Chelsy
(Learning Skills for the Future)

After finishing school a few months early, Chelsy was keen to make the most of her time before starting university. With a passion for English and some informal editing experience already under her belt, she began looking for a way to earn money while developing practical skills she could use alongside – and beyond – her studies.

Our proofreading and editing course bundle, and guaranteed work trial at Proofed, offered the best of both worlds: flexibility and a clear path to real-world editing experience. Chelsy signed up, and quickly discovered just how much she enjoyed the work.

Keep reading to discover how Chelsy is balancing student life with freelance proofreading and editing. 

Hi, Chelsy! Can you tell us a bit about yourself and what you were doing before you started learning with Knowadays?

I live in George, South Africa, and I have nearly completed my first year of university.

I finished school a few months early and wanted to learn some new skills before I headed off to study for a BCom in international business.

What made you consider training as a proofreader and editor?

First of all, my love for all things English language. I loved English as a school subject and wanted to take this passion further. After completing school, I was looking for a job that I could do on the side while continuing my studies at university. I hope to continue doing editing jobs in my spare time long after I graduate too!

Had you done any proofreading or editing work before starting the courses?

Yes but only informally. I helped my dad edit a book that he is busy writing. This is when I realized I had a passion not only for writing but for editing too!

What made you decide to sign up to Knowadays?

I did a lot of online research for proofreading and editing courses and found only positive reviews of Knowadays’ courses. The fact that there was guaranteed work if I completed the courses with distinction was definitely a huge deciding factor. 

I also liked the fact that I could do the courses in my own time. I contacted the Knowadays team about whether there was an age restriction, since I was still under 18 at the time, and their professional and helpful response convinced me even more that this was the right choice. After doing the trial lessons, I was convinced that this was the course for me!

Can you tell us a bit about your process with completing the courses? Did you enjoy the experience?

I completed the courses in the time I took off between finishing school and starting university. I was also doing part-time tutoring at the same time. I took about a two-week break between the proofreading and editing courses.

I thoroughly enjoyed them both! My favorite part was the practical learning activities, where I got to put my new knowledge into action.

Was your course experience what you hoped for?

The course lived up to my expectations. The course was well-structured and taught me many valuable skills. I was hoping for a bit more practical application opportunities, but other than that I was very satisfied.

The tutors were incredibly helpful and always responded to my questions within a few hours.

Did you find anything surprising or particularly tricky during the courses?

I found the idea of a final exam quite stressful. I took my time to revise everything I had learnt to ensure I was well prepared. It helped that there wasn’t a strict time limit on completing the test, and I actually found it to be an enjoyable process where I got to practice my skills.

Have you started working at Proofed?

I registered with Proofed soon after completing the courses in January 2025. But I am planning to start my Proofed work trial at the end of the semester, since I am currently focusing on settling into university and my other editing jobs.

Have you taken on proofreading and editing work elsewhere? How did you find getting started?

I am currently writing and editing for Stellenbosch University’s newspaper and my university residence’s newspaper.

I felt well prepared and equipped after taking the Knowadays courses.

What is your day-to-day work routine like?

I usually work from my office space within my university residence, and I fit proofreading in around my studies. This usually ends up being evenings and weekends.

What do you enjoy most about working as a proofreader and editor?

I love the satisfaction of working on a text until it is error free! I find it greatly fulfilling to help an author maintain their original voice while ensuring that the right message comes across and that spelling and grammar errors are not stealing the spotlight from what they are trying to say.

Do you have a favorite type of document or project to work on?

I mostly enjoy editing documents in UK English.

What do you enjoy most about working freelance?

I can do it at any time and fit it in around my other commitments.

Are you doing any other work aside from proofreading and editing?

I am currently busy studying, and I also help run my own small baking business with my sister. Editing is mostly something I do in my free time.

What do you like to do when you aren’t working? 

I enjoy running, playing guitar and the piano, reading, writing and spending time with my friends.

How has life changed for you since becoming a proofreader and editor?

It contributes to my workload, but I really enjoy doing something that I can have control over and that I find fulfillment in doing.

What has been the biggest benefit of completing the Knowadays courses?

The skill set it has given me. I feel confident in my editing abilities!

What advice would you give someone who’s thinking about taking a Knowadays course? 

Do it! It’s a commitment that you won’t regret. You will develop skills that you will be able to use in so many different, life-enriching ways.

Becoming A Proofreader and Becoming An Editor 

Chelsy is now studying for a degree in international business, running a small baking business with her sister, and building real-world editing experience through university publications – all before she’s even started her Proofed work trial! 

Want to build career-ready skills at your own pace? Our Becoming A Proofreader and Becoming An Editor courses will teach you everything you need to get started. Pass both courses with a distinction (80% or above), and you’ll be eligible for the guaranteed work offer with our partner company, Proofed.

Buy both courses as a bundle and save 15%. 

Get a sneak peek by trying some free lessons today!