Ellen Hill

Pressing the advantage

Starting in an entirely different industry than the one I’d just graduated in was always going to be interesting…

The moment you finish university, submit that last assignment and don your fetching regalia is one of the most transformative periods of your life. It’s also one the most confronting, especially if you’re an Arts Major.

Any one who has studied an arts degree knows that life after university is not an exact science. The path is not simply laid out for us, there is no arc to follow, no solid trajectory to achieve your ultimate career goals – that is, if you even know what they are.

It’s as daunting as it is thrilling.

After completing a Bachelor of Journalism, my post university job hunt was a gruelling process, but I was spurred on by the successes of my fellow alumni – a small but extremely talented group who truly inspire me. It’s also worth mentioning that I emerged from my university experience with the realisation that I didn’t want to be a journalist in the truest sense of the word. So that made things interesting to say the least.

Pursuing an agency career turned out to be the aim for me, whether that was in PR, digital media or advertising.

It took months of trial and error, being told I didn’t have enough experience or not hearing anything at all, before I came across a job at Sense Creative Agency (now we’re getting somewhere).

To be completely honest, it wasn’t the job I expected to apply for – I still had a healthy dose of post-graduation stubbornness, and the expectation that things were supposed to be a certain way.

But if we fast forward to now – excuse the cliché, my journalism lecturers would not be impressed – I’ve been the Receptionist/Administration Assistant at Sense for around 9 months. I’ve learned so much about the agency already, and this position continues to challenge me. Every day is different, and I’m fortunate to work in an office full of people who are brilliant at what they do, and willing to impart their wisdom and advice.

While my role may be administrative, I definitely haven’t been limited to answering phones. I’ve been able to use my writing skills, creating social media content for Melbourne Star and various other clients.

Lots of proofreading has sated my obsessive Virgo tendencies (if you believe in that sort of thing…)

I’ve also dabbled with production assistance, media sales and web testing. Being involved in the various working parts of an agency has been invaluable for me, both in discovering hidden talents and opening up future career opportunities.

Now that I’ve started to find my feet in social media content writing, I’m eager to pursue the field more, maybe to one day become a content strategy extraordinaire (hopefully that’ll fit on a business card)! And I still have so much to learn when it comes to strategy and building a brand in the digital space.

This kind of work fascinates me and I know that it’ll continue to surprise and challenge me wherever it leads.

All in all, for a first gig out of university it’s been great.

Sense is diverse and creative, challenging and fascinating. It’s brilliant to watch an entire team come together to create something for a client, whether it’s a commercial, a new website or the creation of a brand entirely from scratch.

Finally, aside from the many new skills I’ve already learned in my time here, the great thing is that I’ve been able to so quickly feel like a valued member of the team. And any team that enjoys a good wine and cheese night and encourages employees to bring their dogs to work is worth the world in my book.

If you want to learn more about who we are and what we do, follow us on Instagram. We’re doing a bunch of interesting, creative stuff at the moment. And if you’re looking at getting into the industry, keep your eyes peeled and your ears open – the opportunities are definitely out there!

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Starting in an entirely different industry than the one I’d just graduated in was always going to be interesting…

Ellen Hill
Social Media & Content Manager