Bringing new ilksters on board is always a joy, not least because it brings extra hands to the brew round. But for older hands, those first days in the office can seem like a lifetime ago. So earlier this year we caught up with a newer addition to the team to find out how she felt after her first week (and no spoilers, but she’s still going strong three months later).

Moving three hours away from home for a job was a daunting thought… especially my first job after university! The thought of not being in full time education was also unnerving. What could the future bring? I found myself asking that a lot. A new chapter of my story was opening and I didn’t quite know how to feel! A whirlwind of emotions is definitely one way I would describe it.

And so my journey into the marketing world began. As I stepped into a room filled with new faces and a place set just for me, I instantly knew that I had made the right decision to take the leap into this career path. Those silly nerves I was feeling completely dissolved as I was welcomed into the team at ilk. 

But the real question that I guess you’re dying to know… what did I get up to? So… I spent my first week getting to grips with the company, and the accounts that I will be working with. This was an important part of the first week, as these are the clients that I will be continuing to work with through the coming weeks. After some exciting project meetings, where I got to introduce myself to my new clients, I felt ready to be let loose with my creativity and ideas. Diving straight in, I joined the team in creating content, brainstorming ideas and monitoring the media for brand campaigns- all of which I thoroughly enjoyed. 

Before starting here, the unknown scared me. However, it truly intrigues me now. I am super excited to get stuck in with all manner of tasks in the future at ilk and can’t wait to see where this role takes me, the people I will meet, and the opportunities that it will open. 

My advice to anyone that may feel nervous about starting their first job after university would be to just go for it! Take a step out of your comfort zone, remember that everyone is there to help you succeed (nobody is secretly rooting for your downfall!), and your contribution is valued. The greatest opportunities are found when you venture outside of your comfort zone!