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Claudia Arabella Cockrell
Personal Details
Email: bcockrell@hotmail.com   Website: bellacockrell.tumblr.com    @bellcockrell
Profile
I am a highly self-motivated and enthusiastic postgraduate student currently studying Literature and Philosophy at the University of Sussex. Through my undergraduate studies and previous employment, I have developed professional skills in communication, analytical problem solving, organisation, and the ability to work within a team. I am eager to learn and have a genuine interest in publishing.
Employment

July 2013 - September 2013

Freelance Illustrator

I worked to a tight deadline to produce 20 ink drawings for a children’s book about Leonardo Da Vinci. My self-motivation was essential in meeting daily targets while maintaining a high quality of art. I also gained proficiency in using Photoshop to format my pictures to publishing quality.

Skills developed:

  • Highly organised
  • Producing high quality pictures with limited time
  • Working to a deadline
  • Proficient at Photoshop
  • Communication with author
  • Changing or developing ideas after input from author

May 2012 - June 2013

Sales Assistant at 'Potter's Toy Shop'

This position involved using product knowledge that I learnt on the job to suggest and give advice to customers looking to buy toys for children. Many of the toys were age restricted, so my knowledge had to be accurate. As customers often wanted a toy to suit a child’s personality, I had to quickly build a rapport by asking questions and suggesting products. This job also involved working with colleagues as part of a small team and taking telephone orders.

Key responsibilities:

  • Taking telephone orders and dealing with customer orders
  • Cashier
  • Updating product knowledge
  • Advising customers
  • Taking stock 
  • Stacking shelves
Skills developed:
  • Intrapersonal skills
  • Oral communication
  • Organisation
  • Confidence
  • Lateral thinking when dealing with specific enquiries e.g. disabled child
June 2012 - August 2012Undergraduate Research Assistant

During the summer, I won an AHRC bursary to conduct research on the local Surrealist poet Edward James. This experience involved me pitching my ideas to academics, travelling to James’ West Dean estate to conduct research in their archives.  This opportunity allowed me to develop my writing and research skills. I later was given the opportunity to present my findings at the British Conference of Undergraduate Research in Plymouth.

Key responsibilities:

  • Interviewing academics
  • Intensive researching and source collecting, online and at archives
  • Presenting research at a national conference
Skills developed:
  • Confidence and oral communication
  • Interviewing and fact-finding skills
  • Use of online journal resources
  • Working to a deadline
  • Presenting research succintly and without jargon to a wide audience
  • Handling masses of information
  • Well-structured writing
April 2011 - April 2012Baker and Sales Assistant at 'The Co-Operative'

This position involved learning quickly on the job as well as cooking and scheduling other working duties according to targets. Bakers often worked in pairs to coordinate efficiently during peak lunch hours.

Key responsibilities:

  • E-learning to keep up to date with food, alcohol and tobacco laws.
  • Attending hygiene, and health and safety classes. 
  • Cashier
  • Checking and replenishing stock
  • Producing high quality goods under stress at peak hours
  • Handling customer orders
  • Baking and cleaning the ovens
Skills developed:
  • Multi-tasking
  • Working effectively in a small team
  • Working to a time limit
  • Knowledge of laws
  • Taking the initiative and responding to customer behaviour with regards to replenishing goods.
Volunteer Work
2011-2012Arts Editor for 'The Badger'

Key responsibilities:
  • Researching potential news stories
  • Copyediting articles
  • Providing briefs for writers
  • Organising press tickets for reviews
  • Editing the pages for publication using InDesign
2010-2011Reporter for the local student newspaper 'The Badger'

See portfolio for examples. 
2009 -2010Waitress at vegetarian cafe 'The Art House'

Key responsibilities:
  • Serving drinks
  • Taking orders
  • Cleaning work areas and tables
  • Cashier
Education

2013 - 2014

Literature and Philosophy MA

University of Sussex

TBA

Before beginning my postgraduate study, I applied for and was awarded funding for my studies at the University of Sussex from the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC). This was a rigorous and competitive process that involved being able to communicate and pitch my ideas on paper and in academic interviews. This process necessitated an ability to respond to questions and to think critically under pressure.

 

2010 - 2013

English Literature BA

University of Sussex

2:1 (68%)

As a part of my undergraduate studies, I completed a dissertation on the role of education within utopian fictions. I had to be extremely self-motivated as I set myself targets and deadlines. Additionally, meetings with my supervisor required me to succinctly explain my research. In these meetings, I received advice and instruction that I applied to my work and developed using my own initiative. During the course, I was also called upon to give presentations that required clear verbal communication and careful structuring of my ideas into PowerPoint presentations. Throughout my degree, I developed strong analytical skills in criticism, an ability to structure and develop a clear argument, and effective oral communication skills gained through participation in seminars and group presentations. 

 

2009 - 2010A Levels

Peter Symonds College
  • A2 in English Literature - A*
  • A2 in Modern History - A
  • A2 in Philsosophy - A
2004 - 2009GCSEs

Regents Park Secondary School
13 GCSEs including 4 A*'s, 6 A's and 3 B's
Skills
  • Proficient in Photoshop and with experience of InDesign. I am also a regular user of Microsoft Office, including Excel.
  • Using social networking sites like Facebook, Tumblr, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn and Ideastap.
  • Researching, presenting and responding to questions.
  • Planning and organisation.
  • Good interpersonal skills.
After winning the brief on IdeasTap, I have also attended a masterclass on media law taught by Gillian Phillips from the Guardian. It covered topics such as contempt, defamation, copyright, privacy, conduct and iPhone use. 
References

Available on request.

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