Penelope Amatt is the Campaign Manager for MykindaFuture, a social enterprise helping students connect with recruiters. I had considered events management as a career, however, after work experience at Lloyds Bank in this role, I realised it was not for me. Nevertheless, I found Penelope’s experience and advice excellent.

 

Penelope was Vice President of the RAG society, organising fundraising for charities. This enabled her to develop skills including: organisation, leadership and flexibility. I am involved in several societies at university, including helping the Christian Union with their marketing. I will now consider taking on an executive role, to help me develop skills that future employers would value.

 

After Penelope graduated she combined waitressing with an unpaid Marketing and Communication internship at Cancer Research UK, organising the ‘Race For Life’ events. The internship worked well alongside her job and she learnt many skills focused on event organisation, including: resourcefulness and being managed remotely. Whilst waitressing Penelope learnt how to cope under pressure, management, and how to train other people. Unpaid internships are not ideal but they do help gain industry skills that are beneficial. Internships provide real experience of what working in that industry is like. This is why I want to undertake a placement year and Penelope has affirmed my decision.

 

Penelope moved to Shaker UK as a marketing assistant and events co-ordinator, and developed new skills including administration in addition to event organising. She developed skills including: time planning, office skills, working with suppliers and resilience. I was impressed that Penelope was allowed to shadow the Managing Director. This was not an opportunity which was offered to her, but she asked and they agreed. In her next job at Signboard UK, Penelope was made project manager, although she lacked qualifications. She asked the company to pay for her to get the qualification to make her better at her job. This highlights that it is possible to ask about opportunities.

 

Worthwhile advice Penelope gave was to write a detailed log of every job we do and keep a list our skills and highlights. This is preferable to just having it on our CV and helps when applying for jobs as it records information that will help in interviews. Another key factor is instead of a typical ‘10-year plan’, Penelope uses ‘Career Progression Planning’. This involves setting goals, split into a 3, 6 and 12-month plan, outlining what could be achieved. Penelope highlighted that progression involves 70% learning on the job, 20% learning from peers, and 10% official training courses. I want to become a producer, therefore, I will make a ‘Career Progression Plan’ of my own.

 

Penelope reminded me that it can take time to get a job. It is important not to give up, this is why I am continuing to persevere though placement rejections, to find one in broadcasting, which is my chosen industry. Penelope mentioned that employers want to know if candidates are going to fit well into their team and this is shown though one’s personal brand. I need to make sure I am clear about my personal brand, how I am unique and how my skills make me a good fit for a team. I really enjoyed Penelope’s informative talk which was relevant and helpful.