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 lll in Early Childhood Education & Care CHC30113
If you love working with children and want to learn more about providing quality education and care in a range of environments, this course is for you. The Certificate lll in Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC30113) can provide you with an entry-l...
Job Outcomes
- Early Childhood Educator
- Playgroup Supervisor
- Nanny
Certificate III in Community Services CHC32015
Are you a natural when it comes to providing guidance to people? Would you like to kick start a career in Community Services? The Certificate III in Community Services (CHC32015) is the perfect entry-level qualification for prospective Community Servic...
Job Outcomes
- Support Worker
- Case Worker
Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing & Disability) CHC33015
If you have a passion for helping those most in need, this qualification is one way you can utilise your knowledge for the benefit of others. Package the Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing & Disability) (CHC33015) to save time and gain k...
Job Outcomes
- Care Assistant
- In-Home Respite Worker
- Residential Care Worker
- Disability Service Officer
Diploma of Business BSB50215
Does a nationally recognised qualification that will enable you to pursue your dreams in the business world inspire and align with your professional and personal aspirations? If you’re answering in the affirmative, look no further than the BSB50215 Dip...
Job Outcomes
- Program Coordinator
- Business Manager
- Assistant Manager
- Dance Studio Manager
- Health Administration Officer
Certified Cybersecurity Professional
Our Certified Cybersecurity Professional course will prepare you for a career in an industry with 0% unemployment. This interactive online course will take you from zero industry experience to a job ready, front line Cybersecurity Analyst in less than...
Job Outcomes
- Cybersecurity Analyst
The Online MBA
The Online MBA is delivered fully online and does not require any campus attendance. It is a groundbreaking MBA with 6 modules developed and delivered by one of the worlds oldest universities. In addition, the Dūcere Global Business school provides cas...
Job Outcomes
Bachelor of Applied Entrepreneurship
Ducere Global Business School has partnered with Torrens University Australia to deliver this online Bachelor of Applied Entrepreneurship, which teaches the practical enterprise skills of the 21st century. If you want to learn how new businesses and st...
Job Outcomes
- Entrepreneur
- Intrapreneur
- Strategy Specialist
- Consultant
Bachelor of Applied Business (Management)
Ducere Global Business School has partnered with Torrens University Australia to deliver this online Bachelor of Applied Business (Management), which combines the fundamentals of management and business leadership with the practical enterprise skills o...
Job Outcomes
- Project Manager
- State Manager
- Strategy Specialist
- Operations Manager
Master of Business Administration (Innovation and Leadership)
If you’re looking for a practical and industry-focused MBA experience, which bridges the gap between academic learning and industry needs, then you’ve found it. By working on real projects with our industry partners, you’ll gain unprecedented insight i...
Job Outcomes
- CEO
- Business Owner
- Executive Director
- Consultant
- General Manager
- Change Project Manager
- Director
- Manager
Graduate Certificate in Data & Cyber Management
In this Graduate Certificate students will focus explicitly on culture, values and dispositions in order to affect change within organisations in regards to best cyber security practice. As no two organisations are the same, each will require unique, m...
Job Outcomes
- Manager
- Data Manager
- Director
- Cyber Security Manager
- Consultant
- Change Leader
Bachelor of Applied Business (Marketing)
Ducere Global Business School has partnered with Torrens University Australia to deliver this online Bachelor of Applied Business (Marketing), which combines an immersive online learning experience with a practical and industry-relevant assessment mode...
Job Outcomes
- Account Executive
- Brand Manager
- Marketing Manager
- Digital Marketer
Professional Photography Business Certificate
Starting your own business can be a difficult and financially straining feat. Photography is an especially tough industry to break in to on a professional level which is why we offer this course. It’s been specifically designed over 15 years and...
Job Outcomes
- Photography business owner
- Wedding Photographer
- Event Photographer
- Freelance Photographer
- Club and Bar Photographer
- Media Photographer
- Wildlife Photographer
- Digital image editor
- Professional Photographer
- Wildlife Photographer
- Media Photographer
Professional Photography Certificate
This course has been designed and developed for over 15 years, making it one of the best professional photography certificate courses on the market. It will take any willing student from amateur level to professional in the space of 30 weeks. Fully onl...
Job Outcomes
- Photography business owner
- Wedding Photographer
- Event Photographer
- Freelance Photographer
- Club and Bar Photographer
- Media Photographer
- Wildlife Photographer
- Digital image editor
- Professional Photographer
- Wildlife Photographer
- Media Photographer
Agile Course (NSW ONLY)
Academy Xi’s new Agile Elevate course is an ideal way for you to acquire in-depth knowledge and experience of Agile frameworks, techniques and mindset, whilst securing Scrum, Lean and Kanban certifications. All in a 10-week, part-time Agile course. Agi...
Job Outcomes
- Scrum Master
- Iteration Manager
Medical Reception Certificate
Health care is one of the biggest industries here in Australia! With a medical practice on almost every corner there are thousands of businesses across the country looking for friendly and professional Medical Receptionist! The course is for those indi...
Job Outcomes
- General Office Receptionist
- Medical Receptionist
- Medical Transcription Work
- Pharmacy Assistant/Retail Worker
Construction Business Administration and Bookkeeping Certificate
This course is ideal for those individuals that want to work in business support roles for the Construction industry. Building and Construction is a huge industry in Australia and whether a construction company is small or large all of them need good a...
Job Outcomes
- Commercial Construction Office Support Worker
- Office Administrator for Small Construction Business
- Bookkeeper
- Domestic Construction Business Manager
- Administration Support Worker
- Accounts Administrator Support for Construction
Small Trade Administration and Bookkeeping Certificate
This course is ideal for those individuals that want to work in business support roles for the construction and trades industry. Building and construction is a huge industry in Australia and whether a construction company is small or large, all of them...
Job Outcomes
- Commercial Construction Office Support Worker
- Office Administrator for Small Construction Business
- Bookkeeper
- Domestic Construction Business Manager
- Administration Support Worker
- Accounts Administrator Support for Construction
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (VIC ONLY) CHC30113
Do you love kids? Have you ever thought about getting involved in early childhood care, only to change your mind because you figured that you would need a lot of schooling to start such a career? Do you have time available for two days per week? The CH...
Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) (VIC ONLY) CHC33015
If you are looking for a career that is challenging, diverse and offers you the opportunity to make a difference to someone else’s life, then a career in Aged Care could be for you! Aged Care is a rapidly growing industry and during the course you will...
Job Outcomes
- Accommodation support worker
- In-home respite worker
- Care assistant
- Community care worker
- Home care assistant
Project Management and Leadership Certificate
Do you think you have what it takes to step into a management or leadership role? Are you looking to earn a higher income? Tired of being “on the tools”? Then this is the course for you! The Project Management and Leadership Certificate is ideal for th...
Job Outcomes
- Sales Management
- Logistics Management
- Construction Management
- General Business Management
- Retail Management
- Project Supervisor
- Team Leader
- General Supervisor
- Project Manager/Planner
Online courses also available
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