HR

Combining interests and experience

Combining interests and experience

I found out about Portland when I was finishing my master’s at LSE in the fall of 2015. To me, it seemed liked the ideal working environment, combining my interest in international affairs and my earlier media and writing experience.

Following my decision to leave the newsroom, I started as an intern on the Government Advisory team a year ago. I was immediately impressed by the people, the breadth of work and the vast opportunities to develop.

Coming from digital media, I was excited by the chance to think more critically and strategically, working with people from a variety of backgrounds. My colleagues come from different industries and parts of the world, speaking different languages and bringing to the table a wide array of skills and strengths. From them, I have learned everything from how to create a media list and do a sell-in, to what a messaging workshop is and how to write a press release.

As an intern, you really hit the ground running. Within weeks, I was getting up to speed on a number of tasks and activities that I had either never heard of before, or perhaps been on the receiving end of in the past as a journalist. The internship was a fantastic opportunity to find my feet in a new industry and my colleagues were always helpful and supportive.

Fast forward eight months and I was being flown out to Doha to support a client on a workshop teaching former refugees and child soldiers about international humanitarian law. I never would have imagined that I would work in-person with a client so soon, let alone on an issue that I personally care about. That’s what makes Portland special – you are given the opportunity to grow quickly and work on issue areas and with clients that interest you.

Now, a few months later, I feel like a fully integrated part of my team and am excited for what the next year has in store.

 

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