1. What’s your career background, in brief?
My career is still in its relatively early stages. I graduated from the University for the Creative Arts in Farnham in 2018. While studying I completed a work experience placement with Heat magazine and volunteered as a press officer for a London-based charity called Endometriosis UK, before starting my B2B PR career in the technology sector here at Whiteoaks around seven months ago as a Junior Account Executive.
2. What’s the most challenging job you’ve ever had?
While I was studying, I worked as a waitress/barista in a riverside café for four years. Working in a kitchen was by far the most challenging! Working in a small café like the one I was in, you get thrown into completing a variety of different job roles, from clearing tables to cooking and serving up eight full English breakfasts as a time. In my experience, nothing compares to the stress of having a constant queue of 20 or so food cheques on at a time and a small window in which to prepare, cook and serve them!
3. What apps, technology items and gadgets can’t you live without?
I couldn’t live without my phone or the handsfree system in my car! It sounds silly, but as someone who spends quite a lot of time driving, I like to take full advantage of my car’s handsfree set up so I can catch up on errands and have a chat with family and friends. It’s also handy for when I am running late – which in my personal life I often am!
4. What’s the best advice you’ve been given?
As an avid Winnie the Pooh fanatic, my favourite advice is that given by Christopher Robin to his silly old bear. “Promise me you’ll always remember: You’re braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.”
5. Name one thing about your job that gives you a sense of satisfaction or makes you leave the office smiling…
I guess for me, the thing that gives me a sense of satisfaction is knowing that I achieved something great in the day. Whether that is a kind word from a member of the team, or an email from a happy client, I think everyone will agree it’s nice when you can see all your hard work pay off.
6. Do you personalise your workspace?
I have to admit that my workspace really isn’t that personalised at all! But I do have my Winnie the Pooh mug that I received from my team for my birthday.
7. What’s the first thing you do in the office in the morning?
The first thing I do is check my emails and pop up my daily ‘to do’ Post-it note list in preparation. After that, it is a nice cup of coffee (having worked in a café for so many years as a barista – I can’t cope without a morning cup!), and then crack on with my tasks for the day.
8. What are you reading, watching or listening to at the moment?
Currently, I am binge-watching the crime drama ‘Whitecollar’ on Netflix – which I would highly recommend if you are into that kind of thing! I also really enjoy a good story, so I am just finishing the Game of Thrones books and have treated myself to Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman’s ‘Good Omens’ ready for my holiday that’s coming up.
