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I first met Allie in a job interview during an early morning call from Alabama, where she had risen at an ungodly hour to discuss a role on my team. Over the next year, I had the pleasure of managing Allie, who consistently started her workdays at 6 am to align with our team and client schedules across the pond. Her dedication was further demonstrated when, 6 months in, she relocated to the UK, a huge testament to her commitment and determination.
Even though we no longer work together, over the past year, I’ve continued to witness Allie's incredible resilience and her exceptional work ethic. Her willingness to make personal sacrifices for professional growth was evident from those early morning calls, and it was even more impressive to observe her capabilities in person once she moved.
In this instalment of the PR Insider Interview Series, we explore how relocating for a career can profoundly impact your professional journey and personal growth. Allie shares valuable insights from her experiences and provides practical advice for those considering a similar move.
What has your journey in Digital PR been so far?
My career began in traditional PR, and I had little understanding of what digital PR entailed until I joined my last agency. There, I learned a great deal about the unique aspects of digital PR, including how to craft successful campaigns and develop solid digital PR strategies. I quickly advanced from handling basic tasks like creating seed lists and collecting data to designing campaigns and leading accounts. Now, 2.5 years into strictly digital PR-focused roles, I am a Digital PR Manager overseeing junior team members.
How did you decide to start a career in Digital PR?
I had been working in traditional PR and communication style roles for many years by the time I made the switch to digital. There was something so exciting about the strategy behind it, and the ability to be super creative drew me in.
What inspired you to make the move to the UK?
I studied in the UK both in my undergraduate for a term and completed my masters in the UK, so I knew I loved the people and the culture. I had gotten a taste of working in the UK landscape when I worked in a traditional PR agency in London during my master's degree (Hello, cold-calling journalist). Once the craziness of the pandemic died down, I knew I wanted to make the move back to the UK. The work-life balance, ability to travel, and overall work culture fit better with my current phase of life. I am so grateful for the people who took a chance on me and fought for me to get sponsored so that I could finally make the move to the UK!
The work-life balance, ability to travel, and overall work culture fit better with my current phase of life.
How do the Digital PR landscapes in the US and UK compare, and what adjustments do you need to make professionally?
The US market is considerably larger than the UK's, making relationship-building with journalists a more drawn-out process, which levels the playing field somewhat. The competition is fierce, so your stories need to be particularly compelling to stand out. In the UK, while the industry is large, it's also more compact; information travels quickly, and you must be strategic and prompt in your outreach efforts and in building relationships.
The US market is considerably larger than the UK's, making relationship-building with journalists a more drawn-out process, which levels the playing field somewhat.
How did you manage the balance between the excitement of a new job and the personal upheaval of moving countries?
Because I had lived in the UK previously, it was a bit easier, but having an amazing manager and colleagues who made me feel so welcome helped. They even got me an Ikea gift card to help me get settled in and keep me from sleeping on the floor! Ultimately, letting yourself feel whatever it is you are feeling and being kind to yourself is key.
Ultimately letting yourself feel whatever it is you are feeling and being kind to yourself is key.
If you're excited one minute and lonely the next, that is okay! I kept telling myself “you've just moved across the world, you need to enjoy it" whenever life got a bit stressful, but I also allowed myself to be nervous and rest when I needed to.
What opportunities has working in Digital PR in the UK presented that you might not have been able to get in the US?
The UK's concentrated PR industry has given me countless networking opportunities that were less accessible in the US. Events and meetups are more frequent and easier to attend, providing valuable learning and networking opportunities. This environment has allowed me to enhance my skills rapidly and make significant professional advancements in a relatively short time.
Can you discuss any challenges you faced relocating, especially in adapting to a new work culture?
Relocating for work comes with its challenges. You're moving to a new city, making new friends at work and outside of it, adapting to a new culture, learning so much, and navigating life thousands of miles away from friends and family.
CHALLENGE: Being Away From Family
Being away from family is the hardest thing for me, so needless to say, Facetime is used very often in my family.
BENEFIT: Relationships With Colleagues
Work culture in the UK is so different from anywhere I have worked in the States but in a good way. The biggest difference is the relationship with your colleagues. In the States, colleagues felt like just that, whereas in the UK, people make an effort to get to know their colleagues outside of work.
FACT: Casual Cursing
One thing I still haven't quite gotten used to is the casualness with which people curse in the workplace. That just doesn't happen in Alabama.
What advice would you give to people considering an international career move (especially in terms of maintaining work-life balance and personal well-being during the transition)?
Conduct Thorough Research: Before your move, invest time in understanding the professional landscape of your destination. Research job markets, key industry players, and the conditions that could impact your career.
Engage in Networking: Start building your network before you move. Use platforms like LinkedIn to connect with others in your industry who are based in your new city.
Set Realistic Expectations: Understand that every significant change comes with an adjustment period. You may face initial setbacks as you learn the ropes of a new professional and cultural environment.
Prepare for Professional Differences: Be ready to adapt to different business etiquettes and workplace dynamics. Observing and asking questions can be incredibly helpful in adjusting your professional behaviour to fit the new setting.
Be Kind to Yourself: Make sure you are gentle with yourself. You've just made a massive life change, and you will experience every range of emotions.
Put Yourself Out There: Making friends as an adult is hard, but making friends outside of work is key to maintaining a work-life balance. Of course, nurture those work friends' relationships, you never know when they will turn into real-life best friends, but create a balance for yourself.
Plan a Trip Home: Having that first trip back home to look forward to makes those days when you're feeling homesick a little less hard.
You've just made a massive life change, and you will experience every range of emotions.
Lastly, what has been the most unexpected lesson you learned from your journey?
I never expected to become so much more confident in myself. Whenever I'm feeling down, I remind myself, "You moved across the world with 2 suitcases, and that's it. You will be fine."
Relocating for a career is no small feat, but with the right preparation, support, and mindset, it can be a deeply rewarding experience. Allie’s journey through the nuances of Digital PR in the UK highlights how such a move can broaden professional horizons and personal growth.
I'm so grateful that my life ended up intertwined with this Alabama queen, she is a one in a lifetime kind of hire and I can't wait for the day we get to work together again.
Follow Allie:
Twitter - https://twitter.com/Allie_haywoodPR