Leveraging legal experience in the world of communications
As a recent law graduate, you may be wondering how I ended up in the world of communications. More specifically… why infrastructure?
A totally intentional opportunity as actually, a lot of the planning process is governed by statutory requirements. In fact, throughout projects this is something that Copper must work around. Being able to witness projects going from pre-application stages to approval, allows me to apply the purpose behind planning law. Copper combines two of my interests, the law and sustainability, which is why I found Copper such a perfect fit.
Sustainable impact outside the world of STEM
Copper’s focus on renewable energy is an element that attracted me to the role. Previously, I was led to believe that without a background in STEM, roles that have an impact on sustainability would be limited. However, Copper has happily disproven my initial opinion. A lot of Copper’s work focuses on communicating the importance of green projects to key stakeholders, which is something I am passionate about. For example, working on solar farm projects which when complete, could deliver up to 50 MegaWatts of clean green energy. This all feeds into the wider picture, to contribute to the net zero promises the government has to deliver by 2050. It’s incredibly rewarding to be a tiny piece of the bigger picture.
My journey into Copper
How did I get to Copper? Securing my internship via the Taylor Bennett Foundation (TBF), an organisation that promotes better diversity in the PR industry as a whole. 91% of people in the profession classify themselves as white, meaning people of colour are seriously underrepresented in public relations, but with Copper the were no barriers to entry and the interview process amplified that.
The entire application process was well communicate. Granted my interview in fact felt like a conversation. This style of interview put me at a lot more at ease. With the application process making me more comfortable, allowing me to feel valued as an individual and not ‘just a number’ or ‘just another intern’.
My advice to anyone else applying to Copper for an internship is to vocalise your interests. Making your interests known to your team will allow them to support you in doing work that suits. I have been able to work across practices including Infrastructure and Strategic Communications, learning more from being given the opportunity to do so. Hopefully future interns will be able to gain just as much as I have from my internship!
Copper’s company culture
Copper’s involvement with TBF has translates well into the culture at Copper. Notably all team members have been inclusive, willing to introduce me to new projects and no question has felt too silly to ask. Allowing me to experience a seamless transition into the company, without ever feeling like an outsider.
In fact, now that I have been here for over a month, I am learning that my team come from a diverse range of backgrounds. For example, my colleague Hannah worked at Disney in the theme parks and later, in a digital marketing role for Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines before entering the world of corporate communications. Knowing that everyone has a variety of experiences before settling into their career makes me feel at ease, to think that everyone was once in my position.
Overall my experience at Copper has been welcoming, exciting and intellectually stimulating. I am excited for all the new projects I’ll get to work on for the remainder of my internship at Copper!
Interested in finding out more about Copper employee experiences? You can find out about Dylan’s intern experience here.
Ceyda Dag offers her insight into life as a Junior Account Executive at Copper.
When you need experience to get experience, how can anyone possibly have enough experience for a first job as a graduate? I started Copper after submitting my Master’s thesis, and in the short time that I have been at Copper, I have learned far more than through any degree I have done.
Getting that all-important experience
Making photocopies or coffee runs were certainly not on my to-do list. I was assigned to four different projects in my first week – getting stuck in from the start was definitely the best way to learn on the job. Here at Copper we work together as a team, sharing knowledge across projects. Gaining this practical experience has been the best way to begin my career in consultancy.
Finding my passion
What do you want to be when you grow up? This was a question I was certain I knew the answer to when I was younger. However, throughout the years I discovered new interests and possibilities, which is why I strayed away from International Corporate Law and found my way to Copper. Finding a job that allows you to follow your passion – making a difference to local communities by working on projects that make an impact – has been extremely rewarding.
Environment is key
Working in a friendly environment with like-minded and passionate people allows me to wake up every morning and look forward to heading to the office – yes, even on Mondays! I don’t know what the future holds for me but I certainly look forward to developing my skills working on nationally significant projects with Copper.
To find out about our latest job opportunities, visit our careers page or get in touch at careers@copperconsultancy.com
Eden Musyoki offers an insight into each of his first four weeks as an Account Executive at Copper Consultancy.
In the short time I have been here, I have been exposed to all facets of day-to-day business life at Copper.
Week 1: Business development
In my first week I led the research element of an important new business tender document that Copper was going for. This involved designing and commissioning a perception audit of a high profile company in order to strengthen our written proposal and pitch.
Week 2: Drafting materials
In my second week I drafted a set of materials for a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP). These materials were designed to help communicate the need and potential benefits of the project in an accessible way to the local affected community.
Week 3: Client meetings
In my third week I attended a preliminary client meeting with a FTSE 250 housebuilding and urban regeneration company. Our client has a development project in a local area, and is using Copper’s expertise in stakeholder relations and community engagement.
Week 4: Business events
In my fourth week I helped manage a business event on behalf of a client seeking to build advocacy for a road improvement scheme in the South East. This event involved me facilitating discussions with local business owners to understand their concerns and views in regard to the scheme.
It’s been a real diverse range of work so far and I can’t wait to see what else I’ll be doing over the coming weeks.
To find out about our latest job opportunities, visit our careers page or get in touch at careers@copperconsultancy.com