From Precious
Updated Jan 2009
Esther Kissiedu
Communications Assistant, Financial Times
Precious: Tell us about your route to the job.
I studied Media Performance and Public Relations at the University of Bedfordshire (formally Luton University). While studying I went on a two week work placement at New Nation newspaper. After graduating in 2006 they offered me a position. This was the best start I could have asked for. I worked as a journalist on the paper for 7 months before moving on. I left and completed work experience at MTV and then applied for an Internship for the Financial Times. It began as a six week placement and after 4 months they made me permanent.
Precious: Describe a typical working day.
I work as a communications assistant for the Financial Times. My main
role is to promote the great work of our journalist and the brand. Every
day is different, I work mainly on events, for the internal staff and clients,
so each day I am managing different projects. I come in check my emails
make a list of the people I need to call i.e. then call suppliers or event
mangers and my AV team to check on the processes of each event. There's
a lot of juggling involved work!
Precious: What do you most love about your job?
I love the multiplicity of my role, and the responsibility I have. I get to
work on the biggest events, which can often take a year to plan and when
I see the final outcome, I feel so privileged and proud to be working for
the company, it’s a good feeling.
Precious: Is there anything you really dislike about it?
Working in communications is very demanding and strenuous. I work long hours and have neglected a few friends due to this. On the other hand; when I'm not working after a few days, I feel the need to be there.
Precious: What's been the most exciting event of your career so far?
Managing my first event, it was such a great feeling. I hadn't planned
on going into events so I went from knowing very little, to planning and
executing a small but good event, which was quite special.
Precious: How do you see your career progressing over the next five years?
I see me absorbing all the knowledge I can, working my way to a managerial role and working abroad in one of our other offices.
Precious: What do you do to relax?
I like to go out, so anything that involves meeting a group of friends, I love comedy clubs, talent shows, cinema and going to a friends house for drinks.
Precious: What words of wisdom can you share with other women looking to get into your industry?
Have perseverance and drive. Focus on what you want and be willing to give that much more of yourself to get it. Also read. Knowledge in any area is a powerful thing.
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