I worked for an Australian teen magazine, TV Hits. Having worked my way up the ladder from reader services roll to photo editor, I decided to get some formal qualifications. I enrolled at the University of Technology, Sydney, which has a highly-regarded communications course.
How did you get into PR?
At University we had a compulsory PR subject - I loved it and changed my major from journalism to PR, never looking back!
How long have you been in PR?
Eight years. Both in-house and consultancy in Melbourne, Sydney and Hong Kong; specialising in FMCG, luxury goods and IT. For the past 12 months I've worked for Taltarni Vineyards in a global comms capacity.
What, or who, has influenced your career?
I have been fortunate to have worked with people who guided and inspired me in my early career development. Two people in particular, my editor at TV Hits and the MD, Meg Driscoll of the wine practice at Blackie McDonald continue to be my mentors.
What would be the one piece of advice you would give someone trying to break into PR?
Be a good listener, work hard to achieve and always measure your results.
What has been your biggest mistake?
Leaving Hong Kong to take a government position back in Australia is something I would do differently given the time over.
What has been your biggest achievement?
Working in a profession I enjoy, especially those moments when a CEO or client says 'great job' - it is amazing how those few words can make the effort worthwhile. Receiving an Honourable Mention for the case study I prepared of one of my community relations campaigns at the 2001 PRWeek Awards was also very rewarding.