inspirational careers presentation

As part of their ongoing provision, on Friday our Careers Department was delighted to welcome Annabel Mackie, Managing Director of Advertising and Social Media and Influencer agency Five by Five UK, to deliver an inspirational presentation to our Year 10 students.

Annabel talked our students through her early life on a farm in Somerset, followed by studying for a degree in Marketing at the University of Northumbria, that included an important year in industry as a core component.

Following graduation, Annabel addressed early battles in her professional life to reach and ascend the career ladder in the hugely competitive advertising industry in London, and the obstacles to progression in the industry at the time, not least towards women. Ever resourceful, ambitious, and determined, Annabel initially gained access to the sector through a secretarial role, but rapidly successfully showcased her ever expanding skill set to progress and earn a series of promotions.

Annabel engaged our students with a fascinating and insightful account of the many, varied, and hugely successful iconic advertising campaigns that she designed and led; and detailed the many companies and products which she was at the forefront of successfully rebranding. 

Annabel also shared her pride in her role in championing the fight for mental health awareness in the workplace, for inclusivity, and for the rights of working parents, for which she has received industry-wide recognition and awards.

The presentation concluded with invaluable advice for our students as they plan their future careers, not least to make their voice heard, to champion causes and ideas loudly, and to learn how to network.

It was a fantastic experience for our students to hear first-hand from a hugely successful working professional not only about the many different facets of their field, but about optimising opportunities and pathways into their chosen careers, about strategies for successfully fulfilling their aspirations, and about continually striving for the next big thing in order to achieve maximum professional and personal satisfaction.

With huge thanks to Annabel for giving time from her busy schedule to inspire our students, and to our Careers department for organising this wonderful opportunity for them.