Rosie Grant

Meet Rosie, who turned her final-year project into an award-winning magazine for women living with life challenging illnesses.

Life at Herts

Rosie loved her course at Herts. She says, ‘We had fabulous lecturers who were relatable and supportive. They brought their life experiences into the classroom, which made the subjects come alive. The variety of assignments was interesting and the skills I’ve learnt have been highly transferable. For example, I’m now more confident communicating through emails, public speaking and engaging during meetings. I always wanted to work in fashion and without my degree I wouldn’t have been able to come into this role and perform as well as I have.’

Turning an assignment into an award-winning business

Rosie’s final year group assignment was to create a magazine. Her team came up with the idea for Uplifted, a free, digital magazine that empowers a community of women living with life-challenging illnesses. This idea was unique, and Rosie’s lecturers encouraged her to enter Flare, the University’s enterprise competition that gives support and training to bring business ideas to life. Uplifted snapped up the award for innovation and impact.

Rosie says, ‘With the prize money and support from the University’s Enterprise Team we were able to secure a web-designer and shortly after we launched the first edition of Uplifted. The magazine shares real stories from women, uplifting their experiences and showing that their illnesses don’t define them. We’re also trying to raise awareness about the reality of living with life-challenging illnesses and encourage people to get any symptoms checked out. I’m passionate about Uplifted, and I’m fitting my editorial role around my graduate job at New Look.’

Advice for other students

‘Media and Journalism is an interactive course and it’s important to engage in your own learning. Always ask questions. Go to your 9.00am classes. Don’t be afraid to speak up in class.’