Aslan Maton

Time at Surrey

I liked that the course had plenty of variety and wasn’t restricted to the literary ‘canon’. When I visited Surrey and had a taster seminar, I instantly knew it was the place for me.

When I started the course, I got to try so many amazing things and explore my passions! In my final year, some of my assignments included working on a graphic novel, a video game demo, and an essay on my favourite anime.

Life after Surrey

I now work as a content writer and blogger for a video game retailer, Go2Games, 25 hours a week, balanced with working on my own novel. My most successful article for work was a discussion of the attempt to censor effeminate male video game characters in China. As a non-binary person, the topic was extremely personal to me. It felt great to be given a platform to speak about issues I deeply care about.

Top tips for employment

In the digital age, there are plenty of opportunities to work as a content writer. Many smaller companies and start-ups are great places to gain experience. If you can start studying Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) as soon as you can, this will give you a great advantage among other graduate job applicants.

University helps you cultivate a love of learning that you bring with you afterwards into the outside world. I still read and write essays for my own enjoyment, and I’ve joined a group of creative writers online. What you have gained from university will stay with you no matter where you go.