The 20s are a time for young people to fully experience life and understand where they fit in. To learn how they can balance life’s tribulations and commitments with their passions and joy, and ultimately begin to build a life for themselves. After finishing university, I found myself walking this rite of passage. During this time, the most powerful lesson I’ve learned by far was to be brave enough to ask for more in life.
Chasing my Passion
I have always loved the written word. I chased this passion throughout school and college: culminating in winning the Principal’s Award at college for writing a novel in my Creative Writing Extended Project Qualification. I believed film to be the next big industry for writing, and so I studied it at university and specialised in screenwriting. However, I finished my degree during Covid, which effectively brought the film industry to its knees and lead to a lot of uncertainty.
Around this time, I was a carer to a family member after they were trampled by a cow (a more common event than shark attacks, I have since learned), and through their subsequent surgeries. When they were successfully healed, I realised I needed to start focusing on my own life.
My Journey into PR
To further develop my skills, I began an MA in writing, but I was unsure how to take my next steps in terms of building a career. A chance meeting with the CEO of a food-waste prevention non-profit culminated in me joining the core team. Initially in charge of procurement, I quickly realised we needed to be building a presence within the food industry.
I’m incredibly grateful to my previous manager and the project for supporting me in discovering my career path. Recognising my communication and networking skills, I was promoted into a PR role. This resulted in building a presence within the food industry, bringing on new surplus partners, joining food poverty prevention forums, setting up a pet food bank, and attending expos. It was an incredibly exciting role, and I discovered a love for public relations.
I learned a lot within the non-profit industry, including that they are crying out for highly skilled individuals. As my MA was ending, I realised that to help make the biggest difference in the long run it was time to be brave and take the next step in my career.
Joining C8
I’ve always had an interest in technology, and from working within a non-profit I could see the inclusivity and workflow-supporting benefits it has to offer to the world and to teams. I really connected with C8 for its disruptive message and clients – to dare to ask what’s possible and to push boundaries – and for its work culture. C8 is a close-knit team that provides in-depth training both on the job and through the PRCA.
I have almost completed my third month with C8, and what a whirlwind! I’ve had lots to learn, but I have also made good use of skills and experience from my previous position. The team are so friendly and helpful that I have at no point been afraid to ask questions. My skills are valued and are developing further, and I’m really enjoying learning the ins and outs of being an account executive.
PR is an occupation that found me and ultimately turned my life around. It combines my life-long love of words with my new-found appreciation for networking, satisfies my drive for career progression, and is filled with amazing people. It was daunting at first to actively go out into life and ask for more, but I am so grateful I did.
Learn More About Us
C8 is a dynamic team of professionals with a passion for disruptive-tech and PR. Driven to tell compelling stories and achieve the biggest impact, C8 can help you connect with audiences that matter and kick-start conversations that will make a difference to your bottom line. Get to know us by reading our individual blogs.Looking to review your strategic PR focus? Do get in touch.