As we continue celebrating National Careers Week, we’re shining a light on more of the talented team who make See Media what it is. Careers are rarely predictable. Sometimes they’re shaped by conscious decisions, but more often by unexpected opportunities, leaps of faith or life events that alter our direction entirely.
In this second blog, Sarah, Jim, Harriett, Stacey and Michelle share the experiences that shaped their professional lives.
Sarah – Senior Director
Careers rarely follow a straight line. Mine certainly didn’t. I’ve built an entire career in PR and communications by doing what many people quietly do – stumbling into opportunities I never expected.
My first big twist came after a shock redundancy early on. I took a two‑week temp job as a data entry clerk at IBM in Warwick, thinking it would simply tide me over. Instead, I stayed nearly ten years, gained a marketing qualification, worked with global teams and eventually led marketing for IBM’s most successful software solution at the time, based in their Paris European HQ. Not bad for a temp role I never meant to keep.
My next stumble was equally accidental. My brother went travelling for a year, so I agreed to look after his specialist housing PR consultancy. It was meant to be temporary, but I quickly fell in love with the sector’s purpose, people and potential – and never left. Housing became home.
Those twists taught me something important: careers aren’t always built through grand plans. Sometimes they’re shaped by saying yes, staying curious and being open to the unexpected. National Careers Week is a reminder that there’s no single ‘right’ path. There’s just your path – and it’s allowed to surprise you.
Jim – Senior Account Manager
When I was younger, my career ambitions changed regularly – scientist one week, professional footballer the next. As a lifelong Spurs fan, that dream probably lasted longer than it should have, and at 43, I still occasionally think I could make the starting line‑up up given their recent results and league position!.
Instead, I found my way into communications and have spent my career in PR agencies helping organisations tell their stories and reach the audiences that matter. I’d worked on housing projects before, but it wasn’t my main focus until I joined See Media. Since then, I’ve become genuinely invested in the sector and how much of it is centred on people and purpose. Alongside media relations, I also produce video content, something I love for the way it brings real experiences to life.
I feel very lucky to work with the team here. We’re a group that cares deeply about the work we do and the clients we support. The housing sector and See Media have truly won my heart.
Harriett – Account Manager
I wasn’t even aware of PR before I attended university open days – I was on the way to an English and Media talk when a tutor stopped me and asked if I wanted to come to the PR discussion. I was excited when the students spoke about their year in industry placements and learned about how varied and exciting a career in PR could be.
I completed a four-year Public Relations with Journalism degree with a placement year, which I spent at Sony Pictures Entertainment. This was an amazing introduction into the fast-paced world of PR. Then, during my final year of university, a professor connected me with a local PR agency, where some work experience led to my graduate PR role. After a year, I interviewed for a Senior Account Executive role at See Media and haven’t looked back!
Stacey – Copywriter and Publications Manager
After working as a chef throughout university and for several years afterwards, I realised I didn’t want to spend weekends and evenings at work. So I joined my local council in an admin and marketing role. After travelling for a period, I then spent nearly a decade with a housing association, working across PR, marketing and communications.
The writing element of the role was always my favourite, whether drafting press releases, creating copy for development hoardings or interviewing for resident newsletters (back in the days when printing more than 10,000 copies was the norm).
When my first child arrived, I took voluntary redundancy and spent almost five years at home with her and then her brother. Later, I began freelance copywriting with lifestyle clients around Shrewsbury.
With a mix of freelance experience and housing knowledge behind me, when I spotted the copywriter role at See Media I knew I had to apply. Almost four years later, I’m part of a brilliant team in a sector striving to make a positive impact. Those years as a chef left a lasting impression, though – I still love cooking and, of course, eating.
Michelle – Strategic Communications Director
I still remember the excitement of being offered a place on the Midland News Association’s journalism training course back in 2000. I’d spent my school holidays in my local newspaper office trying to get as much experience as I could and the chance to train properly felt like everything I’d hoped for. Nearly a decade at titles across the Express & Star group followed and they remain some of my fondest working years.
Curiosity eventually pulled me towards PR and I joined a full‑service agency specialising in social housing. I stayed for 10 years and loved the work we delivered. When my young family came along, I stepped back, although I did take on a role leading PR for a national children’s disability charity during that time. A colleague once told me I’d “just know” when I wanted to return to the work I loved – and they were right.
Joining See Media last year felt like coming home. Working creatively in a sector that makes such a difference and doing it alongside people who collaborate rather than compete is something I feel genuinely privileged to be part of. I wouldn’t change a thing about my career path.
Every career story is shaped by moments of change, challenge and discovery. National Careers Week is an ideal moment to pause and appreciate just how many routes can lead to rewarding, purpose‑driven work. We’re proud of the journeys that brought our team together – and excited for wherever their paths lead next.
