MORAG BUCHANAN

841 Clifton Road

Aberdeen, AB24 5DW
Email: m.buchanan.13@aberdeen.ac.uk, Mobile: 07721 508303

EDUCATION
2013 2017

MA (Hons) English/History, University of Aberdeen

Courses have included: Introduction to the critical study of Literature
and Language, Revolution to Revolution: Literature 1640-1789,
Scotlands New Horizons c.1690- 1850, and Europe and Scotland 15001750.
Other subjects studied include Psychology and Career
Development: Find Your Direction, which explores career planning,
entrepreneurship and employability.

2007 2013

Mackie Academy, Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire

Advanced Higher:
Highers:
Standard Grades:

English (A), History (B)

English (A), History (A), Drama (B),
Biology (C), French (C),
Eight Standard Grades awarded at credit level.

INTERNATIONAL WORK EXPERIENCE

Summer 2013

BUNAC: Camp Counsellor, Camp America, New England

I spent 9 weeks as a Camp Counsellor for a residential camp in New
England, USA, for children aged between 11 and 15. I took part in
general supervisory duties of the childrens activities and
accommodation and developed theatre-based activities. Each day I
was on duty between 7.00 am and 10.30 pm, and I arranged various
activities and competitions for the children. Having a friendly face was
very important, especially for children who were at camp for the first
time.

OTHER WORK EXPERIENCE

2013 Present

Sainsburys Supermarket, Berryden, Aberdeen

I was initially employed as a checkout assistant, before being promoted
to the Customer Services desk. I also work with the home delivery
team. I was awarded Employee of the Month in August 2013 for my
contribution to the Customer Service desk, where I successfully
resolved customers complaints and queries. My current role includes
negotiating shift changes for staff, and ensuring that home deliveries
leave the store on time.

2012 2013

Tolbooth Seafood Restaurant, Stonehaven

I was a member of the waiting staff in a busy, award winning restaurant.
This required excellent customer service skills and I had to work under
pressure. This experience enhanced my understanding of how good
customer service can increase company profits.

SKILLS
Communication

I developed excellent communication skills both through working as a

counsellor in the USA and also at Sainsburys.
My ability to
communicate well with customers was acknowledged in an Employee
of the Month award. Communication skills have also been vital in my
role as Stage Manager for the student society, Treading the Boards to
ensure the smooth running of a production of Oklahoma!. My university
course is also assessed on verbal communication, and I regularly give
presentations of my work to my peers.

IT

I have excellent IT skills, having successfully completed the European

Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) at school. I am competent with MS
Office, using Outlook, Word and PowerPoint for both my university
course work and societies.
I co-ordinated the sponsorship for
Oklahoma!, using MS Excel to record and sum the monies received
from sponsors.

Business

As a member of the production team for Oklahoma! I was aware of the

need to secure sponsorship money and manage our budgets while also
ensuring that all tickets and advertising opportunities were sold to achieve
the maximum return on the production. I co-ordinated efforts to raise
sponsorship of 3000 and we sold 93% of the available seats, ensuring
that the production returned a modest profit. Working for a busy
restaurant and one of the countrys main supermarkets has given me an
insight into aspects of retail business operations.

Organisation

Working in a busy restaurant helped develop my organisation skills to

ensure I worked efficiently and competently under pressure. I
demonstrated my organisational skills through my success stage
managing theatrical productions, and also at summer camp where I was
responsible for arranging activities for the children in my care.

INTERESTS
Drama/Events

I stage managed the University production of Oklahoma. These roles

have given me an insight into events management, and experience in
dramatic productions. I was also involved in stage managing the schools
performance in the national Rock Challenge competition, and was
pleased when we won the regional heat to critical acclaim - against 12
other schools.

Sport

In my spare time I participate in Zumba classes with friends.

Travel

I enjoy opportunities to travel within the UK and abroad. Following my

BUNAC experience, I undertook a two week road trip with new friends
along the US eastern seaboard, culminating in visiting New York.

Music

In addition to enjoying singing and performing, I play the saxophone and

piano.

REFEREES
Available on request.