Charlotte Ward BA Archaeology and History, 2007

Senior Account Manager, London PR Company

Hi, I'm Charlotte Ward and I studied BA Archaeology and History, 2007 within Archaeology at the University of Southampton.

I love history and Archaeology and History offered me a real mix of the theoretical and practical. It felt like spending three years reading a favourite book.

What was your first job after University?
I threw myself into finding a job and within 10 days was working at a solicitors in the family law department as a legal secretary.

What is your current role?
I am a senior account manager at a London PR firm.

What are your responsibilities in your current role?
I manage a team of executives and am the main point of contact for clients. I manage client programmes, draft copy, pitch the media, network within the industry and contribute to company strategy.

What has been your favourite job?
My jobs in PR have all been great and I love the responsibility that comes with my current position. I get to work on something different every day and it keeps life interesting. I have really enjoyed developing my writing ability.

What have been the turning points in your career?
Making the move from the legal industry into PR. I had been accepted into law school and made the decision to change at the very last moment. It was a scary decision, but the right one.

Do you have any regrets?
I regret not having tried my hand at B2C communications, just to see what all the fuss is about (parties, cocktails etc) - but I don't lose any sleep over it.

What are you most proud of?
Helping to grow my clients’ visibility in the world. I have worked with some tiny companies that have now become world-recognised brands. I'm also proud to have just bought my first home and got onto the property ladder, something I never imagined would happen.

What advice would you give to current students?
Don't be hasty in choosing your next career step, and don't be afraid to change direction if something doesn't feel right. I know a lot of people who have tried two or three routes before finding the right one.

Why did you choose your course?
I love history and Archaeology and History offered me a real mix of the theoretical and practical. It felt like spending three years reading a favourite book.

How did your education prepare you for your career?
It taught me to write, it taught me to look for sources and it taught me not to do things the night before.

Would you recommend the University of Southampton to others?
It's an amazing and attractive campus, wonderful facilities and a brilliant social community.

If you had to start again is there anything you’d do differently?
I would make more of my first year and spend less time being scared, because it all works out in the end!

What advice would you give to prospective students?
If you're not sure, come and have a look round campus. Visit the duck pond and walk along to Avenue Campus. You'll be sold!

What are your future career plans?
To continue to work in PR and maybe start my own events company (somewhere far in the future).