Rewind almost 3 years ago, I had just submitted my final project in my Fashion Journalism degree and on the hunt for a job in Marketing. Other than a lot of PR, Styling and Journalism internships I had no prior experience in Marketing.
I came across Chatter looking for a Marketing Assistant, I took my shot and applied. Shortly after I was being interviewed by the team in the first stage, and then came the second stage interview with Partner, Paul Ainley himself. I knew that despite my transferable skills and my eagerness to learn I didn’t have the years of experience that other candidates may have.
But a few days later I received a phone call from Paul offering me the job, because despite being up against (as I’d anticipated) many people well established in their careers, he felt that I’ve got great potential and I’d fit right in at Chatter.
And that was that, I took the job and started my career. Now almost 3 years later I’ve worked across a myriad of marketing activity, events and more, I’ve even taken on a dual role as a digital project executive to develop my skills in project management and seamlessly support the wider areas of the business when they need it.
The moral of the story is that being a grad job hunting is no easy feat, despite the fact you’re competing against other grads, you’re also competing with the rest of the working world. And when job ads are asking for at least 2 years experience, it feels somewhat impossible to ever get your foot in the door. But if it wasn’t for people like Paul who is able to see the potential and take chances on people early in their careers, then who knows where a lot of people would be today.
To celebrate taking a chance on people I asked my fellow Chatterinos about their big breaks in their careers and how it led them to where they are today. Here are their stories…
Jo - Creative Artworker
“Fresh out of my A-Levels and in the midst of an Art Foundation degree that I didn't want to do, I went knocking on doors of local agencies to get any sort of work experience in design I could get. Eventually, I found a print agency in Potters Bar which gave me a month's worth of work experience shadowing their artworker and printers. By the end of my time there they saw potential and offered me my first ever job, and I stayed there for 2 years.
I am forever grateful for that start in my career, as I don't think I would have learned the skills and gained the foundation for 'real world' creativity if I had done a 3 year university course. Nearly 10 years later, I still use the knowledge I gained there, and I still have amazing people from that role in my life. It really was the best thing I could have done for my career, so don't be afraid to put yourself out there and ask for what you want.”
Alex - Client Partner
“The anecdote I always share about how I got into Employer Branding is that I openly said in my interview with Harry and Lisa that I knew nothing about Employer Branding, and I'd never even really heard of it.
And their response was simple "Don't worry, we can teach you that. It's account management skills we need you to have!" And I never looked back - just fell somewhat in love with the subject from then. But it demonstrated the supportive culture and that I always knew I was safe to do what I was good at, but ask questions and learn along the way.”
Harry - Head of Projects
“When I left uni I was a little clueless about what kind of role really suited me. I’d just completed a History degree and moved back to Leeds after a few months at home plodding along with a few short term jobs that weren’t right.
But after interviewing for a role at Chatter the guys saw in me a willingness to learn, have a laugh and to get stuff done. Being given the role was definitely the boost I needed to kick on, take the first steps towards a career, and build confidence in myself. And I’ve stuck around over a decade later, just about repaying the faith.”
Nadia - Head of Agency Operations
“I wanted to be a journalist - but with no knowledge of how to get into the industry and the crippling insecurity of not getting a ‘real job’ (as I was continually reminded by my South Asian parents) worried me.
Graduating in Communications Studies meant I was able to get a good mix of experience across the creative fields. Coming back up north and an ad sales job later, I applied for a scheme set up by a body in Leeds City Council to do a paid 3-month placement in a marketing role in a local business - and so started my foray in the creative agency world.
After the placement I was offered a full-time Account Executive role but 6 months in came a wave of redundancies. All of a sudden I was being moved around the business - I learnt to artwork (spending a morning a week at Leeds College of Tech to learn Quark Express!), file collation and prep in the repro department, create POS and exhibition stands with the print team and even a small stint in reception too… I was young, enthusiastic and ready to jump into anything - it hadn’t gone unnoticed.
The leadership team saw potential and ultimately a flexible resource that could plug into any part of the business. And I learnt how to multitask, be agile in my approach and understand and work with a host of different people and stakeholders… but my parents still have no idea what I actually do!"
