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Career Shifters: Meet a former ESL teacher who changed careers and never looked back
Claudia Reiners
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.
Courses found:
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Diploma of Beauty Therapy (Geelong Only) SHB50115
This nationally recognised, Free TAFE course, is very highly regarded in the industry with our graduates achieving a 100% employment rate for the last two years! Advance into the next level of your beauty therapy career, expanding on your foundational...
Diploma of Engineering – Technical (Geelong Only) MEM50212
Are you looking to develop your engineering career, or gain practical engineering experience before undertaking a university degree? This course is designed for those wanting to work as an engineering technician, carrying out tasks such as engineering...
Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Building) (Geelong Only) CPC40110
If you are looking to move into estimating/supervision roles within the domestic building industry this course will prove to be a valuable tool. During this course, currently run using MBAV resources and support, you will learn estimating principles, ...
Certificate II in Building and Construction (Carpentry) Pre-apprenticeship (Geelong Only) 22216VIC
Are you looking to enter the construction industry, or get a taste for the carpentry trade before undertaking an apprenticeship? This pre-apprenticeship course is designed for you.
Diploma of Graphic Design (VIC ONLY) CUA50715
This nationally recognised course gives you an immediate qualification to work in a creative, diverse, constantly evolving industry. Advance your natural technical and creative abilities, and learn about corporate branding, commercial printing and free...
Certificate IV in Information Technology (Geelong Only) ICT40118
This nationally recognised TAFE course is for all the future IT whizzes out there ready to step up in their careers. If you’re already dabbling in IT and ready for more responsibility, a fatter pay check, or a promotion, this course is your secre...
Certificate IV in Visual Arts (VIC ONLY) CUA41315
This nationally recognised course, will enhance your creativity and launch your artistic career in the thriving arts world. Find your niche, and learn the techniques of drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, jewellery making, photo digital imaging,...
Diploma of Laboratory Technology (Geelong Only) MSL50118
This nationally recognised, Free TAFE course is tailored for individuals seeking to advance their career in modern science. If you hold a certificate in lab techniques, have a profound love for science, a thirst for understanding how things operate, an...
Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques (Geelong Only) MSL40118
This nationally recognized, Free TAFE course is perfect for individuals who have a genuine passion for science, a curiosity about how the world functions, and a penchant for variety. If you’re also someone who leans towards meticulous planning an...
Certificate II in Animal Care (VIC ONLY) ACM20117
Calling all animal lovers! This free, nationally recognised TAFE course is for those with a heart full of love for our furry friends, offering a paw-some start in the animal care world. Opening doors for a career such as: Animal Care Attendant Animal S...
Certificate IV in Building and Construction (SE Melb Only) CPC40120
The Certificate IV in Building and Construction (CPC40120) is designed to meet the needs of people working in the building industry and who aim to be builders and managers of small to medium-sized building projects. This nationally recognised qualifica...
Certificate IV in Training & Assessment TAE40122
The TAE40122 Certificate IV in Training & Assessment is a life-changing qualification designed to help everyday people pass on their wealth of knowledge and expertise to others. This entry-level qualification is the most current version of the Cert...
Certificate III in Process Manufacturing (Perth Only) MSM30116
Advance your knowledge, gain more skills in Process Manufacturing. This course is tailored to students interested in advanced production work utilising a range of different support functions related to producing products. You will gain skills across va...
Certificate II in Electrotechnology Studies (Pre-vocational) (Geelong Only) 22261VIC
Are you looking to enter the electrical industry, or get a taste for the trade before undertaking an apprenticeship? This pre-apprenticeship course is designed to give you the core skills and knowledge for the industry, and increase your opportunities...
Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural) (Geelong Only) 22477VIC
This course prepares you for a career as a building designer, with the practical skills, knowledge and qualifications to work in the residential and commercial design and construction sectors. This course also gives you a great edge if you’re planning...
Certificate III in Horticulture (Geelong Only) AHC30716
If you enjoy being outdoors, have an interest in plants and gardens, and are looking for a hands-on career, then horticulture could be for you. This is a generalist horticulture course that will equip you with comprehensive skills and knowledge to succ...
Certificate III in Individual Support (Geelong & Werribee Only) CHC33015
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Certificate IV in Plumbing and Services (VIC ONLY) CPC40912
THIS COURSE IS AVAILABLE TO STUDENTS IN VICTORIA ONLY This course covers common skills relevant for the plumbing industry in addition to specialist streams relevant to drainage, gas fitting, roof drainage, sewerage and more. These plumbing training cou...
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