Elisa – Senior Account Manager

Elisa joined Edelman on the graduate scheme in September 2002, after obtaining an IPR Diploma in Public Relations and an Honours Degree in Psychology from the University of Hertfordshire. She is now a Senior Account Manager in the Healthcare practice.

I found the training sessions included in the graduate scheme of real relevance to my role at Edelman, and also of a very high standard. While I had already gained a qualification in PR, I found that the training scheme at Edelman was better suited and more thorough, reassuring me that I had made the right career choice and making me feel more confident in my abilities. The sessions covered everything from computer skills to managing a press event, and even now I find myself referring to the invaluable notes I made during my time on the scheme.

I found that spending time in each department was extremely beneficial in a number of ways. Firstly, it provided me with an understanding of what type of work each department was involved in and what clients they had. Secondly, I was able to examine all my options before going to work in the Healthcare division, and, in turn, I was able to bring a number of different methods, ideas and skills to Healthcare that I had learned in other departments.

Zoe – Account Director

Zoe joined Edelman on the Graduate Training Scheme in September 2000 after graduating from Middlesex University with a BA Honours Degree in Studies in Race and Culture. She completed the Graduate Programme in March 2001 and now works as an Account Director within the Healthcare team.

The graduate training programme was a great experience for me. I was able to gain experience in all fields of PR before settling down in the department I felt most appropriate to me. I completed two months in each department as well as an intensive training timetable, which gave me the knowledge that I needed to complete the programme and progress my career in PR.

After completing the programme, I was able to settle in the Healthcare team. The challenge of learning what is needed to conduct Healthcare PR, especially since I have no biology or science background, and the support of the other team members, have made my experience so far a very interesting and satisfying one.

If I were looking at a career in PR fresh from University, I could be assured that Edelman provides a very thorough and extensive grounding, and once you have learnt the basics, progression comes purely on your own merit and ambition. Edelman does offer work experience opportunities throughout the year depending on capacity. Business groups take on one or more graduates for periods of three months or more, to assist on different accounts and to learn basic PR skills.

One of my most memorable experiences was in September when I joined a group of 8 other Edelman employees from all over the world in Zambia where we were given the opportunity to learn first hand the challenges and issues faced by Edelman’s probono client, CAMFED (the CAMpaign for Female EDucation). This was a week long trip to one of the poorest nations in the world in order to fully understand the challenges of female education in such an environment. This was an experience unlike any other in my life, certainly one I will never forget, and I will always be grateful to Edelman for having given this to me.

I have been at Edelman for 9 years now, but it doesn’t feel like it at all! The continuous opportunities and learning that I experience on a daily basis means my career is a constant challenge and never gets stale. The London Edelman office is number 2 in the European PR ranks and the London Healthcare team is number one – I am proud to have been part of the development of the health team and Edelman as a whole and plan to continue my career at this award-winning agency.

Laura – Senior Account Manager

Laura joined Edelman on the Graduate Training Scheme in September 2005 after graduating from University of Bath with a BsC Honours Degree in Politics and Economics. She completed the Graduate Programme in January 2006 and now works as a Senior Account Manager within the Corporate Practice.

The graduate training programme was a great experience for me. It was really useful for me to gain experience in all fields of PR before settling down in the chosen department. I completed one month in each practice as well a thorough training programme, which covered various elements within the PR Industry.

After completing the programme, I chose the Corporate team to join where I work across a variety of clients including UPS, Get Safe Online and Masdar; with previous client work on Motorola, Orange, Sport England, Copenmind and the FA.

If you are looking at a career in PR straight from University, Edelman provides a very thorough and extensive grounding, and once you have learnt the basics, progression comes from your own merit.

Outside of my client work, I set up an Edelman netball team– which was a great way to mix with other colleagues from different practices – and we ended up winning the league! I have been at Edelman for 4 years now, and I can’t believe how quickly it has gone by! There are continuous opportunities and challenges which keep it fresh and exciting.