My Career Journey

A-Level Student and Waitress

I had planned to go to University to study Social Work as this had been pushed on me by school and college teachers.

At the time, I was working as a waitress, serving tables and interacting people. It was during those shifts that something clicked inside me. I realised that I learned way more on the job than I ever did in a classroom setting.

I was also having second thoughts about Social Work. I applaud anyone who can do that sort of work. I have always been an empath. I didn't know whether I wanted to work in a role that would be so emotionally challenging every day.

Rather than enrolling in university without a clear passion, I decided to explore a different route—an apprenticeship. It turned out to be one of the best decisions I've ever made.

I sat down with my mom and we discussed my dilemma. She was supportive of my decision and wanted to help me decide on a path. I don't know what I'd be doing today if it wasn't for that conversation.

"You've always been creative, why don't you look into Marketing?"

That's about as much of the conversation I can remember. I didn't even know what Marketing was at the time. But I trusted her judgement.

Sales and Marketing Apprentice

After I applied, for what seemed like thousands of apprenticeships, I was offered an interview at TerraQuest. I was my first ever interview and I was very nervous.

However, I was determined to make a good impression. I memorised everything on the website, researched the industry and practiced interview questions for days. I was interviewed by the Sales Manager and Finance Director. They were impressed and I was offered both the Sales and Marketing Apprenticeship and the Finance Apprenticeship.

Of course, I took the Sales and Marketing Apprenticeship!

I was introduced to the world of marketing, sales strategies, and business development. I loved it. From the very beginning, I was eager to learn and grow, and my efforts didn't go unnoticed.

Marketing Executive

I gradually worked my way up the ladder, progressing from an apprentice to a Marketing Executive.

As time went on, I continued to expand my skill set and knowledge. I soaked up as much information as I could in paid and free courses, reading blogs, and listening in meetings.

It was around this time that I met a good friend of mine and someone who I still work with today, Matthew Packer, Founder of Barrington and Fifth. He gave me tons of advice on how increase my confidence, speak up in meetings, and most importantly, start my personal brand outside of work.

It was at this point that I started experimenting with blog writing and social media management outside of work.

Marketing Manager

My hard work paid off when I was promoted to Marketing Manager.

At this point, I had also set up my website and started freelancing on the side of my full time job. I was doing SEO content writing for clients I found on Upwork, and I did a good job. I started to wonder whether I could eventually do this full time.

I decided to broaden my horizons by moving to a different business, where I continued to learn and grow. I moved to The Server Group, where I was creating marketing strategies that aligned with business goals, managed all of their social media accounts and project managed four new websites.

I had also increased my freelance work. I was running multiple social media accounts. So, as you can imagine, I was incredibly busy.

I had saved some money and decided it was time to take the leap and quit my full-time job.

Marketing Contractor and Freelancer

Today, I'm incredibly proud to call myself a Marketing Contractor and Freelancer.

I've had the opportunity to work on various projects and with some incredible people.

Whether you're just starting out in your career or contemplating a change, remember that it's never too late to change your mind about what you want to do.