Journalism graduate talks about her rise to success at the Liverpool Echo

University of Central Lancashire Journalism graduate, Ellen Kirwn, has risen up the ranks at the Liverpool Echo to become Breaking News Editor for the publication.

Graduating from UCLan's BA (Hons) Journalism course, Ellen Kirwin quickly found her feet in the working world and after a brief work experience at BBC Radio Merseyside, Ellen was offered a role as Multi-Media Journalist, focusing on the Liverpool Echo’s What’s On section. She then became a Videographer and then a Senior Journalist, before starting her current role. 

Ellen is currently responsible for breaking news content but has previously worked on a variety of content, from event reviews, live blogging and preview features and has even interviewed the likes of Pixie Lott and Julie Walters.

Talking about her time at University, Ellen said: "UCLan 100% helped me get my job. My editor expressed how impressed she was that I had a degree, NCTJ Diploma and plenty of work experience behind me straight out of University. All of this is thanks to UCLan! It's one of the only courses that gives you all of this and more.”

In her time at Liverpool Echo, Ellen and her team have been nominated for an O2 Media Award for Best Online Publication and she thanked UCLan for the real-life experience to take into her professional role.

She said: “My degree in Journalism impacted greatly on my life as it helped me land the job I have today. I have nothing but brilliant memories from my time at UCLan. My course required me to spend long hours taking part in practical ‘live newsroom’ days, and although tasking at times, these days were so much fun and gave me an insight into what the real working world is like.

Ellen continues: “In my profession, I constantly come across other UCLan alumni who have also had success thanks to the fantastic journalism and media courses on offer.”