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New starter, new thoughts
July 17, 2020
Five months in and it’s safe to say, I love being a Pumpkin. I moved to London a few months before accepting the role, but any anxiety I had around the ‘London agency stereotype’ has left the building. Being a first time Londoner, there were a few things to adjust to… then Covid-19 added a new level of uncertainty, (I promise not to mention the c-word again). But more than ever, I feel surrounded by a great team and, if anything, it has made the joining process even more thorough.
Coming from a marketing background, I was excited to explore the PR avenue. Although I’m a Junior Account Executive, being part of a small team means I get to dive into my accounts and be hands on from the get-go. What I say matters, and I’ve already led review meetings, called clients and journalists, meaning I’ve learnt quickly.
Initially, the hardest part was understanding exactly what each client is interested in from a PR perspective. I was in the office just a few weeks before we went into lockdown, and not being able to meet my clients in real life has been tough. We all know – as much as we try – Zoom calls just aren’t quite the same. Saying this, I feel fully invested in all my accounts and I can’t wait to meet my clients in real life – to show them I’m more than just a floating head on a plant filled backdrop.
Working from home, in a new job, during a global pandemic has been demanding for everyone. Over the past few weeks, an added emotional toll for me – and many others – has been the essential cause of Black Lives Matter. Although injustice, racism and equality are things I think about often, being reminded daily – and hearing so many heart-breaking stories is emotionally draining. But make no mistake, the importance undoubtedly overrides this. I have been actively involved with the movement, organising and speaking at a peaceful, socially distanced, gathering in my hometown of Bath. It was such an emotional but needed day, and I’ve never felt prouder of my hometown, or my heritage. With the Pumpkin team right behind me, I put my PR skills to use. I secured two pieces of regional coverage, one national editorial piece, one national podcast appearance and two journalist briefings! The issue of systematic and ingrained racism, not only abroad but also in the UK, is one that needs coverage – and accurate coverage at that.
People often mistake passionate discussions for taboo ones. The conversation might be uncomfortable, we might hear things that make us sad, angry or shocked, but by listening to voices that may not always be heard, we can all act and contribute to an equal society.
Looking into the months ahead, it’s hard to predict what Pumpkin life has in store. I’m hoping it will involve a desk, an office chair and kitchen. I’m itching to get back to office life even if it’s only for a few days a week. Although my London experience has been put on hold, I’m looking forward to exploring the city and putting the skills I’ve been developing in my working-from-home phase, into practice in a more normal working environment.