Graduating from The School of Journalism and Communications, I naturally started my career as a public relations specialist, i.e. a communication specialist helping businesses deliver their key messages across press releases and different channels. Back then, the idea of career change seemed far-fetched. I believed in the traditional climb up the career ladder in a single domain. However, this year brought about a change. I started digging into UX/UI design and digital marketing, officially marking my foray into a new territory. While I once saw myself as undergoing a career change, that notion has evolved. I now recognize this journey as more than a shift between skill sets; it's an embrace of the mosaic that results from the fusion of diverse skills and experiences.
How “career change” made me undervalue myself
When I shared my decision to change my career to become a UX and web designer, there was this notion that I was starting from scratch, a bit like ground zero. It gave off the vibe that I didn't know a thing. But truth be told, that wasn't the case. My background in public relations turned out to be a hidden superpower. It even became the reason the small business decided to work with me.
How my past helps
- Ensure an engaging key message across channels: People may have the concept that digital marketing is about revenue generation, and UX design is interface design. While these definitions aren't entirely inaccurate, both disciplines necessitate a compelling message to connect with users effectively. This is precisely where my communication skills come into play.
- Liaising with clients: In my role as a public relations specialist within an agency, I effectively liaised with clients, media professionals, internal team members, external product collaborators, and various stakeholders. You cannot imagine I needed to call over 20 media a day. These experiences serve as a robust asset for my freelance work now, enhancing my ability to communicate seamlessly with my clients today.
- Keeping tabs on industry trends: In my past life as a public relations specialist at an agency, juggling 5 to 6 clients, big and small, was the norm. This practice fine-tuned my radar for what the brands were up to, giving me a keen sense of the industry pulse. This helps me a lot when I need to provide meaningful insights to clients.
I understand that I speak from a position of privilege because the things I've worked on sort of fall under the same umbrella. Yet, I want to convey something important to those changing their careers or venturing into new skill sets. Your past is a powerful ally. Take a good look at where you've been, and carry those learnings into your future endeavours.
If you want to know more about my experience, go to About Me page.
