James Fahy

Current Employer/Organisation Name

GingerMay

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

Since leaving Exeter I’ve worked for agencies specialising in business-to-business (B2B) technology PR. I’m currently working for an agency that does exactly this.

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

I couldn’t justify another year at university so had to choose something. Fortunately, it was the right choice, and the emphasis on writing suits me very well.

What did you enjoy most about studying here?

The quality of the teaching at Exeter made studying there a delight. But some of my most enjoyable experiences in Exeter happened beyond the classroom, such as strolling around the stunning Streatham campus, hiking in nearby Dartmoor and canoeing around the Quay in the summer.

Why did you choose to study at Exeter?

The focus of my undergraduate degree dissertation was the 2003 Iraq War, so when it came to finding a university for my masters’, the abundance of Middle East expertise at Exeter made it a natural fit.

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

There’s a strong crossover between social sciences skills and qualities of good PR. At a fundamental level, both involve presenting complex information in a simple and compelling way to win over an audience. My non-academic experiences in Exeter also prepared me well for my career. Despite being on the losing side, my experience campaigning during the EU referendum taught me a great deal about audience targeting, messaging, and social media. I also wrote for The Witness Politics Journal, which prepared me for a job that requires the ability to write engaging material.

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

1) PR agencies prioritise work experience over degree subject, so it’s worth doing any relevant internships you can during your time at university 2) Take part in the extracurricular activities that develop communication skills such as debating 3) Don’t be afraid to cold contact people working in PR. They’ll be flattered you thought of them and may well help you onto the career ladder.

What are your plans for the future?

I plan to continue working at GingerMay and help it remain one of the most remarkable agencies around.