As a kid I always loved creative writing – I would spend ages writing my own ‘magazines’ and stories, wondering how I could turn this passion into a job one day. After college I was aiming for a degree in English but, after seeing the exhaustive reading list, my dad suggested something more practical – so I turned the page in the university prospectus and found Event and Tourism Management. If it wasn’t for that page-turning whim, my path into PR may never have happened…
In 2013 I was enjoying my third year of BA (Hons) Event and Tourism Management at the University of Suffolk and, as I hoped, it was a practical experience with internships, organising events and meeting employers.
One such employer who I met during my studies was PLMR Genesis – the team hosted a practical workshop where us students were tasked with creating a PR campaign for a client. I loved it! I had found an outlet for my writing and was thrilled to see my first ever press release get coverage in the local newspaper.
Before I finished university, I sent my CV to PLMR Genesis and was taken on as an undergrad Account Executive straight away – the day before my 21st birthday. Now 11 years later (with a career break to have my daughter), I have proudly climbed to Account Director and still loving my role, working flexibly to juggle career and motherhood.
People often question why I stayed in my first job for so long, but it’s a simple answer – it’s not the same job. Anyone in a PR agency will know that no two days are the same. Clients bring such variety and over the years I have worked in a range of sectors, from education and healthcare to retail and tourism, each bringing new challenges and opportunities.
I’ve seen PLMR Genesis grow and change over the years too – from a small team of six in a rural couch-house when I first started, to a large team in Ipswich town centre and now part of the PLMR Group nationally.
I think the key to enjoying a long-term career is about finding an employer that you can grow with, as well as an outlet for your passion and a career that offers variety.
In a ‘circle of life’ moment, I now return to the University of Suffolk each year to speak to students about PR, just as PLMR Genesis inspired me in 2013.
For anyone thinking about a career in PR, or considering what to study at university, follow your gut instinct and take note of the employers that cross your path along the way – your connections are just as valuable as credentials.
