In July, Allegory welcomed two new interns, MillaMay Garrow and Nick Miao, who have been helping out with various projects, from company marketing to client-facing responsibilities. As they make it past their probation, we sat down with the newbies to find out how they’ve got on in their first month working with the team.
Milla: the only way to learn is to swim
Having just finished my undergraduate degree, some could say I’m fresh into the world of work. Having gone from being very comfortable in my cosy little department at UCL (University College London), I felt rather intimidated by the ‘real world’. The concept of a 9-5, business casual, free coffee – it all felt very different to the six contact hours and £4 students’ union lattes I battled my way through in my final year. My time at Allegory has only eased these anxieties, as I have been welcomed into the team with open arms.
My background at university was in History and Politics, but I took a keen interest in social mobilisation. This led me to exploring the charity and NGO sector, where I quickly realised the place best-suited for me would be behind the scenes, working in communications and PR to help charities and organisations get the acknowledgement, funding, and support they so desperately need.
My work at Allegory has affirmed my interest in communications, giving me an insight into how the industry works and what goes into making good storytelling happen. That’s not to say it’s been without challenges – as Emma, Allegory’s chair and founder, says, “the only way to learn is to swim.” My colleague Nick and I have already been actively involved in client work: writing press releases and briefs, conducting research, and sitting in on client calls.
While it can get a bit overwhelming when clients’ demands are piling up, overlapping, and intersecting, Charlotte, Allegory’s CEO, said to me on my second week that “a regular day of work is a year in PR.” Things move quickly, but the Allegory team creates an environment that allows you to breathe and ensures you feel supported through it all.
Nick: View from the other side
As a vocal advocate of student journalism at UCL, it always surprises my friends that my first job out of university is in PR and communications. But journalism and communications are two sides of the same coin, and working at Allegory has given me an incredible view of what it’s like on the other side.
Ironically, having spent so much time ignoring press releases in my capacity as editor of the UCL student publication, The Cheese Grater, it’s now my turn to write them. The good news is that I now know what journalists are likely to brush over, and what might grab their attention. At Allegory, I’m working closely with some of the best communications specialists in the industry, who are happy to lend a hand whenever we are struggling with anything.
Allegory has equipped me with invaluable insights into how the industry works and its deep connection with the media sector. In working on various client projects, I’ve also been able to learn so much about the sectors that Allegory specialises in, especially in data, AI, and higher education. Of course, I would be remiss not to mention all the perks of working 10-6 shifts in an open office where tea and coffee are in virtually unlimited supply.
It’s only been a month, and I already feel like I’ve learnt so much. I look forward to taking on many more challenges and will be taking full advantage of the networks and experience of those around me!
