Eleanor Taylor-Roberts

Current Employer/Organisation Name

Bacchus PR

What have you been doing since leaving Exeter, and what are you doing now?

I’ve been a Publicist for over 5 years, working in Fashion, Lifestyle, Luxury, Travel Public Relations. My main first PR role was at Edelman where I stayed for two years working on clients such as Heineken, Kat Florence x Sarah Jessica Parker, Microsoft and Edwardian Hotels London. Then, after a little while working in Fashion PR, I am now at Bacchus PR working with Travel and Luxury clients and have been here for over two years. My clients have ranged from Gucci Garden Florence and Gucci Osteria Beverly Hills to Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, NoMad London, EVOK hotels in Paris and Mayfair’s Burlington Arcade.

Why did you choose this career? And what do you enjoy most about your work?

I actually got into PR through my acting work. I was on set one day and was speaking to the Creative Director who also edited RWD magazine. I asked to intern at RWD and then other media internships rolled including one in PR which I loved and continued from there. I love working with amazing magazines like VOGUE, Tatler, ELLE, FT How To Spend It. I love the buzz of the industry in London, with photoshoots, A list events, media lunches – it’s an exciting industry to work in. I love the friends I’ve met in my work such as top editors or new writers at various publications.

Please tell us if you were a member of any societies, groups or sports clubs?

I was in Footlights’ production of West Side Story, I illustrated for Exepose newspaper, and mainly I was Cheer Vice Captain of the Cheerleading and Gymnastics Society. My BA was in Drama with proficiency in French.

What did you enjoy most about your programme and what was the biggest highlight?

I enjoyed the dance elements, and learning about the history of various practitioners/theatrical methods. I enjoyed performing my duologue.

What did you enjoy most about studying here?

The campus was like a bubble, you always saw a friend on your way to a lecture. I loved the Forum and Library for studies. Cheerleading made my uni experience.

Why did you choose to study at Exeter?

My first reaction when arriving on campus – “This is the uni for me.” It just felt right.

What skills and experiences have been most useful for your career?

Studying and working independently without continual guidance, but was always there if we needed it.

What advice would you give to a current student who wishes to pursue your career?

Research the right agency you want to start at. Starting at a large agency like I did – the Edelmans, the Freuds, the Ogilvys – gives you a great starting block but it’s tough. After Edelman – which I loved! it taught me so much – I wanted a smaller agency, and brought invaluable knowledge and training to my next job.

What are your plans for the future?

I’m on track for a promotion to Account Director, according to my direct boss. I’d like to stay at Bacchus for several more years and perhaps be Head of Travel one day. I live with my boyfriend who works for a French bank. If we end up moving to Paris in the coming years, then perhaps I can set up a third Bacchus office in Paris! That would be fun.