In the Summer of 2016 and 2017, I undertook copy writing work experience with Web Consultancy Group, Middlesbrough. During both occasions, I worked on articles for a variety of clients, every day was different; one day I was challenged to write an engaging article about concrete dividers, followed by a blog for a funeral directory.

Industry I created content for include: dance wear, chiropractors, innovative technologies, home improvement, architecture, and vacation accommodation.

During the weeks I spent with Web Consultancy Group, I created a stock of articles – some of which are sadly no longer available. Here, I found my writing developed as I adopted a professional tone, speaking on behalf of a company rather than myself. Plus, tips and notes from my editor really helped me develop better writing habits.

For more articles, please follow the links below. Some of these articles are sadly no longer available, but allowed me to approach interesting topics that are certainly worth highlighting:

Devon made a great impression on us during her works experience in August 2016. It was impressive to see her take the initiative and contact us directly. When she contacted us again in 2017 to come back, we were happy to grant the request.

Throughout her second time with us Devon continued to deliver an exceptionally high standard of work, even when given tricky new topics to look at.

—

Simon Welch, Content Writing Supervisor

Need content creating for your online platform? Get in touch by filling out the form on my contact page!

Back in March 2017, an article of mine was published on the ItEquals website. ItEquals is the place where the power structures that govern us are critically unpicked. Where big issues and ideas are discussed in regard to their atomic structure. Feminism, discrimination, culture, arts, and what we see in media. It’s all there to be dismantled.

‘Being Asexual in a Sexualised Society‘ discusses my experience coming out, my journey, and how those around me have reacted. The article aims to raise awareness about asexuality and how sexualised our society has become.

The article was produced at the age of 18, when I was still naive about many things; thus some ideas and thoughts no longer represent how I feel today, or represent a surface idea that I have since studied at a deeper level. Also, as of December 2018 I no longer identity as asexual as it turns out I was just repressing my actual sexuality. This in no way discredits those who identify as asexual, nor the validity of the experiences I had.

Following the publication of my article, I was approached by writer Imogen Robinson, to contribute on two articles about asexuality for The Femedic. The Femedic exists to normalise taboos surrounding women’s health. Their writers talk about their personal experiences with women’s health issues, ask the questions that need to be asked, and work with experts to provide in-depth answers.

“However,” Devon adds, “There is an issue with how people discuss sex.” It is talked about as if it is something everyone is expected to do, which causes pressure simply because everyone believes what they are told about it. “It’s why I initially struggled to find a definition for my sexuality,” Devon says, “Because we’re not educated on it…”

The first article, ‘How Do I Know if I’m Asexual?‘ asks exactly that. With expert contributions, furrow research, and input from myself, the article explores what it means to be asexual, the stigma, societal pressures, and how we go about discussing it.

How can you live without sex?

“I’m always tempted to just reply ‘get over yourself’,” says Devon, “but I’m aware that such a response can backfire on me.” In Devon’s opinion there is a strange idea going round that asexual people can’t or won’t have sex and it’s far from true. “Yes, there are some ace [asexual] people who are sexually repulsed,” she says, “but there’s also others who are completely up for it.”

The second article, ‘I’m Asexual: here’s what I always get asked‘ covers the typical questions asexual people hear all the time. From “What does it mean?” to “How can you identify as two things?”, it explores how different asexual people response to such questions and how those questions impact them, while offering some brilliant resources for anyone questioning their sexuality.

During June 2018, I undertook a two week work experience in Penguin Random House’s Stand office. Focusing on Children’s Marketing and Publicity, I spent my time mailing promotional material, sitting in on advertising meetings, and working with a fantastic team of passionate and lovely people.

Following my return to the North, Penguin published my article about my experience working with them: Meet Devon – Work Experience in Penguin Random House Children’s Marketing and Publicity.

Additionally, while in London, I used the Spare Rooms Project to find somewhere to stay. Through the project, I found a room close to the centre of London, just around the corner from The British Museum. 

My experience with the project is up on the Publisher’s Association website: Devon Howes on her Spare Room Project experience.

My time in the Big City allowed me to meet people from all over the country, and even abroad, and learn about their experiences and what direction they wish to take their career in. Because the work experience was paid, I was able to explore the city in my downtime and learn what London is about.