Jessica Speck

Why did you choose to study a BA majoring in Journalism and International Relations at Monash?

I wanted a degree that was broad and gave me options. I was always interested in writing, communications, politics, and world issues, and so I chose the arts degree at Monash because it enabled me to explore these interests more. I also wanted to do an exchange program in Europe, which I knew was an option when doing a BA. I wanted to use my degree to travel. Luckily, I went to a university in France where I studied French politics and international relations which was an amazing experience.

What skills did you gain in your BA that you have applied in your career in marketing?

Within journalism, I did a few editing and design units which gave me some great skills particularly in using Adobe Suite which I still use in my current role now for making material such as posters, brochures, and reports. Additionally, I think that developing my writing and research skills has been really helpful in my current role in writing blogs, reports, and research on competitor analysis. Even knowing how to reference properly has been so important.

BACHELOR OF ARTS (JOURNALISM & INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS) Marketing and Communications Officer at The Australian Childhood Foundation

How did you land your first job after graduating from your BA? What was the process like?

I found my first job on SEEK. The process was challenging at first, mostly because I was looking at marketing and communications jobs when I had studied arts and I didn’t have a business background. Initially, I was getting knocked back from a lot of jobs. Eventually, I found one as an accounts manager for an events company, it

was a good experience because it got me out of my comfort zone, but I knew it wasn’t my ‘forever job’. I expressed from the start that I wanted to go into the communications and marketing department, which I eventually did.

Did you always plan to pursue a career in marketing and communications?

Towards the end of my degree, I developed an interest in the broader aspects of communications such as writing, case studies and looking at websites. I chose to do some electives in marketing which really interested me as well. I then decided I would steer towards a communications role when I became an account manager because it seemed more enjoyable and satisfying.

What have been some of the highlights and challenges of your career so far?

A highlight was in my previous role as a marketing and sales coordinator for a small-to-medium size company. I was able to travel to Amsterdam to attend a technology-based conference. I helped with the design of the booth and did a presentation there. I created a lot of leads and met all my KPI’s. A challenge I’ve faced is feeling lost at times. When I was graduating, I didn’t find a job immediately and felt like I didn’t know what I was doing or where I was going. I tried teaching for a year, but I realised that wasn’t what I wanted to do, and I felt like I had failed at the time because I ended up circling back to marketing. But it wasn’t a failure in the end because I learnt what I didn’t enjoy, and I went back to marketing with a different lens.

Can you tell me a bit about your role at the Australian Childhood Foundation?

I’m the Marketing and Communications Officer, I deal with partnerships, different projects, events initiatives including a documentary, and I deal with design, digital marketing and the ACF website. I really enjoy the broadness of the role and I know it’s going towards a good cause.

What advice would you give to current and graduating arts students?

Don’t get disheartened if you don’t find a job you love straight after graduating. See it as a stepping stone. There are different ways to get into different industries. Trust your gut - if a job or industry doesn’t feel right to you then trust that feeling and look into doing something else. Also continue further learning, especially in marketing. There’s always new technologies and tools you can learn, and organisations use all different platforms. I found doing short courses really helpful.

Career Pathway

Marketing and Communications Officer Australian Childhood Foundation June 2021 - Present Marketing and Sales Coordinator Concierge Displays June 2019 - June 2021 Marketing Coordinator Lumicom June 2019 - June 2021

Education

Monash University Bachelor of Arts (Journalism and International Relations) Graduated 2015 Monash University Graduate Certificate of Education Studies 2018 Université Francois Rabelais de Tours Bachelors Degree, International/Global Studies Year abroad 2014

Internships/Volunteer Experience

Wild Adventures Melbourne Art Designer Make-A-Wish Australia Communications Volunteer BMF Festival Volunteer