Career Shifters: Meet a former ESL teacher who changed careers and never looked back
Photo source: Megan George
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 a 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 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 seperate 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
artworks
Whereas musicians had Soundcloud, artists had no place to sell their art – so the idea came about that they would start their own marketplace.
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 your 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.
I feel lucky that I did that [qualification] before I came to Bluethumb, because I don’t feel intimidated when I’m surrounded by artists or curators. I can pretend I know what they’re talking about!
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:
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.”
Browse Courses TodayKeen on sharing your career change or ‘industry insider’ story?
Get in touch here.
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Courses found:
Certificate IV in Engineering – Manual Metal Arc Welding Plate and Pipe (VIC ONLY) MEM40105
The course is designed for current engineering and fabrication apprentices, or qualified tradespeople. You may work within the metal, engineering, manufacturing and associated industries or at equivalent levels in other industries where engineering tra...
Job Outcomes
- Welding certification towards work projects
- Welding Supervisor
- Welding Inspector
Certificate IV in Business (VIC ONLY) BSB40215
Are you looking to further develop your career in administration or project administration, and to gain further skills or seek higher-level roles? The course is completed face to face in the classroom, but can also be undertaken as a traineeship...
Job Outcomes
- Office Administration Assistant
- Medical Receptionist
- Accounts Clerk
- Secretarial services
- Administrator
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Certificate II in Split Air-conditioning and Heat Pump Systems (VIC ONLY) UEE20111
The Certificate II in Split Air-conditioning and Heat Pump Systems is designed specifically for qualified electricians or electrical apprentices (minimum of 3rd year) with relevant split system installation experience, seeking to apply to the Australia...
Certificate IV in Engineering – Gas Metal Arc Welding MIG (VIC ONLY) MEM40105
The course is designed for current engineering and fabrication apprentices, or qualified tradespeople. You may work within the metal, engineering, manufacturing and associated industries or at equivalent levels in other industries where engineering tr...
Job Outcomes
- Welding certification towards work projects
- Welding Supervisor
- Welding Inspector
Diploma of Community Services (VIC ONLY) CHC52015
Do you want to make a significant difference to your community? This comprehensive course will qualify you to become a professional social welfare worker and is accredited by the Australian Community Workers Association (ACWA), so you can be sure you a...
Job Outcomes
- Case manager
- Community worker
- Social welfare worker
- Family support worker
Certificate IV in Child, Youth and Family Intervention (VIC ONLY) CHC40313
This course is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge to embark on a career in working with children, young people and their families. It will help develop your career prospects and allow you to work with those who are most vulnerable and...
Job Outcomes
- Residential care support worker
- Child protection support worker
- Outreach Worker
- Family Support Worker
Certificate III in Tourism (VIC ONLY) SIT30116
If you have a keen interest in tourism, can see yourself as a team player and believe you have excellent customer service, a career in the tourism industry could be for you. This six-month course will help you get into the industry, providing you with...
Job Outcomes
- Adventure tourism guide
- Attendant/senior ride operator in an attraction or theme park
- Booking agent
- Cellar door salesperson and guide in a winery
- Inbound tour coordinator
- Marine tourism guide or dive tour operator
- Museum attendant
- Operations consultant for a tour operator
- Sales consultant
- Visitor information officer
Certificate IV in Engineering – Gas Tungsten Arc Welding TIG (VIC ONLY) MEM40105
The course is designed for current engineering and fabrication apprentices, or qualified tradespeople. You may work within the metal, engineering, manufacturing and associated industries or at equivalent levels in other industries where engineering tr...
Job Outcomes
- Welding certification towards work projects
- Welding Supervisor
- Welding Inspector
Certificate IV in Mental Health (VIC ONLY) CHC43315
This course will prepare you for support roles working with people affected by mental illness and psychiatric disability. If you are community focused and driven to help those in need, our mental health course is the ideal platform to start your career...
Job Outcomes
- Adult and/or youth mental health worker
- Community rehabilitation and support worker
- Outreach officer
- Family support worker
Certificate III in Health Services Assistance (VIC ONLY) HLT33115
Would you like to work in healthcare, in a hospital or healthcare facility? This course will give you the entry-level skills and hands-on experience you need to work in a health services role....
Job Outcomes
- Orderly
- Wards person
- Patient services assistant
- Health services assistant
Certificate II in Construction Pathways (VIC ONLY) CPC20211
Are you looking to enter a trade apprenticeship, but would like to get a taste of the industry first? Perhaps you’re already doing some trade work, and would like to gain accreditation and a pathway to a full apprenticeship? This course is an ideal sta...
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- Apprentice in the construction industry
Event Management Certificate
Start an exciting career in events management! This event management course has been designed by the events industry and teaches you the skills that you need to succeed quickly and conveniently....
Job Outcomes
- Conference organisers
- Event management companies
- Promotional companies
- Event and conference venues
- Convention and visitors bureaus
- Wedding and party planners
- Exhibition venues and services
- Incentive planners
- Fundraising and charity organisations
- Event management consultant
- Event management business owners
Counselling and Psychology Certificate
Become a qualified counsellor. This course provides an opportunity to interact with and learn from very successful, highly qualified and experienced professionals. It also allows you to enter one of the fastest growing professions. Counsellors consult...
Job Outcomes
- Counselling
- Welfare and social work
- Education
- Sports coaching
- Life coaching
- Personal training
- Rehabilitation and health care
- Mental illness
- Marketing and sales
- Industrial relations and management
Criminal Psychology Certificate
The Criminal Psychology course provides an opportunity to interact with and learn from very successful, highly qualified and experienced professionals. It will assist you in entering a fast growing profession....
Job Outcomes
- Probation/Rehabilitation
- Forensics/Police/Private Investigator
- Welfare officers
- Youth workers
- Counsellors
- Psychologists
- Support workers
- Legal research/Paralegal
Public Relations Certificate
This public relations (PR) course has been designed by the PR industry and teaches you the skills that you need to succeed quickly and conveniently....
Job Outcomes
- Publicist
- Communications consultant
- Marketing analyst
- Product manager
- Public relations consultant
- Public relations officer
- Journalist
Criminal Justice and Criminology Certificate
Criminal Justice & Criminology training provides an opportunity to interact with and learn from very successful, highly qualified and experienced professionals. It also allows you to enter an ever-growing profession....
Hospitality Management Certificate
Start a career in the fast-growing hotel and hospitality industry. This hospitality and hotel program has been designed in conjunction with industry leaders and helps you learn the skills you need to succeed within the industry quickly and conveniently...
Job Outcomes
- Bar managers
- Catering managers
- Hotel management trainees
- Housekeeping supervisors
- Manager, health and leisure department
- Marketing consultants
- Night auditor
- Assistant hotel manager
- Personnel and training officers
- Public relations officer
- Purchasing officer
- Restaurant supervisors and managers
- Tourism and travel consultants
- Hospitality entrepreneur
Travel and Tourism Certificate
This travel and tourism course has been designed in conjunction with industry representatives and helps you learn the skills you need to succeed within the industry quickly and conveniently....
Job Outcomes
- Domestic airlines
- International airlines
- Retail travel agencies
- Wholesale travel agents
- Regional tourist information services
- Tourism marketing consultancies
- Inbound tour operators
- Theme parks and tourist attractions
- Coach tour companies
- Cruise lines
- Conference and incentive travel tour coordinators
Business Management Certificate
This course develops the skills necessary for managing a small business, or a department within a larger business. Developed by professionals with many years of experience, it covers a range of topics that will ensure your career in Management has a st...
Certificate III in Education Support (Delivered in Virtual Reality) CHC30213
“I wish I had a job that’s just school hours so I could still do drop-off and pick-up, but earn money so we don’t have to struggle to pay the rent/mortgage, school fees, kids sport, etc” If you’ve made this wish – have you ever considered working in a...
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