Philippa Adams
Philippa graduated with a BA in English Literature and French in 2014. She currently works as a Sales Representative at Sphinx Publishing Company (Sayegh Group) in Cairo, Egypt.
On my current role
"I work as a Sales Representative for educational programmes and books in Cairo. This includes going to international schools and cultural institutes to present and sell Pearson Education books.
"I also run teacher training sessions on the programmes, act as an editorial assistant for fiction in the Egyptian schools market, and represent the company at book launches and educational conference.
"I have also become the sales representative for a French publishing house in Egypt. I have been lucky enough to use my French by translating for the company and organising French teaching conferences."
On living abroad
"My degree, and especially my year abroad in Martinique as a Language Assistant with the British Council, gave me the ability to adapt to very different cultures both linguistically and personally.
"I now live in Cairo and my year abroad definitely gave me the confidence to be globally mobile and adapt to new, and sometimes difficult, environments.
"I am now learning Arabic so language learning (as a skill in itself) definitely helped me prepare for this.
"My degree and my year abroad also improved my public speaking and teaching skills; this has been particularly useful as I now work in sales and as a trainer.
"The study of cultural analysis and critical theory within the English Literature department has also allowed me to engage with and understand the countries where I have lived."
On getting into publishing
"To enter into the publishing industry, work experience and internships can have a greater value than formal qualifications.
"Find internships and short work experience placements during the university holidays to improve your CV and make contacts in the industry.
"Also, at the beginning, try not to be picky! Everyone wants to go into editorial work, but publishing is a much bigger industry: try literary agencies, sales, marketing or digital publishing and you might surprise yourself."
On life at Manchester
"I knew I wanted to become fluent (or close to fluent!) in a foreign language, but also did not want to give up the study of English Literature. Manchester gave the opportunity to do both.
"At first, I loved the fact that Manchester was in the middle of the city; campus universities didn't seem as alive and were removed from the rest of the city.
"Later, I liked the fact that the English Literature and Languages departments have a diverse range of specialisms and subjects. It was possible to do modules in linguistics, culture and literature across both departments. I liked the fact that French language study gave me a practical skill, whilst English Literature allowed for more artistic study.
"Outside of university time, my AU sports team and the live music scene were the best things about Manchester. It is is a big and interesting city, meaning you'll always have something new to see and do."
On my tips for humanities students
"I would tell those looking to pursue humanities, and especially languages, that they never know where they could end up!
"I have friends from the course and from my year abroad who have worked/currently work in France, Canada, the USA, Colombia, Senegal, Spain and Italy.
"In practical terms, I would advise those looking to study humanities to look at the wide range of choices available to them to find what they like best within the department.
"Also, speak to your lecturers. Lecturers may seem scary at first, but they're the biggest asset you have!"