Taylor Lawrence
Current Employer/Organisation Name
WPP
What have you been doing since leaving Exeter, and what are you doing now?
Since graduating I have been lucky enough to gain a place on the WPP Health Fellowship. The programme offers science graduates the chance to explore all aspects of health communications via the lens of medical education, public relations, research and advertising. The two-year programme offers the chance to learn about, and contribute to, specialist health communications agencies and to be a part of WPP’s world leading creative community. I am currently on my first rotation at Sudler London learning all about healthcare advertising.
Why did you choose this career? And what do you enjoy most about your work?
During my final year I was not entirely sure what I wanted to do. Although I wanted to stay in science, I didn’t want to do postgraduate medicine or pursue a career in research. The fellowship provided me with the perfect balance. Not only does it speak to my passion for science and communications, it also promised exposure to all facets of the industry and some of its most talented creatives. The thing that I enjoy most about my work day to day, is that the projects I get to work on are very varied. One minute I’m working on materials for health care professionals, the next I’m developing communications for patients.
What did you enjoy most about studying here?
The thing I enjoyed most about Exeter was my course. I really enjoyed the freedom of small group learning, but with the knowledge that there was always someone there to help if it was needed. It drives you to work as a team, use your initiative, but you always have that reassurance of help if it is needed.
Why did you choose to study at Exeter?
I chose Exeter for a number of different reasons. Firstly and most importantly I chose it for the course. The small group learning format and the standard of research and teaching were three things that sold the course for me. Also, the facilities were incredible are truly impressed when I came to visit on my open day and offer holders day. Finally, Exeter was ideally located to my home in Reading. Not too close that I felt like I’ve not left home but not too far so I could travel home for a weekend. I definitely made the right choice.
What skills and experiences have been most useful for your career?
The small group learning environment is extremely relevant to my role. I am constantly working in teams and so having learnt how best to work in this environment at university made the transition to the working world much easier. Additionally, at University you learn to balance a number of different priorities, from your lectures to sports to social events. This time management and organisation is crucial in my role.
What advice would you give to a current student who wishes to pursue your career?
If you love science and enjoy communicating, whether that’s creating presentations or simply talking to people about health and science, then I could not recommend the Health Fellowship enough. Health communications is a vast industry with a multitude of opportunities. The WPP Health Fellowship puts you in a perfect position to take advantage of those opportunities – and to learn from some of the very best.
What are your plans for the future?
Currently I am not looking beyond my two years on the fellowship. I am simply trying learn as my on of each of my rotations as I can and see what opportunities I am presented with come the end of the scheme.
