Role: PR, Events And Sponsorship Specialist
Company: Firmus Energy
Track Record: ‘Anyone that I see stepping out of their comfort zone, taking risks or realising a vision really inspires me,’ she says.
What does your job entail?
As a PR, events and sponsorship specialist for firmus energy I am responsible for these three core areas and ensuring that as a company, we are making a positive contribution in each of the communities in which we work.
firmus energy owns and operates the natural gas pipeline in the regional areas of Northern Ireland as well as supplying homes and businesses in greater Belfast so we cover most of the key towns and cities.
This means I am regularly out of the office, travelling all over Northern Ireland attending energy and community events, securing sponsorship deals or meeting with the agencies that support our marketing activities.
At the moment we are supporting the firmus energy City of Culture Triathlon which is taking place in June, so I am regularly in Derry-Londonderry. We will also be taking part in an associated School’s Development Health Programme and visiting a number of schools in the North West.
It is great to be involved with some of the biggest events NI has to offer and we will soon be announcing an exciting partnership with the World Police and Fire Games, so watch this space.
Is it 9-5?
Is any career really 9-5? The marketing world is a very fast paced and dynamic environment, especially with the inclusion of social media and online marketing channels. As a result I have to be constantly aware of market changes and trends to ensure we remain responsive to our customers’ needs.
How did you get into this line of work?
I always loved the creativity which lends itself naturally to marketing and so decided to study the communications, advertising and marketing degree at the University of Ulster. I was able to gain valuable experience in a number of part-time roles which created a great foundation for a career in the marketing industry.
Outline your career to date?
At university my placement year was spent with the supply arm of NIE (now Power NI) as a marketing officer. After graduating I took up a marketing role within the IT sector for almost two years before returning to the energy industry in my current position with firmus.
I have now been with firmus energy for three years and enjoy the variety of the work and the extra responsibility I have been given as the role has evolved.
Tell us about your qualifications/training.
As marketing is such a dynamic career field, it is essential that I keep evolving my skills to match the industry needs. Luckily firmus energy is very supportive of employee development and values and understands the importance of regular training.
I am currently studying towards my Chartered Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing. firmus also ensures that every employee receives City & Guilds accredited energy efficiency training via National Energy Action (NEA), the fuel poverty charity.
What qualities are required for your job – personal and professional?
Exceptional communication skills, being a team player and natural creativity are three of the most important traits for any marketer. You also have to have an excellent understanding of your marketplace and the ability to think strategically and analytically about changing customer needs and future market trends.
What is the best advice you ever received?
A university lecturer once said: “remember your university friends and keep in touch because these are the people you will be doing business with in the future”. Every day this is turning out to be more and more true and I am regularly coming across familiar faces!
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I am quite an active person. Where most people would consider lying reading a book on a beach a relaxing holiday, this summer I am trekking from France to Northern Spain with my fiancé for 10 days. Each day we will walk 26 miles and I am really looking forward to the challenge.
I am also training to run the Berlin marathon in September. Therefore, working on health and sports related events such as the firmus energy City of Culture triathlon is a great fit for me as I am very passionate about sports.
Tell us an interesting fact about yourself.
A couple of years ago I fronted a multi-million pound TV campaign for a well-known sports drink. This involved a ‘fly on the wall’ advertising campaign following my six month progress from never running a race before to completing the highest altitude marathon in Europe. This is where I got the running bug.
Who has inspired you most in your life?
My parents have been a great inspiration in my life. Coming from a hard-working background I know the daily grind that is required to keep a family business running.
I am also lucky to be surrounded by inspirational people every day within work. Anyone that I see stepping out of their comfort zone, taking risks or realising a vision really inspires me.