The next instalment of our ’10 questions with’ series gets to know our Junior Account Executive, Callum McGill. During this series, we’re hoping to give you a real insight into the people on our team, the type of personalities within the Digital Marketing & PR industry and what the various roles involve.
1.What does ‘public relations’ mean to you?
Public Relations to me is what we do as a business to promote the value of our clients’ brand. It’s about highlighting the expertise our clients bring to their respective industries.
It’s also about the people. The ‘public’ element of PR is so important, ensuring that you can connect and engage with the right audiences to effectively showcase the work that our clients do. This part is essential.
2. What do you love about PR? / What excites you the most about work?
I love being exposed to a wide range of industries on a daily basis. It enables me to learn about the latest developments in sectors that I’d previously had no exposure to. This makes me feel much more informed about the professional world around me.
It’s also a fantastic opportunity to get a glimpse into the inner workings of a business and how they each, individually, prefer to communicate their messaging to the outside world.
3. How and why did you get into PR?
Following on from the completion of my degree, I wanted to diversify from the discipline I studied, while learning about other industries; and I’ve always had a passion for writing, so PR seemed like a natural progression. I applied for Houston, and it immediately seemed like a great fit for me!
4. Typically, what does your role at Houston involve? / What is your role, and can you give a brief run-down of what you do?
Typically, my role at Houston as a Junior Account Executive (JAE) is primarily the supporting of the wider team for each of the clients I’m assigned to. This varies from developing client relationships and creating impactful content, to completing admin so that the account runs smoothly.
5. If you weren’t doing PR what do you think you would be doing?
If I wasn’t in PR, I probably would have pursued a graduate programme in another field.
6. What is a common misconception of working in PR?
I think a lot of people conflate marketing and PR but they are very different. There is a lot to PR that goes way beyond selling a product. You really have to consider how to position your client in the eyes of a broad range of stakeholders. I also think that a lot of people don’t know how much there is to PR, that it’s not just constant writing every day, although that is a big part of it!
7. What do you like about working at Houston?
One of the best things about Houston is the people, we’re not a massive organisation which was one of the main factors that drew me towards the company. I much prefer a more intimate environment to learn from people that are real experts at what they do.
Houston is really committed to employee progression, and creates opportunities to get involved with more complex and engaging pieces of work. This means you get to broaden your skillset whilst also getting more exposure to areas of particular interest.
8. If you had any advice for someone starting out in PR, what would it be? / Do you have any career advice to give to someone interested in PR?
If you have a passion for writing and immersing yourself in learning about the world around you, give it a go! There are many different facets of PR, so make sure to do your research to discover which type would suit you.
9. What did you want to be when you were little/growing up?
I was always quite indecisive. At various stages I wanted to be a lawyer, a doctor, a writer, and an engineer.
10. If you could have a dinner party with any 5 people (dead or alive), who would they be and why?
I’d be really boring and pick four of my friends and my girlfriend, I feel like a dinner party with five strangers would be more stressful than anything, no matter how famous or interesting they may be!