A lot has changed since we last spoke. You’ve now progressed from a PR administrator to an Account Executive – how has your role changed?
I have indeed. On top of my existing day-to-day responsibilities as an administrator across the agency and all client accounts, I now work on a number of client teams. This means a lot more interaction with the media, a deeper understanding of the respective clients, their core markets and the wide industry as a whole.
Explain to us a day in the life as an AE?
This is a tricky one to answer as my days can be incredibly varied! Throughout the week, I can go from answering the phones, contacting journalists for feature information to sending out press releases and supporting the rest of team on an assortment of client work, among many other things.
What have you learnt about PR, marketing and communications in your new role?
As part of my progression to an Account Executive, I have completed a Foundation course in PR run by the PRCA, which has been great for learning the basics and background of PR communications. Alongside this formal training everything else I have learnt has been on the job. Luckily, I have very patient colleagues who are willing to take the time to help me along the way.
Have your perceptions about B2B communications and the graphics art industry changed?
Yes, definitely. There is much more depth to the industry than what I could have imagined. I recently had the opportunity to visit the Fujifilm show room in Bedford. I took for granted before how much work goes into a piece of packaging for example, starting with the initial design, prototype and the finished product. Some of the printing technology is really impressive, but without understanding the process you don’t realise all the potential possibilities.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
I would say the variety of what I get to do. No two weeks in this job are the same and I am always getting to learn new things.
What are the biggest challenges?
Definitely managing my workload! I can start the week planned out with everything I need to work on and come Tuesday morning that will all have changed with new requests. It can be challenging but I would rather be busy than twiddling my thumbs.
Have you set yourself any targets moving forward?
One of my main goals is to become more confident in my writing as this is something I haven’t had as much experience in. Now I’ve had some training I am hoping to put it into practice and develop my skills further.
Thanks Louise. We wish you the best of luck!