Emily P.
About me
| Emily P. | |
| English and Related Literature | |
| English and History | |
| Taught Postgraduate | |
| Vanbrugh | |
| 2012 | |
| United Kingdom |
My employment
| Chief Brand Officer | |
| Epro | |
| United Kingdom | |
| Healthcare | |
| Small business (0-49 employees) |
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A day in the life of a Chief Brand Officer in the United Kingdom
After years of freelance writing, I gained my first job as a copywriter and within six months was promoted to Senior Communications Executive
Briefly describe the organisation you work for
I work for Epro, a healthtech company founded to create solutions for the NHS.
What do you do?
I'm responsible for all brand, communications, and supporting the senior team.
Reflecting upon your past employment and education, what led you to your current career choice?
I stayed at York for my Masters and found it difficult to leave! After years of freelance writing, I gained my first job as a copywriter and within six months was promoted to Senior Communications Executive. I stayed there for a few years and then moved to Bristol to become Creative Content Manager at an ethical comms agency, and was promoted to Associate Director after a few years. I moved to Epro as Chief Brand Officer in 2020.
Is your current job sector different from what you thought you would enter when you graduated?
Kind of? I loved the heritage sector and completed a few internships and work experience placements within the Yorkshire Museum, Jorvik, and the National Trust. It was always going to be a choice between the creative industries and the heritage sector.
Describe your most memorable day at work
Every day is so memorable! What we do makes a tangible difference to the way the NHS works, and knowing that my actions, however indirectly, are supporting patients around the UK is so fulfilling.
Are there any challenges associated with your job?
The NHS is a vast and complex organisation, so navigating that can be challenging sometimes.
What’s your work environment and culture like?
We have our own office in the heart of Bristol, in a gorgeous Georgian building - but once lockdown came into effect, we all transitioned to homeworking. Our culture is a mixture of ridiculously hard working, and relaxed - we all care for each other, and help out wherever we can.
What extracurricular activities did you undertake at university and what transferable skills did you develop through these?
I was really involved with the Christian Union and volunteered through that, as well as helping/mentoring first years, and helping those through challenging experiences. I was awarded the York Award for my time during undergrad.
I worked as a freelance writer throughout most of my degrees, gaining valuable experience as a writer and pennies to help towards rent. I interned at CAP, a debt relief charity; Jorvik in their summer exhibition; York Museums Trust for a different summer exhibition; and won a competition to design the Medieval Exhibition at the Yorkshire Museum.
I also did an internship for a BBC documentary as a researcher, and did an internship at the National Trust.
What top tips do you have for York students preparing for today’s job market and life after graduation?
Ask for help and support. It's far better to ask and be told no, than never to ask! I'm so glad that I reached out for help to my supervisors, my lecturers, and the Careers team at York. Anywhere that you can get experience to try out different careers or gain experience in one you love, is good.
What topics from students are you happy to answer questions on?
Anything!
Is there anything else you’d like to tell us?
As well as my official career, I am a bestselling historical romance author under a pen name which started while I was a student.
Next steps...
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