What has your journey into Edelman looked like and how did you get into the communications industry?
I joined in August 2022, but found the role via Edelman’s in-house talent acquisition team. I’d previously worked for four years at another global full-service communications consultancy but have always aspired to join Edelman since I started my career in comms.
I actually have X, formerly Twitter, to thank for my first break in the comms world. After graduating from university, I spotted an internship advertised for a role in London for a Welsh marketing & comms agency, applied and after a month became a full-time member of staff!
What achievement are you most proud of?
At Edelman, I was lucky enough to be part of the account team to launch a new flag carrier airline to the world. A career highlight of mine as we helped define the airline’s strategic communications framework, social media strategy and, through earned media, helped build a strong reputation and solid level of understanding about what the new airline stands for and its growth ambitions.
Launch week was certainly busy for the team but as someone who enjoys media relations it was very exciting to be dealing with top-tier global publications and high-profile journalists as part of the press office.
What do you find most rewarding about the job?
The old cliché of ‘no two days are the same’ certainly applies to working in corporate communications. Every day brings a new ask and opportunities to learn, collaborate and be creative with both colleagues and clients.
Because of Edelman’s global client-based work, I have also had the opportunity to meet and build good relationships with colleagues across the world. It’s common for me to chat with our Johannesburg, Mumbai and New York offices (via Teams) all in one UK working day!
What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced throughout your time at Edelman?
Starting out at a small agency and then moving to a larger firm before joining Edelman, the one thing people need to know is that it’s highly unlikely you’ll know everyone when you set foot into the London office. It took me a while to get my head around the scale of Edelman, but believe me, it’s ok! Everyone you will meet is approachable, friendly and knowledgeable and a huge benefit of having a large team is how many specialists and experts who can help you problem-solve both in London and across the global network.
My advice would be to meet as many people as possible for introductory coffees and stay updated on wider work through joining Townhalls and regular team or client specific All Hands meetings.
If you could offer one piece advice to someone considering a role at Edelman, what would it be?
Firstly, consume media all the time. Our jobs are directly affected by the news cycle and so it’s crucial that people are aware of what’s going on in the world and how it might affect the reputations of big businesses. I spend 15-20 mins at the start of my day reading the news just to keep on top of the big news stories.
Secondly, take time to read and digest Edelman’s Trust Barometer if you want to understand the business better. Our yearly insights from this global survey helps shape and guide our work with clients.
What do you do outside work to relax?
Swimming, city-break travel, music on Spotify & watching live sport. I guess it’s the opposite of relaxing, but as a long-time suffering Tottenham Hotspur fan I spend most weekends with my head in my hands!
Ben Owen is an Account Director in the London Corporate team.
