Emilie Lauren Jones: From English student to Poet Laureate

Introduction

After graduating with an English Language and Literature BA (Hons) from Coventry University in 2011, Emilie Lauren Jones has built a creative career that has taken her from university classrooms to stages, studios and communities across the UK and beyond. In 2021, she was named Coventry’s first Poet Laureate, a milestone that marked both personal achievement and her growing impact as a writer and performer across the UK and beyond. Her journey shows how studying English can lead to a career shaped by creativity, communication and connection.

Finding a voice through studying English

During her time at Coventry, Emilie developed her writing skills while exploring literature, language and creative expression. The course allowed her to experiment and build confidence in her voice, something that would become central to her career.

Alongside her studies, Emilie began to gain recognition for her writing. She won an annual poetry competition run by the university and had her work published in Coventry Words Magazine, an early milestone that helped build her confidence as a writer.

These experiences helped her begin to see writing not just as something to study, but as something she could pursue professionally.

Turning passion into a profession

After graduating, Emilie continued to develop her work, performing and sharing her poetry with wider audiences. Over time, she established herself within the creative community, performing at events and working with organisations across the UK and internationally.

Her work has been featured on national platforms, including radio stations such as the BBC, as well as television broadcasts. She has also performed alongside other well-known poets, building her presence within the wider poetry scene.

“In 2021 I became the first-ever Poet Laureate for the city, and I have achieved my ambition of working as a full-time professional poet.”

Photo by Lee Allen Photography

Writing, performing and publishing

Alongside her performances, Emilie has developed a diverse body of written work. Her poetry has been published in magazines and anthologies, and in 2023, she released her debut children’s poetry book, An A to Z of Awesome Animals.

Her work has also featured in film and broadcast projects, including a poem shown on Sky Arts. For this piece, she chose to set the work in Coventry — using her writing to reflect and celebrate the city.

“I was thrilled that they were very happy for me to set it in Coventry and celebrate our city.”

This moment reflects her ongoing connection to the city and her desire to celebrate place and identity through her work.

She continues to explore new ideas and projects, including a personal challenge to read poetry from every country in the world, which she documents through her ‘Poetry Globetrotter’ project.

Inspiring others through poetry and public speaking

A central part of Emilie’s career is her commitment to making poetry accessible and meaningful. Through workshops, performances and community engagement, she works with people of all ages and backgrounds.

Photo by Chatterbox Magazine

“As part of my work, I do a lot of guest speaking and author visits in the hope of inspiring others and getting them excited about poetry.”

She regularly delivers sessions in schools, community groups and organisations, both in the UK and internationally. Her work also includes writing commissioned and personalised poems for individuals and events, helping people mark important moments in their lives.

This combination of creativity and connection is at the heart of her work, using words to bring people together and tell meaningful stories.

Building a creative career after university

Emilie’s career hasn’t followed a single, fixed path. Alongside her writing and performance work, she has collaborated with a range of organisations, cultural institutions, festivals and educational groups. She has also taken on roles such as poet-in-residence, creating work in response to live events and experiences.

Her journey reflects the flexibility of creative careers, where opportunities can develop in different directions over time.

The role of Coventry University in her journey

Looking back, Emilie sees her time at Coventry University as an important starting point. The course helped her develop both the technical skills and the confidence needed to pursue a creative career.

“My time at Coventry University gave me both the skills and the confidence to take opportunities and build the career I have today.”

Her time at university was also shaped by the support she received early on. Emilie was awarded a £3,000 scholarship in her first year, recognising her academic achievement and background.

This support helped make university more accessible and reflects Coventry’s commitment to supporting students from a wide range of backgrounds. Her experience highlights how university can support not only academic development, but also personal growth and creative ambition.

Where an English degree can take you

Emilie’s story shows that an English degree can lead to a wide range of opportunities, from writing and publishing to public speaking, education and the creative industries. The skills developed through studying English, including communication, critical thinking and creativity, are valuable across many fields.

For Emilie, those skills have supported a career that combines writing, performance and community engagement on both a local and international level.

Inspiring others to follow their own path

Now working as a full-time professional poet, Emilie is passionate about encouraging others to explore their own creative interests and ambitions.

Her journey from student to Poet Laureate demonstrates that there is no single route into a career, and that with dedication, creativity and the right support, it is possible to turn a passion into a profession.