If you’d told me a few years ago that I’d be working in a PR and Communications agency, I probably wouldn’t have believed you. My journey shows just what’s possible with a career change to PR, one that’s been anything but conventional! It started in primary teaching, before I detoured through years in hospitality and event management, and finally found my way to Athene.
I have discovered that the skills I picked up in customer service, organisation, and planning were not only transferable but essential in the world of communications. Here’s how I made the leap, and why I think it’s never too late to try something new.
An unexpected path
Ending up in a PR and Communications agency certainly wasn’t on my original career roadmap, but I can honestly say, I love it.
When I left school, I was sure my future was in primary teaching. I even studied it at university, but as I got further along, I realised the vocation just wasn’t quite right for me. So, I packed my bags and set off travelling, hoping a change of scenery would help me figure out my next steps. That adventure landed me in the catering industry, where I spent most of my working life until my son Arthur came along.
Catering was a whirlwind of customer interaction, fast-paced days, and plenty of work behind the scenes. While I thrived on providing customers with the best service, I soon discovered that my enjoyment came from organising, planning, and ensuring everything ran smoothly. That realisation led me into wedding planning and, later, managing the sales office at The George in Stamford.
After years in hospitality, I started to crave a new challenge – something that would stretch my mind and give me a fresh sense of purpose. I’d dipped my toes into freelance work at Athene and, when I saw a role advertised there, I jumped at the chance.
One of the most rewarding discoveries since joining Athene has been just how adaptable my skill set really is.
How my skills transferred to a career in PR
One of the most rewarding discoveries since joining Athene has been just how adaptable my skill set really is. Years spent in hospitality and event management have given me a knack for organising large-scale projects, whether it’s setting up an event from scratch or handling the follow-up communications afterwards.
My background in customer service has also proved invaluable. After nearly two decades of working directly with people, adapting to different personalities and needs has become second nature. This experience has been so beneficial for agency work, where every client and project require a tailored approach and a unique tone of voice.
It’s been a pleasant surprise to see how skills like communication, adaptability, and attention to detail, which I have developed over the years in hospitality, are not just relevant but essential in PR and communications.
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33%
of UK workers plan to make a career change in the coming 12 months
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2m
people in the UK changed careers across the whole of 2023
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20%
of Brits lack the confidence to make a career change
What I love about working in PR at Athene
While it might sound like a cliché, one of the best parts about working at Athene is the team. From day one, I’ve had the chance to collaborate with every single member across a wide range of clients, and the close-knit, supportive atmosphere makes a real difference.
What keeps the work so exciting is the sheer variety. In a single day, I might be drafting a press release about a school’s Ofsted inspection, carrying out stakeholder analysis for a housebuilder, and then organising an engagement event for a sustainable investment company… all before lunchtime!
When I first started, I assumed I’d be working in just one sector with a handful of people. Instead, I’ve found myself working across the agency and constantly learning from others.
Soon, I’ll be starting a CIPR course to broaden by understanding of the industry and build on the experience I have gained during my first year at Athene.
Having already grasped the basics through hands-on work, I’m really looking forward to exploring the foundations and background of PR in more depth, but most of all, I can’t wait to keep absorbing knowledge from my colleagues.
Ready to make your own career change to PR?
Taking the leap into a new career in my late 30s was definitely a risk, but it’s one I’m so glad I took. If you’re considering a career change to PR, I can wholeheartedly say it’s never too late; your previous experience is more valuable than you might think. So many skills, whether from teaching, hospitality, sales, or any other field, are incredibly relevant in communications.
I’m genuinely looking forward to continuing to push myself, learn from my colleagues, and enjoy every step of this new chapter. If you’re on the fence about making a change, my advice is simple: go for it! The best might be yet to come.
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