I decided to enrol on the course because I already work as an in-house copywriter but was looking for ways to strengthen and formalise my experience because I would like to become a freelance copywriter in the near future. This course seemed to cover the kind of work that copywriters genuinely tackle, and I liked the idea of the support you receive from your tutors and gaining a qualification at the end of the course. One final incentive was the real-life assignments you have the opportunity to do because although I have an increasing portfolio through my full-time job, I knew these real-life assignments would provide an opportunity to add more breadth to my portfolio.
Did you make any contact with the Institute before enrolling?
No, I didn?t. I read the website through thoroughly and decided that the price was fairly reasonable in comparison to similar courses I have come across.
What was your impression of the course when it arrived?
I was fairly impressed with the materials I received and I liked the fact that I received them up-front, whereas other courses trickle the information through. As I have some experience as a copywriter, the course materials felt ?genuine? to me. I found the handbook particularly useful because it suggests the rates you might charge and has information about the paperwork you would need to keep as a freelance copywriter.
Did you consider any other courses?
I am also doing a course with the London School of Journalism, which was the only other course I had considered. I don?t have a strong sense of seeing other copywriting courses out there and those I have seen, seemed to charge a lot of money for what they offer.
Ultimately, what do you want to do?
I want to work from home as a freelance copywriter.
How are you progressing with your course?
I've been doing the course for approximately four months and I?m currently working on my fourth module. I can be a bit slack about applying myself when work is particularly busy but I do try to devote time to the course every week. I feel that my tutor, Steve Lodge, gives me constructive feedback and he usually responds very quickly.
What might you say to someone who was thinking of enrolling on the course?
I think that this course is very specifically for someone who wants to be a copywriter and, if that is where your interests lie, then I think this course is an excellent option. I have spoken to friends who are interested in doing the course to help them improve their writing skills and I suppose I wouldn?t discourage them but I do think this is more applicable to the bread and butter work of the copywriter. I would thoroughly recommend this course and so far, my experience has been completely positive. I am currently writing for a Malaysian courier company who approached students on the course through the Institute of Copywriting website. This has been a valuable experience of working for a real company on something completely different to what I do at work. I would recommend the course on the grounds of the practical experience you gain and the support and advice offered by the tutors.
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
I get a sense that the website is being developed all the time and eventually it would be nice to see more interactive elements. However, I think that to someone reading up about the course, the website provides a fair reflection of the content.
To read some more student case studies,click here!
