Life on Film: Byron Bay & Gold Coast, January 2018.
A very imperfect first roll of film.
From a trip taken in January 2018 to Bryon Bay, NSW, Australia.
A Page Out of My Diary: 23rd March, 2018.
A Page Out of My Diary: Throwback October, 2017.
Writing Professionals: Careers for Young Writers: Part Two: An Interview with Nicholas Edrington (PR and Communications)
Can I just say that Nick was an absolute pleasure to work with at Think HQ. I was so lucky to have such a supportive community at Think HQ when I interned there this past trimester at Deakin.
Nick was the light and energy in the office, someone I looked up to for his optimism and commitment to his job. Being only just older than myself but strides and strides ahead of me in his career, I knew I wanted to talk to him about his career: past, present and future.
I asked Nick some questions and he was nice enough to give me some great answers and wisdom.
- What are you doing for a job at the moment? (Job title and responsibilities)
I’m a Senior Account Executive at Think HQ, a full-service communications agency in South Melbourne. My responsibilities include the development of social media strategies, content creation and publishing. I also am responsible for social media advertising, community management, copywriting, stakeholder engagement and media relations.
- What did you want to do for a career when you were in high school?
I think I went through all the motions that most people do – doctor, lawyer, business person (whatever that means). At the close of high school and my first year at uni, I thought I wanted to be an Accountant – what a farce!
- What did you study after high school?
I entered the Bachelor of Business (Accounting)/Bachelor of Arts at Monash and after a year and a half dropped the Bachelor of Business as I found my love for Accounting wasn’t that great, and I had failed both first year economics and statistics. So that didn’t bode well. I continued Arts majoring in Journalism, and somewhere between there and several years later discovered Public Relations – I actually think it was Ab Fab that did it. It took my 7 years to eventually graduate, as I changed degrees, went part-time and deferred. I’m a big believer that life doesn’t run to plan, and in truth, I’m grateful I spent so long lost in my degree, as the majority of my learning happened outside Monash – paying bills, (flirting with being broke several times), navigating relationships and travelling.
- What do you really like and dislike about your job?
I really like my colleagues. We have all had jobs where we didn’t get along with everyone, or where we felt we spent much of our time and energy tip-toeing around managers or peers. Think HQ is fantastic in that everyone is very genuine, friendly and approachable. There is a really great level of trust in everyone to do their work, and this allows for initiative and innovative thinking. I also find that everyone is experienced and passionate about their profession, which means I can turn to peers and managers for advice and opinions, satisfied that their feedback is considered and valuable.
What do I dislike? I suppose I dislike pitching to media the most, this has always been my weak point, but is one of the reasons I chose to work at Think HQ. The agency is now award winning for its media relations work, and I know that this is the right place to challenge myself to overcome this anxiety and build my experience and skill.
- What else could you see yourself doing for a career?
I’m really interested in broader organisational strategy and governance. I would love to go back to university and pick up business again as I find I’m really interested in understanding the bigger picture of what makes organisations tick, and how they fit into the economy. Later in life I would be interested in taking my communications experience and applying this in business or organisational governance.
- Any tips for university students?
Throw yourself into uni. When I began uni in 2010 I thought I was in Year 13 of school – commute to uni, attend lectures and tutes, then go home and study. It wasn’t until I was graduating in 2017 and looked back on my time that I realised that the real learning happened outside the classroom. Juggling several jobs while studying, stressing about money problems while in Hong Kong, navigating the breakdown of a long-term relationship,, or interning in India – these are just some things that come to mind. It doesn’t matter what you are doing, so long as you are taking risks, embarking on adventures and making opportunity for quiet reflection to learn from these things.
- Is there anything you would have done differently over your career so far?
I could name a number of things, but I don’t know if I should have done things differently so far. In the ideal world I would have graduated in 2012 and would today have 5 years of agency experience under my belt. However, I don’t think I’d have the same appreciation of my job if I didn’t spend 6 years working in sales, and if I hadn’t tried so many subjects at uni and changed course a few times, I don’t think I would have discovered PR – nor would I have appreciated that careers aren’t a linear path.
I want to thank Nick for being so accommodating and answering all of my questions and for giving me to much great advice. I hope that he and everyone at Think HQ continue to succeed and I’m truly honoured I got to be a part of that team for the time I did.
You can find Nick on LinkedIn here.
And you can learn more about Think HQ here.
The Five Lessons I Learnt Interning at PR and Communications Agency, Think HQ
Over this past semester, in my final year of study, I was lucky enough to intern for three months, two days a week, at Think HQ, a PR and Communications agency in South Melbourne.
Coming from a Professional and Creative Writing background, going into a PR and Communications agency, it initially felt daunting to be trusted to take on writing assignments that I’d never tackled before. Luckily, I was welcomed into a great company that gave me guidance where needed and allowed my creative ideas elsewhere.
I learnt a lot from my time at Think HQ and here are five of the best points I took from my time interning:
- The Values of Clients at Think HQ
Think HQ are proud to only work with clients whose values match their own. This means only working with clients who want to make a positive difference in everything they do. For me, this has meant that in my time at Think HQ I have had the chance to learn about the great things so many companies and not-for-profits are doing for Australia.
- The Wide Range of Things to Do and Learn as an Intern
Entering into an internship can be intimidating. Coming from university where everything feels very comfortable and safe, you get a trial run to enter the real world and see what real life work experience in your industry is like. Fortunately, as an intern I was given so much real work to do (no collecting coffees, or dropping off mail) I was given plenty of things to write, as well as learning a whole range of new skills.
- The Workplace Culture
One of the best things to see at Think HQ is the way the office interacts. The office has a wonderful community feeling and that if anyone needs help with their workload, everyone jumps in to assist. The sense of teamwork is admirable here, and it feels as though everyone is happy to be at the office. As a writer, I’ve noticed we can be an introverted bunch, and I’ve often felt myself to be this way. The office felt nothing but comfortable to me since the first day I showed up and for that I’m very grateful that everyone could be so welcoming when everyone feels so tight knit.
- Learning to Find a Balance
To be entirely honest, balancing time between studies, work and the internship has been tough, trying to make sure that I have my priorities split equally between everything. This means that all my assignments, paying for my bills and rent, and also getting up for my internship, refreshed and ready for a full day of writing and creating. It can be a stretch at times but it’s also been entirely beneficial and rewarding.
- Real Life Experience is Invaluable
I haven’t had any doubts about the time I have worked at Think HQ. I feel as though I’ve come out the other side of this internship with a whole new set of skills and experiences that other university students that chose not to seek out an internship might be missing. It is a decision that makes all the hard work seem entirely worth it.
I cannot encourage taking on an internship enough. Perhaps I am one of the lucky ones who found a place that really knew how to treat their interns. I don’t have any doubts about the time I have worked here at Think HQ. I’ve come out the other side of this internship with a whole new set of skills and experiences that will be invaluable to me as I begin to search for a job that will kickstart my career.
You can find out more about Think HQ on their website. Also, take a look at their blog where I made a post or two.
I’d love to hear about your experiences interning or even if you are wishing to intern.
— pippa.macey
Luxury Handbag Guide, the handbags you want in your wardrobe in 2017 (and the best deals to get them).
Who: JW Anderson
What: Pierce. Available in Mini, Small, Medium and Large, various colours.
Where Can I Buy It:
JW Anderson’s website
Matches Fashion $1543 mini, $1733 medium
Farfetch $1900 mini, $2059 small, $2284 medium
Selfridges $1365 mini, $1535 medium, $1675 large
NET-A-PORTER $1787 mini, $2062 medium
Why We LOVE It: I fell in love with the Pierce bag at first sight. I first spotted it a few years back when someone was carrying to in a street style shot outside fashion week. In the last year it’s been seen on the arms of some of the biggest fashion icons in todays world. This design is all the makings of a a timeless handbag. It’s understated but iconic enough to be the must have beg, not just og this season, but maybe, this century.
Who: Loewe
What: Puzzle Bag, available in various sizes and colours.
Where:
Loewe Website
Matches Fashion $2375 – $3890
Farfetch $2850
Selfridges $2415 – $3185
NET-A-PORTER $2590 – $3050
Saks Fifth Avenue $2756 – $6441
Why We LOVE It: It’s been around for a fair amount of time, and yet it’s only been on my radar as of 2017. The Loeve puzzle bag is practicle and stylish. soft supple leather, the ultimate mary poppins bag. A less structiured option for those of us who enjoy a hangbag that is practicle, stylish and casual. What a dream.
Who: Sophia Webster
What: Claudie, available in various styles.
Where:
Sophia Webster Website (Sold in British pound)
Matches Fashion $730 (two current season styles)
Selfridges $555
NET-A-PORTER $660
Saks Fifth Avenue $550
Why We LOVE It: We all need a statement handbag. My pick comes from Sophia Webster who knows how to do whimsical, heartwarming pieces that truly make a statement. The Claudie bag changes only a little season to season, but you will find a different style at each of the links above, all as colourful and beautiful as each other.
Who: Manu Atelier
What: Pristine, available in various sizes and styles.
Where:
Manu Atelier Website (Sold in USD) from $415 – $575 USD
David Jones $699
NET-A-PORTER $458 – $731
Farfetch $478 – $700
Shopbop $493 – $638
Selfridges $405 – $555
Why We LOVE It: For the sophisticated young woman, who wants a timeless investment handbag that is truly sheek. Not only this, the most affordable bag of the bunch.
Hope you enjoyed this post!
What bag is top of your wish list right now?
xx
Writing Professionals: Careers for Young Writers: Part One: An Interview with Stefanie Reilly (PR and Marketing)
While the search for jobs is getting increasingly difficult, we as writers, will always be needed. Writing skills are always a coveted skill to have. There are many areas that a writer can dapple, but having a job that means you will always have money coming in is definitely a plus.
We need to be flexible with what we want to do for work. Writing is a part of a lot of jobs but trying to find one where you get to thrive as a writer and be creative is more of the goal.
Thinking of careers goals and options as I finish up my Professional and Creative Writing course, I’ve had the opportunity to speak to Stefanie Reilly and ask her lots of questions about getting to where she is now.
What are you doing for a job at the moment?
Stefanie Reilly is the PR and Content Manager at The Prahran Market, as well as Freelance Writer/Copywriter and Casual Tutor at Deakin University.
What did you want to do in high school?
Stefanie wanted to do Journalism at RMIT, but changed her mind when she realised it wasn’t really ‘hard news’ she really liked writing about.
What did you study after high school?
Stefanie ended up doing PR at her Mum’s recommendation. As her course changed over her gap year, Stefanie did a PR Major in Journalism at Deakin University. Later on, Stefanie went on to do her Masters.
What do you really like/dislike about your job?
Like: The options to write about different content.
Dislike: Social Media. Not the biggest fan.
What else could you see yourself doing for a career?
Stefanie considered copywriting. After a bad PR job in Fashion, Stefanie considered teaching. Her family are all teachers but she didn’t chose to change her career. Ironically, she is now teaching PR casually at Deakin.
Any tips for university students?
- Get a big folio of work.
- Don’t take writing work your not interested in the content.
- Get your name out there.
- Be flexible .
- Always include edits in the cost when you are quoting for freelance writing.
Is there anything you would have done differently?
At one point, Stefanie turned down a great job because of its low salary. It would have been a better suit for her at the time. However, she is very happy with where she is now and wouldn’t change anything.
A huge thank you to Stefanie for being a lovely interviewee and taking the time out of her busy schedule to answer a university students questions.
To connect with Stefanie, you can find her on LinkedIn here.
My ASOS Wishlist: May Fashion Favourites
Okay, when did May even end?
It may have been in the flurry of final assignments so I do apologise for the slight delay of this post. However, as always, you will find my lust list, items that will either be me grasping at the memory of warmer weather or items to get me through the windy, rainy days that now consume my mid year holidays.
Shall we?
1. ASOS Padded Jacket in Fluro Jacquard
Winter is truly here, after the challenge of finding something warm enough is trying to get it in a colour other than black, grey or navy. I am a huge fan of the all black outfit but it is beautifully refreshing to see some colour and patterns on a brisk winter morning.
2. Reclaimed Vintage Inspired Straw Tassel Clutch Bag
So, I do love a tassel. It’s definitely more of a summer staple and rarely comes out in the winter but when you see something you love, it might not always be the perfect situation for it to enter your wardrobe. I will keep this in my wishlist for a while longer and if I still lust over it, even when I’m far away from my computer, I’ll buy it in anticipation of a warmer time.
3. Tommy Hilfiger Denim Multi Colour Sweatshirt
Sweatshirts are now far from being a just something you wear around the house while eating a bag of chips. If it was up to me I’d have a sweatshirt in every colour, to wear over jeans, over a ditsy floral dress or to go sports luxe and put on some trackies and crisp sneakers (a look I wish I could get away with wearing).
Accessories are part of what makes dressing in winter so much fun. Layering up coats over jackets, as well as hats and scarfs, makes each of your outfits individual and exciting. This beanie I could see seamlessly fall into my wardrobe, especially with it’s pink+red combo which are the colour bff’s of the moment (in case you didn’t already know).
5. ASOS Highwaist Cigarette Pants
The fact I don’t already have hot pink pants almost makes me sad. Sad until I see how much of a bargain these are and how flattering this style is and then I think, maybe, just maybe, they should just jump out of my wishlist and into my basket.
6. ASOS PETITE CASTILE Pencil Straight Leg Jeans in Mono Stripe
There is some part of my 90’s childhood wishes in these pants. I dreamt of jeans like this for such a long time and I just can’t seem to recall exactly where the obsession came from (Lauren Graham in Gilmore Girls definitely had a similar pair but is that the only place it stemmed?). The point I’m trying to make here is that it was an instant want with these. The array of punk inspired, 90’s grunge outfits that come to mind make me think these guys won’t be in my wishlist for long.
Plus, have you noticed how you need some pants other than denim as winter rolls in? Denim is always a good idea, even though it isn’t the warmest, but we need something to mix things up with the weather getting too killer for bare legs. Some pants, trousers and coloured denim are all I really need to mix things up.
I’m going to encourage you to subscribe and check back in on the blog soon because I’m in dire need of some winter attire and I’m going to do a nice Winter Clothing Haul blog soon, where I can show you all some of the things I’ve been investing in for Winter. This is going to be extensive (months worth of buying) so I look forward to sharing it with you all.
What’s on your Wishlist at the moment?
X
Illustrations of my Favourite Looks from the Met Gala, 2017.
Illustrations all hand drawn by myself.
What were your favourite looks from the Met Gala?
Hope you like them x
pippa.macey. 