes Summer 2024: A Monumental Event

July 12, 2024 / / 0 Comments

By Rebekah Lattin-Rawstrone

While half the country were on the edges of their seats watching football, us lucky few were treated to a night of storytelling, imagination and the excitement of hearing the inner world of consciousness burst out from the page.

 

City Writes is a termly event set up to showcase the best talent from City’s creative writing Short Courses. It’s a game of two halves (I couldn’t resist): readings from competition winners, students and alumni of City’s creative writing short courses who enter their best 1,000 words of fiction or creative non-fiction into the termly competition; and a visit from a published alumni or tutor and this term we managed to score the wonderful Lara Haworth, whose debut Monumenta came out with Canongate on the 4th July.

 

We began the night with the competition winners and Dee Miller, recent Novel Studio alumna, kicked things off with an extract from her Middle Grade novel, Between Wind and Water. We were enthralled as Geal, guardian of Spring, discovers all the people and animals of their local village are gone, leaving only footprints, paw marks and hoof prints behind. It was easy to imagine a young audience being gripped by this fantastical and energetic tale.

 

We heard from An Approach to Creative Writing alumna, Emily Edwards next as she read her multi-perspective story, ‘Laurie’. Who was this rather wild woman and what happened that night? A story that leaves the central character absent but all over the text, it was a thrilling and eerie listen. The audience were left wanting more in all the right ways.

 

Moving from one dark scenario to another, Flora Tonking read her story, ‘The Playing Field’ next. Another recent Novel Studio graduate, Flora’s story was inspired by events in her mystery novel, Chosen Family, and certainly proved her expert turn of phrase and her ability to leave bodies bleeding in the dark. A very haunting and moving story. Bring on the novel!

 

From fiction to creative non-fiction, we were treated to a wonderful portrait of Constance Markiewicz next as Fact-Based Storytelling alumna, Pamela Welsh, read her piece, ‘A Countess in Combat’. Constance’s life from riches to revolution was inspiring and a wonderful advertisement for Pamela’s book project on women in conflict. That’s a book I think we’ll all be eager to pick up.

 

Another Novel Studio alumna and City Writes veteran, Jill Craig read next. Her story, ‘Estrangement’, took us onto a boat ride with her main character, on her way to see her estranged mother with a new boyfriend, desperate to reach out to her sister, the one who remained her touchstone of safety. So full of emotional turmoil and laced with lyrical writing, the audience were putty in Jill’s hands.

 

Next, we heard from Margaret Rogerson, our final competition winner and another recent Novel Studio graduate. Margaret read an extract from her novel, I Was, Once. She transported us into those delicate teenage years, fourteen and eager to find excitement in life. Her character found herself on holiday in a campsite surrounded by an aunt preoccupied with ‘that stupid baby’ and a whole host of men hungry to watch her cartwheel. Let’s hope Margaret publishes soon so that we can read the rest of this story with such a compelling and funny voice at its heart.

 

After such a stellar set of competition winning readers, it was a good thing we had multi-talented artist, filmmaker and now writer, Lara Haworth as our guest speaker. A Novel Studio alumna who read an early extract from Monumenta at City Writes back in 2021, Lara is a phenomenal writer dear to our hearts. Her debut, Monumenta is a book that examines how we remember collectively and in private. The Guardian says it  ‘fizzes with ideas’ and Bookmunch say it ‘Deserves a place on awards shortlists’ and the City Writes audience couldn’t agree more. Over the next half an hour or so Lara introduced us to the book through her answers to my questions and some wonderful short readings from a small novel that really packs a punch.

Author and City alumna Lara Haworth

Set in Belgrade, the novel opens with Olga Pavić receiving a letter from the government. It tells her that her house is being requisitioned in order to turn it into a monument for a massacre. But which one? No one seems to know. It’s a novel that explores memory in all its present, personal and civic interpretations. It was such a delight to speak with Lara and you can hear her readings, our conversation and all of the competition winners by clicking on this link to the video of the night. It really was a monumental night. Buy your copy of Monumenta here.

 

Thank you, Lara, thank you competition winners, thank you audience members and Emily Pedder for supporting this event. It truly is a showcase for the talent coming from the short creative writing courses at City and what talent there is. Next term, City Writes returns with alumna Jo Cunningham as our guest. Jo’s debut, Death by Numbers comes out with Hachette this August. It’s a seaside comedy crime that will have us burning on our beach towels. Listen to the event HERE and watch this space for details of City Writes Autumn 2024.

The Art of Curating and Exhibition Management

May 21, 2024 / / 0 Comments

What’s Your Vision?

At City short courses, our Curating and Exhibition Management course is run by Renée Pfister, an esteemed art consultant, curator, registrar and business development manager. She was part of the curatorial team at the British Museum, where she was involved in realising major projects such as the Great Court and the Weston Gallery of Roman-Britain. At the Tate Gallery she worked as a Registrar from 1999 to 2005 and was responsible for managing acquisitions and ground-breaking international exhibitions from the Tate’s collection. She also participated in a Registrars’ exchange programme at the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) in New York, wrote a chapter for the Routledge publication Understanding International Art Markets & Management, and worked for the late Sir Anthony Caro as an advisor. Since 2010 she has run her own art and gallery consultancy.

Renée Pfister Art & Gallery Consultancy quickly established a loyal portfolio of clients: Whitney Museum of American Art; Morgan Library & Museum, both in New York; the British Embassy, Paris; the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, the Government Art Collection, the German Embassy and Waltham Forest Council, London; the Victoria Museum, Kiev and the Pushkin Museum State Museum of Fine Art, Moscow, providing them with a wide range of collection and exhibition management services. The Consultancy also represents many international artists: Peter Zimmermann, Chris Tille, Alexandra Carr and Elisa Bracher to name but a few. More recently Renée worked with the Serpentine Gallery London,  Torus Torus Studios Tyne & Wear; Detroit Institute of Art, Detroit; National Library Canberra; Islamic Arts Biennale Jeddah and the Manar Light Project Abu Dhabi. Renée  also offers support to gallery owners new in the business and career mentoring services to emerging and mid-career artists.

Renée Pfister condition checking a painting in a private residence in Paris ©Renée Pfister.

As Renee explores in her City course, curating and exhibition management go beyond mere display to how stories are told and emotions provoked, and has the power to foster connections between audiences and artworks. In this blog, we delve into the essence of this process, exploring what it involves and how it shapes our cultural landscape.

Curating and Exhibition Management

Curating entails selecting, organising, and presenting artworks or artifacts within a defined indoor or outdoor space, within a thematic or conceptual framework. Exhibition management encompasses the legal, conservation, logistic and technical requirements of bringing these curatorial  visions to life, from planning and budgeting to installation and promotion. Together, they form one of the core activities of museums, galleries, and cultural institutions worldwide, shaping the way we engage with art, heritage, and our world.

The Value of Curating

  1. Interpretation: Curators interpret the significance of artworks and contextualise them within broader historical, cultural, political or social narratives. Through thoughtful selection and arrangement, they guide viewers on a journey of discovery, fostering deeper understanding and appreciation.
  2. Meaning: Exhibitions are designed to evoke emotions, provoke thought, and spark dialogue. Effective curation transforms spaces into dynamic environments where artworks come alive, forging connections between creators, audiences, and ideas.
  3. Cultural Heritage: Curation plays a pivotal role in preserving and promoting cultural heritage, safeguarding artworks for future generations. By curating exhibitions that celebrate diversity and inclusivity, they contribute to a more vibrant and inclusive cultural landscape.
  4. Innovation and Dialogue: By curating exhibitions that embrace experimentation and a diversity of perspectives, curators foster innovation and stimulate dialogue, driving cultural change.

Renée Pfister in conversation with Peter Zimmermann, discussing his exhibition ‘Colourscape’ at the German Embassy in London ©Peter Zimmermann, Thorsten Schneider and Renée Pfister.

The Curatorial and Exhibition Management Process

  1. Research and Concepts: Curators begin by conducting extensive research on artists, movements, and themes, identifying overarching concepts or narratives that will guide the exhibition.

    Beyond Display

  2. Selection, Collections and Loans: Curators select artworks from the museum’s collections and borrow additional key representations that align with the agreed concept, considering factors such as artistic quality, historical significance, and relevance to the theme.
  3. Design and Installation: Curators work closely with designers, conservators, registrars, and art handling technicians, to realise their vision. Taking care of the exhibits during the installation and exhibition period are of utmost importance. Lighting, spatial arrangement, and signage are all considered in an effort to enhance the viewer experience and to deliver an outstanding exhibition experience.
  4. Promotion and Outreach: Curators collaborate with marketing teams to promote the exhibition through social media and news outlets. Outreach efforts aim to attract diverse audiences and communities, offering physical and intellectual access to maximise engagement.

Curating and exhibition management represent the intersection of art, storytelling, and cultural stewardship. Curators shape our collective understanding of the world and enrich our cultural experiences. Their role remains crucial in preserving heritage, fostering innovation, and creating meaningful connections between art and society.

The next Curating and Exhibition Management short course at City will take place in October 2024.

For our full range of Creative Industry Short Courses, and all our other Short Courses, visit our home page HERE.

 

 

 

Nestle into Your Niche: Three Ways to Start Copywriting

May 7, 2024 / / 0 Comments

By Maddy T Thomas

Are you a budding copywriter looking for tips on how to get started? Here are three simple steps to help you build a portfolio using your interests as inspiration. Whether you love golf, graphic design or doing good, these strategies will help you on your way to producing top-notch copy.

1: Find your vibe

Start by listing your hobbies, interests and passions. Then, add the things you know about what you’ve written by cataloguing any required equipment, or linked famous faces or historical or annual events. International Women’s Day, for example. Don’t think yet; just write.

When you sit back and look at your list you may well be surprised by the wealth of information you have cached and can use as a basis for further research and writing.

Perhaps you’ve noted multiple dance brands and could put together an informative article on the construction of the ballet pointe shoe. Or a great listicle of five essential warm-up exercises. Start with what lights you up. Enthusiasm married with sharp copy translates into an engaging read.

2: Find your tribe

Look at your list again. Is it heavy in one particular direction? That’s your niche. Seek out any related blogs, magazines, websites and social media sites and look at the stories they publish.

A search on ‘bodybuilding UK’, for example, brings up magazines, blogs, websites and federation information with articles relating to wellness, nutrition and competitions, all designed to educate and inspire the consumer.

As a new copywriter looking to build a portfolio of varied writing, it can be helpful to see what’s already published in your areas of interest. Note the types of copy you’re finding in your research.

Perhaps your area of interest is heavy with ‘how to’ articles and listicles, or has respected blogs sharing well researched copy that enthusiasts can use to enrich their knowledge. It’s a good idea to write your own examples along these lines.

As a novice writer, research can give direction to practice pieces and help you come up with ideas, as well as help build a wish list of editor contacts to reach out to when the time is right.

3: Find your voice

Writing from hands-on experience and a true passion for a subject is a great place to begin persuasive writing.

Perhaps you’re a member of a society, trade union or professional body that has a publication? Members’ magazines can be a good starting point when building a writing portfolio.

You may have an existing magazine subscription that could be a useful jumping-off point when researching and producing copy for your niche. Many accept print and or digital article submissions from their subscribers.

When you write about what you love, there will be someone who loves what you write.

Maddy T Thomas is literary fiction author and creative copywriter.

Maddy took our Introduction to Copywriting short course with Maggie Richards. As part of the course, students have the opportunity to pitch a blog idea for our site. If successful, the post will be edited and published on the site.

The next Copywriting course, which runs monthly, is in May. Maggie also runs our Writing for Business course.

For all our courses, visit our homepage HERE.

Author Maddy T Thomas

Essential Writing Tips for Accountants

April 25, 2024 / / 0 Comments

By Maria Sigacheva

‘Wizards’ of numbers and bookkeeping, accountants also spend time corresponding with clients and tax officials. Here are some tips on how to write well for non-accountants.

“Your reputation rides out with every letter you send,” states co-founder of the Plain English Commission, Martin Cutts. So how can you ensure that your readers understand your communications clearly and easily? Read on for three tips to improve your copy.

1)  Stick to a Simple Structure

An accountant’s letter to the tax office or to your client should be clear and well structured. Clarity can be improved by using a tried and tested three-part structure: an introduction, the main body copy, and a conclusion.

 

The introduction should summarise the purpose of the letter. Whether it’s about missing documents or querying financial statements, make it clear upfront.

The main body copy (two or three paragraphs) should detail your main points in a logical order. Avoid repeating the same information twice. Make sure you order events chronologically.

In your concluding paragraph, let the recipient know if you require a response and by which date. Add your contact details too, so that they can easily reach you for any queries.

2) Ramp up Readability

  • Use plain English, and remove any jargon, if possible.
  • Use active verbs, for example “we thought” instead of “after a careful thought.”
  • Avoid outdated words, like thereof, herein, hereof.

Being concise is a skill. Let’s look at an example of a recent letter about tax affairs. “Your current amount due according to the records held by the tax office is £10,000.” This could be rewritten for clarity as “The total due to the tax office is £10,000.”

In The Journal of Accountancy, business writing trainer Elizabeth Danziger writes: “Strive for an average sentence length of 10 to 18 words.” How? Remove all “as well as,” “but,” “that,” and “which” – and split overly-lengthy sentences. Get straight to the point and clients will praise you for saving them time!

 

3) Perfect your Punctuation

Grammarly is a useful proofreading tool. Just copy and paste your text and the software will instantly highlight any errors. It’s also a good idea to read your copy out loud to check punctuation and flow.

By adhering to these simple tips, you can start to improve your business writing – and relationships – today.

 

Maria Sigacheva is an Indirect Tax Manager at Glencore, and an Association of Chartered Certified Accountants ambassador for early careers.

Maria took our Introduction to Copywriting short course with Maggie Richards. As part of the course, students have the opportunity to pitch a blog idea for our site. If successful, the post will be edited and published on the site.

 

The next Copywriting course, which runs monthly, is in May. Maggie also runs our Writing for Business course which starts next week.

For all our courses, visit our homepage HERE.

Lost and Found: How to deal with Life’s Big Changes

April 22, 2024 / / 0 Comments

Author Alessandra Lewis with her family

 

By Alessandra Lewis

Feeling lost? You’re definitely not the only one. Alessandra Lewis reveals how overwhelming change led her to finding happiness.

 

In August 2023, I moved from a coastal town in England to Trentino in northern Italy with my parents and my brother. It was the start of one of the most transformative seasons of my life. I just didn’t know it at the time.

The conversations, the planning, the preparation: it all started over five years before. I’m half English and half Italian; growing up I spent many summers in Italy, visiting family and exploring this beautiful country.

After 20 years living in Dorset, we decided to switch the sea for Italian meadows and mountains. A change of lifestyle. A change of pace. Of course, I was excited. But most of all I was in denial. I was holding on so tightly to the last few months of my life

in England – in between working and packing boxes – that I didn’t want to miss anything by thinking too much about the future. By overthinking. By worrying.

I knew the move would bring an incredible amount of change, and I preferred to assume I was ready enough, rather than actually consider how prepared I was. My state of denial was a coping mechanism. And for me, it worked. Am I suggesting this is a good way of coping with life’s changes, big or small? Absolutely not. But, did it enable me to fully enjoy the last few months, before the move, with the people I love most? Yes. Yes, it did. And for that I’ll always be grateful.

You may be wondering why I’m divulging all of this. It’s simple really. At the time, to say I was a bit lost and confused would have been a huge understatement. Is it the right thing to do? What if I’m not happy there? Am I going to regret it? The truth is, even a month after moving, I still didn’t have answers to any of these questions. Everything felt overwhelming.

I was so happy to be in Italy; who wouldn’t? But being away from loved ones and adjusting to a new life here wasn’t easy. So, I took things one day at a time.That’s the thing about life, isn’t it? We’ll always be wondering whether we’re doing the right thing. And the answer will probably always be changing, just as life changes. But that’s okay.

New friends, new places, new ways of thinking. Just a few of the things I wouldn’t have discovered had we not moved. I also wouldn’t have settled on my ideal study path – writing – ultimately leading me to take Maggie Richards’ wonderful copywriting course. August 2023 may have been a month of big changes and doubts, but her masterclass provided certainty. And inspiration.

It’s in these moments – the ‘glimmers’ – when life feels good and things are looking up that we are reminded how important the tough moments are. After all, it’s often only because of them that we find where we’re truly meant to be.

Alessandra Lewis is an aspiring multilingual copywriter with a love for books and exploring new places. Alessandra took Maggie Richards’ Introduction to Copywriting course, which runs monthly. The next one is in May and you can book here. Maggie also teaches City’s Writing for Business course which starts next week. As part of both courses, we offer students the chance to pitch a blog idea which, if successful, will be edited and published on our site. For more information about all our short courses, visit our home page HERE.

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