A conversation with Courtney Wood – our PR Apprentice
Posted on Tags: Conversation, Strawberry Academy, PRWhat attracted you to Strawberry?
Before I started looking for an apprenticeship, admittedly, I’d never really heard of Strawberry! However, when I did a bit of research, I realised what a fantastic opportunity it would be to work here. Through research, I found out about all of the work Strawberry does for organisations like Dove House Hospice and The Smile Foundation, which presented Strawberry in a good light. The Strawberry Academy further attracted me to the company, as it is obvious that the team puts a lot of time and effort into training young people and helping them to learn.
What did you do before Strawberry, how did you get here?
Before Strawberry I went to college for approximately 6 months at St Mary’s Sixth Form – but soon realised this educational path was not the one for me. So naturally, I started job-hunting, which eventually lead me down the apprenticeship route. I didn’t really know what an apprenticeship was, but after being told a bit about it I was extremely keen to pursue one! So I got in touch with Hull Business Training Centre and a week or so later I found myself at Strawberry!
As a student in the Strawberry Academy, what have you learned so far?
At Strawberry so far, I have learned about social media marketing, what PR and marketing is and I’m starting to learn more about Google AdWords. I’m extremely enthusiastic about my future in the Strawberry Academy and can’t wait to see where it’s going to take me.
Would you recommend the Strawberry Academy to other aspiring marketing professionals? If so, why?
Of course, it’s a fantastic opportunity to gain some work experience and the Academy provides you with a chance to learn and start your career whilst giving you support and guidance.
Why did you decide to go down the apprenticeship route?
I decided to go down the apprenticeship route because it gives you on-the-job training, a rate of pay, work experience and qualifications. I regret that I didn’t do it sooner!
What’s most enjoyable about working for Strawberry so far and what are you looking forward to doing most?
So far I’ve really enjoyed my time at Strawberry (even though at the time of writing this it’s only been a few weeks!). The team is lovely and very supportive. I’m looking forward to getting stuck in and to see where this opportunity is going to take me. I’m enthusiastic to start writing tweets, Facebook updates, press releases and helping out with the PR duties.
What inspires you?
It’s inspiring how at Strawberry, some of the experienced team members are former Strawberry Academy ‘goers’! It shows me how Strawberry has moulded them into their roles in the company and helped them gain the skills they need. It also shows me how good Strawberry is if they’ve continued to work here after their apprenticeships have finished!