Career Shifters: Meet a former ESL teacher who changed careers and never looked back
Kristen Michaelides
Sometimes, change is closer than you think.
Diving into an entirely new industry can be confronting – however, you may already have the transferrable skills to jump straight in, or even choose to undertake a short course to get you up to speed. It’s hard to figure out what you want in life, but taking small steps is sometimes all you need to define your career path.
Once you overcome the initial intimidation of the unknown when changing jobs, the reward is oh so satisfying!
Meet Freddy
For over four years, Freddy Grant has been the PR and Communications Manager at Bluethumb – Australia’s largest art marketplace. The online art gallery helps to connect collectors, art lovers and interior designers that have a mutual admiration of emerging and established local artists and are looking to buy art online.
However, Freddy wasn’t always thriving in the communications industry. Previous to his current role, he was working as an ESL (English Second Language) teacher. Although Freddy enjoyed teaching, he always felt that he’d be much better suited to a career in public relations and all things communications. So, he decided to make a change and move into more of the administration side of things. With the help of his now-husband, Freddy was given the help he needed to make the transition into his new career as a PR and Comms professional.
I realised that a lot of the skills I had and a lot of the things I was doing was marketing – I was running the social media and planning events.
The History of Bluethumb
Bluethumb was started in 2011 by brothers Ed and George Hartley. Coming from a very artsy household with an entrepreneurial father, the idea of starting a business was ingrained from the very beginning.
The two went off to have separate careers, however decided to come back together when they came up with an idea to fill this very obvious gap in the market: a way for artists to get their art in front of people directly.
Bluethumb has sold over
16,000
artworks
There was nothing quite like it in Australia at the time, and that’s where Bluethumb fits in.
Education Background
Education
Freddy graduated with first-class honours in 2007, using his qualification to eventually help him to pursue his passions. Like in Freddy’s case, it is the little things like a confidence boost in your industry area that can be the nudge that you need to go after a career in something you love.
Looking to study art and tighten up you’re fine art knowledge? A short Art Appreciation Course sounds like it could be right up your alley and a great career pathway to take your next professional step.
Explore Bluethumb’s Insta Feed
Source: INSTA @bluethumbart
The Gig
What is PR? PR and Communications professionals create, employ and evaluate communication strategies that craft the perception and favourable view of a business, its goods and services, and the role it plays within the community. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment where no day is the same, love people and have a creative and strategic mindset, this role could be the one for you.
PR and Communications Tasks:
- General customer-facing communications
- Newsletters
- Social media
- Management of outbound communications
- Press releases
- Pitching ideas
- Working with influencers
- Guest writing for publications
- Event management
- Pop-up and exhibition management
Think you’re cut out for a PR and Communications gig? Check out our public relations and communications courses, to help you build up your specialised skill set when changing careers.
“It’s definitely the best job that I’ve ever had, and a job that I’m really proud of.”
Keen on sharing your career change or ‘industry insider’ story?
Get in touch here.
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