Who are you? And what’s your job at Whiteoaks?
Hi, I’m Samantha and I’m the Digital Account Executive for Team Taurus.
What does your daily to-do list look like?
Generally, my day can vary quite a lot. But there are few tasks that are consistent, like scheduling clients’ social posts and engaging with their social communities, making schedules for the following week and generally keeping the social media channels up to date. But each day is different and can be unpredictable, which I like. This can be a bit challenging and my to-do list always changes — but I do love crossing things off when they’re done.
What made you want to get into PR and communications?
After studying English Literature at University, I felt I had a lot of options open to me yet no defined path. Therefore, I decided that an internship in the US was best for me. I worked on a media company’s website and social media feeds and this led to my interest in PR and communications. After completing the internship I decided that I wanted to pursue this career path in the future.
Who is your favourite brand and why?
Picking a favourite brand is hard as this changes all the time with me. If I HAD to choose my current favourite brand it would be Gucci, an expensive obsession, but with its new designer Alessandro Michele and his rebrand, I don’t think anyone can help but obsess over this brand. I must admit though that I’m not overly loyal; it’s either my style or it isn’t. As a result, my favourite brands fluctuate regularly.
What’s your top tip for someone who wants to get into the PR industry?
PR is an extremely fast-paced industry and staying current both with the news and the industry itself will definitely benefit anyone trying to get into PR. When breaking into the industry, I think gaining as much experience outside of education as possible is essential. I think my job in itself is an example of there being many different ways into the industry as it is not the most traditional role within PR but very current to the digital age of today.
How do you unwind after a day in the office?
My normal evenings will involve going to the gym or yoga which tires me out and prepares me for an evening winding down, watching one of my favourite series, which at the moment is Gossip Girl or Vampire Diaries. However, if Suits is on that night then it obviously takes priority.
What’s your favourite anthem suggestion for Friday’s Whiteoaks Power Hour?
This would have to be an old-school Beyoncé song; nothing like Queen B to put you in a good Friday mood.
If you could be any character in any film, what would you be?
Maybe not quite a movie but surely this is allowed as Sex in the City was made into two movies (the third isn’t going ahead, much to my disappointment)…. It would be Carrie Bradshaw. She’s smart, gets Mr Big and who wouldn’t want her wardrobe? Most importantly though, she lives in New York City in a penthouse and isn’t that the dream?! For me anyway…
What’s your ideal getaway location?
This would be dependent on the season. In the winter my ideal getaway will always be skiing in Meribel, a French Ski Resort, as there’s no better escape than the Alps. In the summer, New York City is my ultimate getaway purely for the shopping, good weather and endless rooftop bars with views to die for.
What’s your go-to party trick?
I should probably make up some extravagant trick, but I’m scared somebody may ask me to do this so I’m going to be brutally honest instead. I am not generally the most extroverted, so would shy away from having a party trick at all…
And finally, cheesy chips?
Definitely a Yes! A throwback to my Uni days.
