Harry Lesser

Current Employer/Organisation Name

Project Associates

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

After Exeter, I spent several years in financial public relations and advising international financial institutions on their communications strategies, developing responses to crises, and devising campaigns for the media. I now work in an independent communications consultancy, developing strategies for Middle East-based corporate, private and government clients to build and protect their reputations.

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

The work is challenging and diverse. I get to use the languages I studied at Exeter and explore the topics that fascinate me.

What did you enjoy most about studying here?

The people – both students and staff – who really cared about exploring their subjects.

Why did you choose to study at Exeter?

The course was the most interesting on offer and provided a timely insight into current affairs. (And the campus was brilliant.)

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

Languages have been vital. They have offered a real route into new opportunities.

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

Take advantage of the long summer holidays to do interesting internships. More than boosting your CV and broadening your networks, they help you find out what motivates you – and what doesn’t!

What are your plans for the future?

Learn more languages, and improve the ones I’ve studied.