To mark International Women’s Day 2021, we asked senior members of the PLMR team what their advice would be to young women starting out in their careers.
Felicity Fisher, Executive Assistant to the CEO, and PLMR’s Operations and Events Manager
The only glass ceiling is the one you put on yourself!
Anokhi Popat, Head of PR
Stay true yourself – don’t pretend to be someone you are not.
Rebekah Paczek, Managing Director of Snapdragon at PLMR
Don’t doubt yourself – you’re in the room because you deserve to be there. If someone interrupts and talks over you, keep speaking up and speaking out. Take. No. S***.
Rebecca Wakefield, Head of Community Engagement
Remember that Imposter Syndrome affects many people, no matter what stage they’re at in their career. When you’re feeling small or like you don’t belong, what would you’re peers say about you? Probably something much better than you’re currently saying to yourself! You deserve a seat at the table!
Sara Ghaffari, Senior Account Director
Always remember your value and don’t be afraid to push boundaries.
Eve Preston, Account Director
Aim high, persevere and most importantly of all, be yourself!
Jasmin De Vivo, Senior Account Director
Never compare yourself to someone else; you will have your own specific strengths and skills so it’s important to focus on your goals and embrace challenge as an opportunity to learn and build resilience. Always believe in yourself, and others will too.
Tiffany Beck, Senior Consultant
- Don’t expect to know exactly what direction your career will take – it is very rarely a linear path, and you never know what will come your way.
- Learn how to network and leverage those skills to spot opportunities that may not be obvious.
- Don’t take rejection personally, learn from it so you can ‘fall up’ and find an even better opportunity.
- Don’t be afraid to ask about roles you feel like you aren’t qualified for or for coffees (virtual or real-life) to pick someone’s brain. You may be surprised how often people say yes and how many doors they will be happy to open for you.
- Don’t ever feel like you’re the only one struggling with imposter syndrome, or work/life balance, or being a brilliant mum and employee.
- No one has it figured out – recognising that, building resilience, and having a sense of humour about it all will solve half the challenges for you
Niamh Mercer, Senior Account Manager
Work hard, be yourself and take every opportunity you can! The start of your career can be nerve wracking but it’s also very exciting and companies will value your fresh perspective and energy, so be bold and go after the opportunities you are passionate about. Even if it is intimidating, don’t be afraid to make your voice heard – it is just as valuable as everyone else’s.
Lucy Somers, Digital Account Manager
If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you.
