Tara P.
About me
| Tara P. | |
| English and Related Literature | |
| English & Related Literature | |
| Undergraduate | |
| Goodricke | |
| 2012 | |
| United Kingdom |
My employment
| Senior Information Innovation Officer | |
| Cancer Research UK | |
| United Kingdom | |
| Charity and voluntary sector | |
| Large business (250+ employees) | |
| 2013 | |
| £24,000 (as a Graduate Trainee) | |
| £30,000 (in my current role) |
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A day in the life of a Senior Information Innovation Officer in the United Kingdom
My career goals when I graduated
I was keen to get a graduate scheme in a Marketing function, but graduating in 2012, one of the worst years for graduate recruitment, I was looking at all available options.
I began my career in a marketing internship, and found out through that how much I enjoyed the product development elements.
My career history
I undertook two internships post-graduation: one at Cancer Research UK and one at a Brand Consultancy.
I enjoyed both, and was really inspired by CRUK so I applied to their graduate programme in Fundraising & Marketing.
I was successful and I undertook 3 placements, in Digital, Fundraising Innovation & HR.
I then applied for my current role and graduated from the Scheme early in January 2015 to undertake my current position.
What has helped my career to progress
Hard work and a willingness to pitch in wherever needed. Also, the confidence to speak up and the humility to take feedback.
How my studies have helped my career
English Literature has given me the analytical skills to approach business problems in a structured way and the discipline to commit to projects.
My writing skills have been useful when developing communications and business documents.
What surprised me about my career so far
That I have managed to fall into an area that is quite niche at quite an early point in my career - and one that I never even thought of as an undergraduate. My ability to be flexible and adapt to different roles and opportunities has also surprised me - I assumed when I was younger that I would choose one career and stick to it; now I know that will not be the case.
Where I hope to be in 5 years
I hope to have progressed to a position of leadership - e.g. a head of department. I am also considering continuing my studies in a business direction, which could alter the course of my career. Ultimately I hope to be happy and contented with the work I'm doing (and with my salary!).
My advice to students considering work
It's important to understand that you have so much to learn. Be confident, but not cocky. Don't be afraid of flexibility; just because you're in this role or industry now doesn't mean you will be for the rest of your life.
Above all be aware of your own strengths, weaknesses and preferences, and use them to their best advantage to find career satisfaction.
My advice about working in my industry
The charity sector is interesting and fulfilling - there are many fascinating roles to undertake and wonderful people to meet. However, it's not all hearts and flowers - the challenges we face are just as serious and difficult as in other sectors. The sector can be frustrating at times, with lower budgets and sometimes less acceptance of risk - though this is by no means always the case.
If you're really keen to get into the charity sector straight out of university, voluntary experience and passion will serve you well. However, don't feel that it's your only option - plenty of charity sector employees began their working lives in other areas and then moved across with the transferable skills and experiences they gained. There are many routes into this interesting industry.
Contacting me
I'm happy to answer questions on career choices, motivations and decisions.
I've also had a lot of experience with both writing applications/CVs and reviewing them from an employer's perspective, so I'm happy to give advice and help where I can in those areas.
Also please contact me for any questions about Cancer Research UK or the charity sector as a whole.
What I do
Develop new information products for cancer patients and the UK public, including online and offline information about lifestyle choices, cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment topics.
Skills I use and how I developed them
Communication and stakeholder engagement, creativity, analytical skills, resilience and project management skills.
I formed a basis for all of these during my degree and previous work experience, but have found my internships and time on the graduate scheme at Cancer Research UK to be the most useful preparation. I have focused on my personal development throughout my working career so far and aimed to learn from every experience.
I have received little training in hard skills, but have attended organisation-led workshops on soft skills such as persuading and influencing. These have been useful, but there is no real substitute for on-the-ground experience.
What I like most
The opportunity to think outside the box to reach new solutions - and having my opinion valued.
What I like least
The everyday, organisational tasks of the role that are inherent in any project management position.
What surprised me most
How interesting and challenging it is to work closely with the subject of cancer and people who've been affected by it on a daily basis.
Next steps...
If you like the look of Tara’s profile, the next steps are down to you! You can send Tara a message to find out more about their career journey. If you feel you would benefit from more in-depth conversations, ask Tara to be your mentor.