Eyeweb
Unplugged:

1. Knowing What You Want at 13? Not Always That Simple

When you’re 13, it’s easy to feel like you should have it all figured out. But most people don’t. Some think they do and end up somewhere completely different. Others have no clue at all, and that’s perfectly normal. For Laura, the dream at 13 was to be a vet. She’s always loved animals and would happily have a full farm if her house and husband allowed it.

2. From Work Experience to New Directions

Work experience often gives you your first real insight into what a job might actually involve. Laura spent time at a stable, learning to muck out and getting her first experience with horses. But when it came time to choose A-levels, science didn’t feel like the right path. Instead, she leaned into the subjects she was stronger in and more passionate about: French, English and history.

3. Falling in Love with France

French became a gateway to something much bigger. University opened the door to spending time studying in Nice and later working in Paris, where Laura truly fell in love with the city. That experience shaped her early career path, starting in French-speaking account management and taking her into the world of business rather than translation or interpreting.

4. Account Management with a Creative Edge

Account management turned out to be a great fit, not just for using language skills, but for building strong relationships and working closely with clients. Laura’s roles evolved during time at different companies, including print and software development. There were crossovers into design too, like working with proofs and creative feedback, which kept things interesting and varied.

5. Choosing the Right Path, Not Just the Expected One

While Laura did take the university route, there was always a sense of wanting to explore what felt right rather than follow a rigid career ladder. The pressure to go to university, get a good job, climb the ladder and tick all the boxes is very real. But Laura realised that what she really wanted was happiness. And that meant finding work that felt rewarding, with the right culture and support system.

6. From Vet Dreams to Marketing Reality

The journey wasn’t linear, and that’s something shared across the team. Even those who loved subjects like art and animals at school didn’t necessarily pursue careers directly in those areas. For another member of the team, art and game design led to a role in charity marketing. What started as poster design and social media updates turned into a realisation that marketing was the right fit.

7. A Creative Career, Built from Experience

Whether it’s creating posters for a climbing gym or running campaigns for an arts charity, the most valuable skills often come from doing what you enjoy. That sense of building things naturally and learning by doing shows up across the team. The path into marketing hasn’t been straight for most of us. It’s full of zigzags, detours and unexpected stops, but that’s what makes it ours.