Our Culture - Hear it from our workers

A Day in the life of...

Communications Officer - Marketing

1. What is your current role?

Communications Officer - Marketing

2. When did you first take an interest in this area of work?

I decided to go into a communications-orientated role after studying a degree in English. I wanted to use my skills to promote the work companies were doing, by producing publications and marketing material.

3. What are your main responsibilities?

I work with officers around the authority, advising them on the best ways of presenting information, how to get their message across, and on design and branding. Projects can include major publications that the authority is required to produce, through to leaflets or brochures to promote ad hoc events.

4. What do you enjoy most about your job?

Meeting a wide range of different people and finding out about their areas of work. It means I get an insight into lots of different fields.

5. What do you dislike most about your job?

I don’t always have time to work on everything I’d like to.

6. What attributes and / or skills do you need to do your job well?

I need to be organised to keep major projects on track, and keep on top of deadlines. I also have to be diplomatic because I need to make sure that other people – whether colleagues, designers or printers – keep on top of deadlines too.

7. What experience, qualifications or training do you need to do your job?

I gained experience working as a business writer and for communications agencies which provide communications services for large organisations. This experience is essential for my role at NYCC as I have to understand different methods of communication and how best to use them. I have to have attention to detail as I edit and proofread text, and my degree in English means I have a good understanding of language. I’ve also had journalism training which helps me put a creative slant on articles.

8. What is your typical day?

It can vary enormously, from meeting with other officers to discuss projects, to editing text for a publication, or chasing up photos to accompany an article.

9. What is the work environment like?

It’s a deadline-driven office environment, with a close-knit team working together.

10. What are the benefits of doing the job you do?

It’s good to see the results of a project once it’s completed and has been printed or published online.

11. Do you work on your own or as part of a team?

I work as part of a communications team and am one of four communications officers. We work closely together as projects often require input from the different areas we look after – marketing, internal communications and press.

12. What would be the typical next move from your position? Is this your planned next move?

There are lots of opportunities in communications within local authorities –within marketing, internal communications or press.

13. What's your ultimate goal and career aspiration?

I want to be in a role that interests me and in which I feel that I am making a positive contribution.

14. Have you got any advice for those who want to follow a career like yours?

Try to get experience where you can, as early as possible – such as contributing to the college newspaper, or getting a work placement during your holidays.

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