Being a twenty something and not quite knowing what your dream career is yet can be quite a daunting feeling. I’ve always been envious of those who knew they wanted to be a singer from the age of nine or a lawyer at the age of 15, the clarity seemed so appealing. I, on the other hand, couldn’t quite figure out what my personality suited despite religiously reading my Cosmopolitan's horoscope. My degree was in political science and anthropology and for the last four years I have worked as a production assistant, model, editor’s assistant consultant, paralegal, bartender, waitress and everything in between. Still not knowing what was the industry for me, until I came across the role of Public Relations Assistant at Lem-uhn. I soon realised this was a career that - for once - I was able to use both sides of my brain.
1. Work can be fun
We have all heard that the 9 - 5 is a doomed trap and for some reason have these ideas that work can’t or shouldn’t be fun. It’s not true. If you are working for the right company doing what you love, the days actually fly by and you are excited to wake up in the mornings.
2. There is something for people who think they’re corporate and creative
I have always felt that I was right in the middle of being creative and academic, it’s actually a frustrating place to be, you feel like the jack of all trades but master of none - my generation's nightmare. Until recently, I discovered that PR allows you to be creative, savvy and have a personality whilst still being mentally stimulated. Also, working in an agency has meant that I’ve been able to work on a broad variety of projects from neurological devices to coconut flower beer, making no two days the same.
If you are the kind of person who is interested in many things, enjoys writing and is up to date with creative trends, it could be the industry for you (felt I had to put this in here as I wish someone said this to me).
3. Work culture and flexible working makes a difference
We have all been through the recruitment process at one point in our lives and typically the hiring manager tries to get your attention with some made up and forced ‘company culture’ which turns out to be drinks at the pub once in a blue moon. However, experiencing a thoughtful and genuine office environment truly makes a difference to how you work, what you achieve and most importantly how you feel.
Having the opportunity to work remotely can be really useful for those days you fancy not moving from the sofa, although we have a sofa in our office that I often plonk myself on.
Lem-uhn has made a massive effort to make a friendly work culture and you can tell, you can just be yourself and people appreciate that.
4. Strong company ethos contributes to job satisfaction
The nature of PR means you have to sell the product you are writing about, which is so much easier if it's a cool one. Lem-uhn decides on its clients based on their ethical purpose or contributions which helps us to maintain our company ethos. I have to say it is a lot easier to be creative, pitch and write about brands you rate and you get excited when you see the media recognise this too.
5. Having a boss who loves fitness was the perk I never knew I needed
Like many of us, I’ve had an on-off relationship with the gym, especially with corona breaking my well earned habit of working out. I’ve found it harder to get back into the swing of things until I met Riannon, who in my first week planned a team workout session at a Core Collective spin class - not for the faint hearted fyi. Working out is clinically proven to increase the levels of serotonin in your brain and it’s a lovely habit that is maintained at work with our office gym. At previous jobs, often work socials involve alcohol multiple times a week which we all know have adverse effects to our mental health. Working at Lem-uhn has definitely helped me get back into the healthy habits I love.