Fergus Campbell
Current Employer/Organisation Name
eBay
What have you been doing since leaving Exeter, and what are you doing now?
Initially working in marketing roles, and then in PR/communications agencies, I’ve now moved ‘in house’. After running comms for Gumtree in the UK, I now look after corporate communications for eBay.
Why did you choose this career? And what do you enjoy most about your work?
Communications (aka Public Relations) is a very versatile industry, which requires a mix of problem-solving, creativity, relationship-building skills, and an appetite to graft. I enjoyed learning my craft in an agency environment, but appreciate the depth that you go to when working for a well-known business.
Please tell us if you were a member of any societies, groups or sports clubs?
Ended up being News Editor, then Editor, of Exepose.
What did you enjoy most about your programme and what was the biggest highlight?
Breadth of different courses. And met some great people!
What did you enjoy most about studying here?
The campus, the focus on humanities, and the location.
Why did you choose to study at Exeter?
A lot of reasons, including strength of the course, feel for the place, and some recommendations.
What skills and experiences have been most useful for your career?
Do as much as you can, whenever you can. For example I spent most school (and then uni) holidays doing different kinds of work experience – both paid and unpaid.
What advice would you give to a current student who wishes to pursue your career?
Immerse yourself in current affairs. I.e. read newspapers (online and even offline – in print!), watch the news, have a point of view on domestic and global issues, and try to put the dots together of who in the business (and political world) is doing what, and why.
