Jennifer Jordan - Jennifer Jordan PR
Did you always envisage a career in the Media Industry?
I’d always been interested in the media industry, even as a consumer when as a teenager I would spend all of my pocket money on magazines to pore over interviews with my favourite musicians and actors. My initial career choice was journalism; I loved writing and pop culture, and it felt like a perfect fit. After deferring and then cancelling my place at Liverpool John Moores University to study for a degree in journalism in 2009 however, I ended up taking a slight detour to discover what I wanted to do.
In 2010, I enrolled on the Events Management with Arts and Entertainment degree course at Sheffield Hallam, where modules of the course dedicated to marketing and events promotion really captured my interest and ignited my passion for marketing.
What has been your career path so far?
Like many people in this industry, I started out with unpaid internships whilst at university, where I definitely got to experience the benefits and hardships of intern life! I was lucky enough to get internships at the Sheffield Documentary Festival, St Luke’s Hospice events department and at a music venue called SOYO. After university, I took a creative internship with Stockton Borough Council assisting the arts and culture department on the Stockton International Riverside Festival (SIRF), whilst also helping with the social media marketing for the first Mima Live programme, before finally taking a full-time job as an SEO Content Writer at Visualsoft.
I knew that I wanted to work directly with the media and promote my clients on a larger scale, so I took advantage of this by applying for a Digital PR Consultant role at Newcastle-based agency Evolved. After almost a year and a half there, I took the plunge and went freelance as a digital PR and marketing manager for hire.
What have been the biggest challenges you have faced so far?
Since working for myself I have realised that many businesses will get in touch about working on a project with me, only for me to spend time on a proposal and get tumbleweeds back. This ‘corporate ghosting’ is a new challenge for me and has meant that I now ask prospective clients to check out my website and services first to ensure that I can offer what they’re looking for.
Who do you respect most in your industry?
The digital PR industry is ultra tough, so I respect my previous managers and mentors immensely for sharing their experience and helping me grow. I’m also a part of a fantastic freelancing community, and the members who are so keen to offer advice or practical help have been invaluable to my journey so far.
Which fictional media character can you most relate to?
I’d say Anne Hathaway’s character in the film ‘The Devil Wears Prada’. Like Andy, I have definitely felt out of my depth at times professionally, but have gained confidence in myself and abilities, and now see my worth at work.
What is your greatest strength?
I would say that I am incredibly perceptive, personable and I have an ability to communicate well with people of all levels – which is essential in digital PR when you can be speaking with agencies, clients and journalists everyday.
What is your biggest weakness?
I can sometimes jump in feet first and get started on a project without taking the time to slow down and assess the overall strategy before beginning work. This can result in me starting up different tasks all at once and then having to take a step back to see what order of priority I need to place them in.
What has been your proudest achievement?
Clients taking a leap of faith in me at the beginning of my freelance journey has to be up there. One particular client followed me from an old agency I worked at as they were so pleased with my individual work, which is the highest praise you can get! Also, landing client coverage not once but twice in The Times.
What are your future career aspirations?
My goal is to work in the arts or charity sectors (or a crossover of both) either as a specialised digital marketing freelancer or in-house as part of a marketing team. I’m currently working on the Last Train Home festival for Tracks Darlington which is an excellent opportunity for me to move back into the area of marketing I’m most interested in.
How do you see your industry evolving in the next 10 years?
Digital PR and link building itself is becoming more challenging and our industry will need to adapt quite soon. I think the focus will have to move beyond the objective of simply gaining links for clients, and move towards a more holistic marketing strategy.
How do you like to unwind?
As a classic introvert, I like to read books and watch films to relax, with a daily walk around my local park or beach to keep me sane whilst working from home.
jenniferjordanpr.com
