From Comparative Literature to YouTube and video games. Born in Arad in western Romania, Eduard Gafton moved to the UK at 19 and has lived, studied and worked here ever since. He came to Edinburgh in 2020 after completing an undergraduate degree in English at the University of Southampton, which included a year abroad in Japan.“During my undergraduate degree, I studied modules to do primarily with contemporary fiction and visual culture. My time in Tokyo challenged me to go beyond my preferred field of study and take classes on intercultural communication and even human resources management,” Eduard explains. Eduard at gamescon, a large annual video game convention Eduard’s interests in digital humanities, contemporary literature and experimental fiction led him to the MSc in Comparative Literature at the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures (LLC), a step that set him on his current career path. YouTube trends and video gamesToday, Eduard works remotely for 1021 Creative, a cultural intelligence company with a global reach headquartered in California. As assistant manager of the UK Content Enrichment team, he oversees client services. My team works closely with YouTube’s Culture and Trends department to deliver expert insights on platform trends. We use these insights to explain and contextualise current events on YouTube to better understand the next generation of creators and artists. Eduard Gafton MSc Comparative Literature graduate, 2021 Alongside his full-time role, Eduard freelances as a senior contributing writer for CGMagazine, a North American pop culture publication with more than 40,000 subscribers and 1 million unique visitor every month.He writes features, reviews, news articles and interviews about one of his favourite personal and professional interests: video games. "Every year since 2022, I’ve attended Gamescom, the largest video game convention in the world, and had the opportunity to ask questions of industry legends such as Tim Schafer (Double Fine Productions), Leonard Boyarsky (Obsidian) and Takashi Iizuka (Sonic Team).” How LLC shaped the methodHis time at LLC gave Eduard the toolkit to move confidently between texts, media and audiences. “Whether unpacking a short story by author Julio Cortázar, as a did during my time at LLC, or decoding the ‘6-7’ internet meme, the process and methods of deciphering them are the same for me.”For Eduard, the bridge between Comparative Literature and cultural intelligence is the method. As part of his degree, he was able to refine transferable skills – including comparative reading, analysis and critical thinking – that helped him get into his current field of work and are useful in his daily work. “At Edinburgh, I was honing my critical thinking skills by analysing literature. Now, in my professional life, I use the same skills in order to understand and explain internet and video game culture.” Eduard Gafton MSc Comparative Literature graduate, 2021 Pitch your passionEduard urges anyone at the start of their career not to wait around for the ‘right’ opportunity to land in their lap. Instead, be proactive and keep going, even when the answer is no. “If you have an idea that you're passionate about, ask an editor or client if they would be interested in you following through with it. On most occasions, they're likely to say no. But, if you try and try and try, that one time when everything is just right and the right people take a chance on you might be what catapults you towards the career that once seemed so out of reach.”Are you interested in the MSc Comparative Literature? As the first UNESCO World City of Literature, and a major cultural hub, Edinburgh is the ideal place for the comparative study of literature. This cross-disciplinary taught masters programme compares literary works from different languages and cultures. With expertise spanning the globe, we offer courses in a wide range of literary themes, genres and historical periods, critical theory and translation, and the relationship of the written word to other arts. You will also take courses in theories and methods of literary study, and research skills and methods, and write a 60-credit dissertation. The confidence you’ll develop from this range of activities - from evaluating, comparing and analysing texts, to writing and speaking about your work - are invaluable in a range of professional roles. Find out more and apply on the University of Edinburgh Degree Finder Tags English and Scottish Literature European Languages and Cultures Meet our graduates Postgraduate Publication date 16 Mar, 2026
