Oskar

In hindsight, I enjoyed my time at College more than any other part of my education and chose to study English Literature and Language, Geography and History. My enduring memories are from my History class where for two years I was taught by the late, great Paul Rimmington. An incredible teacher, Paul encouraged my passion for writing, research and journalism and his own passion for the subject was totally infectious. He had a huge impact on the person I am today. In terms of other experiences, my best memory from that time was going on a trip with Geography to the Atlas Mountains in Morocco.

After leaving University with a BA in Journalism and a professional accreditation, I thought that I was entirely employable. However, to start on the ladder I needed to put in the graft and build my experience. This included a multitude of low-paid or unpaid internships, work experience opportunities and bit-jobs throughout social media, journalism, and copywriting.

I worked mainly as a social media assistant within big bike races in the UK before the pandemic struck and scuppered my plans. Searching for any job I could, I finally landed in a copywriting agency handling a multitude of clients from insurers to sports teams. Over two years I worked my way up the client food chain before becoming part-employed by my current team as a social media assistant.

Once through the door, I could display the adaptability I began to learn at College and made my way into my current position as the director of my department. Of course, there have been many hurdles along the way – and one big lockdown totally out of my control – but it was vital to remain committed, learn from mistakes and graft towards a goal.

As well as writing, I am also the photographer for the team and so my role allows me to combine my vocation and my hobby. It’s given me the opportunity to travel the world – all the while following my favourite sport and with exposure to the high-octane environment of professional sport in an international team.

On a daily basis, I’m developing myself as a ‘Swiss Army Knife’ of media communications: switching between journalist, reporter, press officer, social media officer, photographer and writer. I love my job as I have been building towards this position ever since I first started a roadmap of my career direction at College.

My final thoughts and reflections to help current students would be:

  • If you don’t think you’re ready for uni, take a year.
  • Everything and everyone is interesting and has a story.
  • Just say ‘Yes’ to opportunities for experience – you never know where they will lead you.
  • Graft and you’ll make your own luck.
  • Join a sports team or society and find like-minded people.

Oskar Scarsbrook

Reigate College: 2013-2015

Higher Education: BA Journalism, Uni of Portsmouth

Currently: Communications Director, UCI Women’s World Tour cycling team (Human Powered Health)

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