Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Timeline
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Holly Simms

Rug

Summary

Driven individual with proactive approach to learning and personal growth. Demonstrates strong analytical and communication skills, excelling in both collaborative and independent environments. Passionate about impactful storytelling and dedicated to making a meaningful contribution in the field of journalism.

Overview

4
4
years of professional experience

Work History

Politics Editor

Palatinate - Durham Univeristy's Student Newspaper
Durham
09.2024 - Current
  • Lead the Politics section of Durham’s award-winning student newspaper, regularly the most-read and top-performing section.
  • Manage a team of four through a bi-weekly print cycle, commissioning timely, high-engagement stories.
  • Oversee section layout and design using Adobe InDesign, ensuring each issue is visually distinctive and editorially cohesive.
  • Edit and publish all articles for web using WordPress, adapting content for digital formats and optimising for readability.
  • Write original features and news stories, while editing submissions to maintain high journalistic standards and house style.
  • Known for a meticulous editing approach and commitment to delivering clear, impactful journalism under deadline pressure.

Head of Events

The Revival Charity Fashion Show
Durham
06.2024 - 02.2025
  • Designed and led eight successful fundraising events, including live music nights, craft workshops, and creative classes, raising over £5,000 for Durham City of Sanctuary.
  • Managed end-to-end event planning, from venue booking and supplier liaison to ticketing, branding, and on-the-day logistics.
  • Played a central role in producing the charity fashion show, overseeing venue coordination, staging, in-show entertainment, ticketing, and guest experience.
  • Led a team of six Events Executives, delegating tasks, maintaining team morale, and fostering a collaborative, motivated work culture.
  • Honed skills in communication, narrative-building, and stakeholder coordination, skills directly applicable to fast-paced editorial and media environments.

Online English Literature and Language tutor

GoStudent
09.2023 - 09.2024
  • Tutored 8 GCSE and A-Level English Language and Literature students, all of whom improved by at least one grade between mock and final exams.
  • Delivered 2–3 tailored sessions per week per student, adapting teaching strategies to suit individual learning styles and exam goals.
  • Designed bespoke study guides and exercises to target specific weaknesses, ensuring consistent engagement and measurable progress.
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge of evolving curriculum standards to align lessons with current educational objectives.
  • Developed strong interpersonal and communication skills, fostering student confidence and clarity in written and verbal expression - essential foundations for journalistic storytelling.

Front of House Waitress

The King's Head
Napton on the Hill, Warwickshire
06.2021 - 01.2024
  • Delivered friendly, efficient customer service in a fast-paced environment, handling both positive and negative guest interactions with professionalism and composure.
  • Collaborated closely with chefs, bar staff, and management to ensure smooth service and high customer satisfaction.
  • Maintained high hygiene standards by quickly and thoroughly cleaning dining areas and adhering to food safety practices.
  • Built strong menu knowledge to confidently advise guests on options and dietary requirements, consequently sharpening clarity and precision in communication.
  • Developed adaptability, time management, and teamwork skills under pressure, all of which are valuable in newsroom and editorial settings.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - English Literature

Durham University
Durham
09/2022 -

A-Levels -

King's High School
Warwick, Warwickshire
/2021 -

GCSEs -

King's High School
Warwick, Warwickshire
/2019 -

Skills

  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Strong leadership
  • High level of attention to detail
  • Responsible and reliable
  • Outgoing and confident personality
  • Calm under pressure
  • Exceptional time management
  • Proficient in research and analysis
  • Natural writing and editing ability


Accomplishments

  • Level 2 CSIA Ski Instructor.
  • Charitable finisher of the 2024 Kew Garden's Half Marathon, raising over £1000 for Alzheimer's Society.
  • Commended entry in the 2020 Cambridge University Gould Essay Prize.
  • 2017 Captain of the English Working Hunter Pony team, going on to achieve numerous top 10 placings within British Eventing up to 2* level.

Timeline

Politics Editor

Palatinate - Durham Univeristy's Student Newspaper
09.2024 - Current

Head of Events

The Revival Charity Fashion Show
06.2024 - 02.2025

Online English Literature and Language tutor

GoStudent
09.2023 - 09.2024

Front of House Waitress

The King's Head
06.2021 - 01.2024

Bachelor of Arts - English Literature

Durham University
09/2022 -

A-Levels -

King's High School
/2021 -

GCSEs -

King's High School
/2019 -

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Holly Simms