Ryan Gray
London,United Kingdom
Summary
I'm a hard-working freelance writer with strong organisational skills who achieves goals through exceptional planning and prioritisation. I have expertise in creative writing, SEO, and content strategy and am proficient in Google Analytics and Adobe Creative Cloud, with a strong foundation in media law and advanced level Mandarin Chinese.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Travel Writer
Freelance
2026.02 - Current
- Crafted compelling first-person travel articles reflecting expertise and personal experiences
- Pitched engaging story ideas to diverse travel publications worldwide
- Adapted articles and copy to align with specific publication requirements and audience
- Built a robust contacts list by actively networking at industry events
Content Editor
Culture Trip
London
2024.09 - 2026.02
- Edited online travel guides and content to enhance reader engagement and accuracy
- Writing online content explaining trip itineraries
- Crafted engaging first-person travel narratives for online publication
- Coordinated content contributions from freelancers
Travel Journalist
The Sun
London
2022.06 - 2024.09
- Planned and created exclusive travel content for online platforms and publications, enhancing audience engagement
- Planned and wrote personal travel experiences, showcasing diverse destinations and cultural insights
- Covered news on global travel industry, providing insights and trends for readers
Sports Editor
Newsquest London
London
2018.12 - 2022.06
- Covered domestic, European, and international sporting events through detailed reporting
- Developed unique storytelling techniques for engaging audiences
- Edited sports pages for seven local newspapers to ensure quality and consistency
- Developed unique storytelling techniques for engaging audiences
- Leveraged social media to communicate with readers and to grow audiences
- Built relationships with club insiders and fan groups to enhance coverage
Local Democracy Reporter
Newsquest
Slough
2018.07 - 2018.12
- Attended and reported on key council and committee meetings, ensuring community engagement
- Covered news stories impacting Slough and Windsor Borough Councils, enhancing public awareness
- Built strong relationships with key contacts at both councils
News and Sport Reporter
My News
Watford
2018.02 - 2018.07
- Reported on Watford FC matches for print and online platforms, engaging local sports audience
- Executed editorial decisions for four local news magazines, shaping content direction and relevance
- Designed and edited pages using Adobe Creative Cloud software, enhancing visual appeal and readability
Video Journalist
That's TV
Reading
2017.05 - 2018.01
- Sourced, filmed and edited stories for evening news broadcast
- Edited and prepared evening news recordings for timely delivery
- Presented evening news broadcasts to engage and inform viewers
News Reporter
Newsquest
Slough
2016.10 - 2017.05
- Reported news stories in the Slough and Windsor region for online and print publication
Assistant Press Officer/Club Journalist
Blyth Spartans AFC
Blyth
2014.08 - 2016.08
- Delivered live matchday commentary for local radio stations, enriching listener experience
- Coordinated media requests from various outlets to ensure timely responses
- Crafted engaging stories for club website and matchday programme to enhance fan engagement
Translator/Project Assistant
Region Direct
Newcastle
2014.04 - 2015.02
- Translated CVs and cover letters from Mandarin to English for effective communication in job applications
- Assisted Chinese students in navigating application processes for English universities, enhancing their chances of acceptance
- Assisted Chinese students in navigating academic resources and support services in the UK
- Established exchange links between Chinese and English universities to promote academic collaboration and cultural exchange
Education
MA - Journalism
University of Sunderland
Sunderland 2015.09 - 2016.09
BA - English Language and Linguistics
York St John University
York 2008.09 - 2011.07
Skills
- Creative Writing
- Shorthand
- Google analytics
- Adobe Creative Cloud
- Media law
- Mandarin Chinese
- SEO expertise
- Content strategy
Timeline
Travel Writer
Freelance
2026.02 - Current
Content Editor
Culture Trip
2024.09 - 2026.02
Travel Journalist
The Sun
2022.06 - 2024.09
Sports Editor
Newsquest London
2018.12 - 2022.06
Local Democracy Reporter
Newsquest
2018.07 - 2018.12
News and Sport Reporter
My News
2018.02 - 2018.07
Video Journalist
That's TV
2017.05 - 2018.01
News Reporter
Newsquest
2016.10 - 2017.05
MA - Journalism
University of Sunderland
2015.09 - 2016.09
Assistant Press Officer/Club Journalist
Blyth Spartans AFC
2014.08 - 2016.08
Translator/Project Assistant
Region Direct
2014.04 - 2015.02
BA - English Language and Linguistics
York St John University
2008.09 - 2011.07