James B.
About me
| James B. | |
| English and Related Literature | |
| English and Related Literature | |
| Undergraduate | |
| Halifax | |
| 2002 | |
| United Kingdom |
My employment
| Director of Marketing & Engagement | |
| Hospice | |
| United Kingdom | |
| Charity and voluntary sector |
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A day in the life of a Director of Marketing & Engagement in the United Kingdom
I took the first job I could get, I learned a lot but it wasn't me or what I wanted. Maybe I needed that experience to find things inside myself but I wish I'd tried to find my path more intentionally.
Briefly describe the organisation you work for
I work for my local hospice, we help people in our community to live well and die peacefully
What do you do?
I look after the Communications and Fundraising teams. We connect people to the charity so they can access our services, volunteer and raise funds to help pay for our work
Reflecting upon your past employment and education, what led you to your current career choice?
I was probably more committed to volunteer roles like YUSU Ents organising than my studies. I regret that but it meant I had a skill I knew I was passionate about. After 2 years working for a business advice agency I didn't feel fulfilled so moved to Fundraising Events for a charity and have progressed from there.
Is your current job sector different from what you thought you would enter when you graduated?
I spent a year as a sabatical officer for the SU and to be honest I didn't know how I would find a place in the world beyond York. I found quite quickly I was more motivated by making a difference than by getting paid more - for me a career in charity fundraising and marketing has given me the right balance
Describe your most memorable day at work
There have been so many, running a fundraising gig in the Roundhouse in Camden or facilitating a session with the community about their needs under a tree in rural Uganda sound the coolest but for me spending time with charity beneficiaries who defy every stereotype about them by being amazing probably comes top
Are there any challenges associated with your job?
Lots - generating all the income for a charity is a big responsibility when things aren't going well and that might mean staff lose their jobs or people don't get the help they need. But the flip side to that is you know what you do matters!
What’s your work environment and culture like?
Excellent. Everywhere has it's moments and some days at work will always feel like working for a living but ultimately charity people are there for the cause and their values. That matters and even on tough days mean we all know why we're doing this!
What extracurricular activities did you undertake at university and what transferable skills did you develop through these?
I wrote for Nouse, which was the student paper, had a radio show on URY, was Campaigns Officer so used to be on YSTV sometimes and ran a lot of events both through my college and the SU. That mean I had project management, event management, media and marketing skills. That has been the foundation to my career and 20 years on from my first student gig I still apply what I learned!
What would you like to do next with your career?
For me the big challenge right now is to join things together - growing through the fourth and fifth industrial revolutions. Having worked for conservation and people causes I want to bring those things together to ensure we offer holistic support that connects people to nature for their and our planet's benefit. That's a big challenge but will be the biggest achievement of my carreer if I can find a small way to bring people together with the small influence I have.
What top tips do you have for York students preparing for today’s job market and life after graduation?
Breathe deep. I took the first job I could get, I learned a lot but it wasn't me or what I wanted. Maybe I needed that experience to find things inside myself but I wish I'd tried to find my path more intentionally.
What topics from students are you happy to answer questions on?
Working for charities, especially in fundraising and marketing roles.
Is there anything else you’d like to tell us?
I struggled with depression throughout my time at York and that made my transition into work harder - I'm more than happy to talk about that too.
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