Star potential rises in dynamic marketing world

What do you do?

I work as a call centre agent and also as a consultant on the Facebook page for Boston City Campus’s marketing department.

What does your work entail?

I am the first contact point for prospective and registered students when they contact the college either via phone or via Facebook.

I respond to queries that come in via Facebook; these are usually for information like content, costs and duration of courses. Quite a few queries come from Grade 12 learners wanting to make use of our free career guidance services.

As moderator of the Facebook page, I monitor activity, update, and intervene where necessary by giving information or referring to someone who can help.

Registered students use Facebook as a forum and when they, for example, ask “does anyone know what time the exam starts and where?” I am the “anyone” that posts the information online to ensure everyone gets the right details.

Sometimes I post brochures via normal “snail” mail as well, and I also do the admin involved.

Describe a typical day

I’m considered an all-rounder in the organisation, so I don’t have such a thing as a typical day. My daily tasks range from general administration work to Facebook, to assisting with whatever tasks I can.

What are the biggest challenges?

My challenges vary on a daily basis but they’re mainly about managing my workload while trying to provide the best service possible to parents and students with any issues they might have.

And the rewards?

I’m gaining invaluable experience working at Boston. I consider every task I do as the key to unlocking some potential inside me.

I occasionally help with organising events because of my desire to be in the public relations industry. I assist with writing articles and press releases, conducting research and other tasks that happen to find their way onto my table.

What does one need to succeed in your line of work?

An innate willingness to learn and the ability to adapt.

You studied at Boston and now you work at Boston – how did that turn out?

My colleagues motivate me to work harder and become the best I can be. I really liked studying at Boston’s Media House, and I enjoy working for head office. I see the environment as one of co-existence and hard work.

What is your background, and how did it influence your career choices?

Growing up, I never knew what I wanted to be. I decided on specialising in public relations at Boston.

I knew that once I obtained my qualification, public relations could give me freedom when it came to job choices and variety – from customer liaison to planning events, writing or being a publicist.