Alumni Q&A: Chloë Penman, Film & American Studies, 2011
Chloë studied a joint BA degree in Film and American Studies at King’s, graduating in 2011. She currently works as a Production Management Assistant at the BBC in Bristol.
What did you do when you graduated from King's?
During my final year at King’s College I spent time looking for jobs - I knew I did not want to do an MA, so I spent at least two evenings a week browsing the internet for job opportunities. I was offered a job in March of my final year at University, the start date was June. So when I handed in my last piece of work I had exactly six weeks until I began, I spent this time having some much deserved fun!
Did you live in any campus accommodation? What were your memories of it?
I lived in Stamford Street apartments in my first year at King’s College, I met some great people in halls and the location was incredible. But, I preferred the freedom of living in my own house with friends.
Who was your favourite lecturer/member of support staff and why?
I had some great teachers at King’s I could name many; all of the staff were incredibly supportive and helpful. However, my personal tutor and year abroad advisor Mark Betz was always on hand to give advice and support. My American Poetry lecturer Alan Marshall wrote me a lovely reference and was equally supportive and encouraging. The course administrators: Michelle Summerfield and Tom Atterson were also really helpful, answering any and all questions.
Were you involved with any clubs and societies?
I was involved peripherally with the Film Society at King’s. Throughout my first at second year I was a student representative for the British Film Institute. I worked with the BFI and the Film Society to organise a student Film Festival at King’s College in 2009.
What was your favourite thing about King's?
The location, being in London allows you to be involved with many cultural institutions outside of University.
Do you keep in touch with many people you met here? If so how?
Email, facebook, mobiles…
What do you wish you'd known at University that you know now?
Luckily I intuited that my degree would not be enough to ensure employment after graduation, if I were to give students advice, it would be to make the most of the opportunities that being a student in London has to offer, unfortunately a humanities/arts degree is no longer enough on its own.
What do you do in your spare time?
Spend time with friends, travel, watch movies.
What was your ambition when you were at King's?
My ambition while at King’s College was to make the most of my opportunity as a student, and ensure that I would have a career after graduation.
What is your ambition now?
To work hard in television production, eventually direct and/or produce programmes. I want to make the most out of being an employee at the BBC and take advantage of the resources I have available to me.