Name and title
Emily Fishburn, Account Director
When did you start working at Whiteoaks?
I joined Whiteoaks in November 2016
Tell us a bit more about your career progression within Whiteoaks, for example, your first role and how you’ve developed since then
Fresh from uni I started at Whiteoaks back in November 2016 as a Junior Account Executive and in nearly as many years, I’ve received as many promotions. Working my way through from admin and reporting based tasks, learning the ropes pitching to journalists and analysts to the account management role, up to AD where I am now. I have certainly gained a wealth of valuable experience in my roles to date!
How did you get into PR? For example, what did you study? Your previous jobs, etc.
After getting a taste for PR as a work experience placement at a marketing agency, I decided that the fast-paced buzz around getting companies’ stories and messages heard in the media was key for me. Anyone potentially interested in pursuing a career in PR, I’d definitely say it is worthwhile trying to get a work experience placement at an agency, that way you’ll be able to tell if it will be a fit for you.
What’s been the highlight of your Whiteoaks career so far?
It’s hard to choose just one, I’m really proud of the many of the research projects I have been involved in for clients, which have uncovered revealing and unique industry insights and have achieved high-quality media coverage. As well as the results creating unique conversations for clients to have with both potential customers, journalists, analysts and influencers.
I love networking and connecting clients and journalists, whether that be over lunch or coffee or at an event. I have been fortunate to facilitate many briefings for clients over my five years at various industry events, including at the ExCeL and NEC, at one point I had been due to go to the NAB show in Las Vegas, which I’m sure would have been a top highlight on this list, though COVID put a stop to that. It’s exciting to see events coming back to life and everyone getting back out there again!
What makes you smile at the end of the day?
Knowing that the team and I have made a good effort to get through our to-do lists and in the process achieve some top tier coverage and opportunities for our clients.
When I’m not PRing I like to…
Go to festivals, for weekends away, I also like to attempt to stay active by going to the gym or running with my other Whiteoaks running buddies, we are lucky as one of our perks is having Brian the running coach come and train us every Monday after work!
