I graduated from the University of Southampton in 2014 with a first-class honours degree in History, having also undertaken a semester abroad at the University of Bergen in Norway. In my final year of studies, I also led the university radio’s news team, having been a member of it for the previous two years.
Using the skills I had learnt as a lifeguard, fundraiser and bouncy castle supervisor, I successfully applied for Transport for London’s (TfL) press office graduate scheme. During the scheme, I developed a strong network of contacts and an in-depth understanding of the organisation by choosing a variety of challenging placements. These included:
– Working on the press desks that led on the media relations for the London Underground and TfL as a wider organisation
– Analysing data outputs for the travel demand management team
– Leading on several briefs within the marketing team, acting as a liaison between the creative and media agencies and internal clients
– Supporting TfL in the consultative process with the trade unions as part of the Employee Relations team
– Managing external stakeholder relationships with both business groups and politicians in the Public Affairs and Stakeholder Engagement team
I also gained operational experience across the organisation, working at a train depot, in the bus control centre, with a London Underground Revenue Inspection team and at the London Transport Museum.
After I completed the scheme, I stayed at TfL and secured the position of press officer, which I still hold today. I lead on the press activity for several interesting briefs, of which the most challenging are diversity & inclusion and skills & recruitment. I research, draft and clear proactive and reactive statements, press releases, media Q&As and social media, alongside preparing and minding interviews and media events. I also provide counsel to senior management on my briefs when sought or required.