Making a mark in my first 10 months at Anthem

When I accepted my role as Junior Account Executive, without even realising it, I had entered a world where Anthem blue was the new black, the Communiqué awards were the new Oscars and journalist briefings were the new university seminars.

What made me choose a career in healthcare communications?

I graduated from the University of East Anglia with a degree in Biomedicine and I wanted to find a role in which I could continue to learn about science whilst also making a meaningful difference to people's lives. Working in a lab or completing a ‘panic’ masters didn’t appeal to me, so I reflected on what I enjoyed during my studies. A science communication module, which I had thrown myself headfirst into throughout my last year at university, immediately came to mind. After a little bit of researching, I stumbled across an industry I had never previously heard of before, but felt had the potential to be the right fit for me.

Why did I pick Anthem?

After applying for a few similar roles, I was approached by a recruiter who asked me what my dream company would be like. I told her I wanted to work in a place that values each of their employees personally and professionally. I was looking for an agency which put people and patients first and where creativity was encouraged. I was told all about Anthem, and it hasn’t disappointed since.

What was the recruitment process like for me?

Within a week of applying, I was invited to an interview. A few days later, I was asked to meet a few more members of the Anthem team for an informal 'chemistry check’, allowing me to get to know them further and gather a sense of what it would be like if I joined the company. I had the opportunity to quiz my future colleagues about the culture, the job role and the projects that Anthem were currently working on. A few hours later, I was offered the job!

What was my first week like?

I was introduced to the CEO of the Resonant Group and the managing directors of each agency within the Resonant Group; Anthem, Bedrock and Origins. I thought to myself, it speaks volumes that they would take the time out of their busy schedules to answer all my questions on what they do and how their respective businesses work. During the week, I was onboarded onto the accounts I would be working on. Each account lead took the time to explain everything I would ever need to know about the account, the client and what my role would be within that project. Throughout my first week, everyone welcomed me and made me feel ‘at home’, with many internal meetings involving tea and biscuits.

My first week also included my first Anthem social. Work socials were a new phenomenon to me, having never experienced one I didn’t know what to expect – I was still a little nervous. Questions such as ‘how formal will it be?’, ‘is it all going to be about work?’ and ‘what will we even talk about?’ immediately came to mind. These worries were instantly squashed as soon as I walked into the office that morning. Everyone was buzzing with energy as it was declared we were going to be in two competing teams at the Crystal Maze Experience followed by a delicious meal and drinks at Tapas Brindisa in Soho. A very competitive, but fun, evening ensued including casually bumping into Channel 4 presenter Steve Jones in the pub.

“The most frequent piece of advice I have been given by others in the team – and would now give myself – is ‘ASK QUESTIONS’. ”

What advice would I give myself on my first day?

The most frequent piece of advice I have been given by others in the team – and would now give myself – is ‘ASK QUESTIONS’. Speaking up and asking questions has allowed me to be supported and given guidance in how to best tackle my tasks. As well as asking questions, getting stuck in and absorbing as much information as possible has really helped. From writing down every acronym that I came across – and there have been many – to reading books on pharma on my commute and scanning news publications daily for relevant healthcare articles, these activities have really helped me so far to grow my understanding of the industry I now work in.

What have I achieved to date?

In just under a year at Anthem, I’ve been entrusted with an abundance of opportunities to learn from first-hand experience and to develop my skillset. I have owned projects such as running TV adverts on All4, presented face-to-face to clients, led briefing calls with influencers, researched and pitched for new business and developed several patient-facing materials. I was also promoted in January 2023 which has brought new responsibilities and challenges that I look forward to overcoming with the support of my team.

My experiences in this new career have been exciting and overwhelmingly positive. The move to a brand new office in the heart of Covent Garden, winning an award for our work launching a disease awareness campaign and welcoming new members to the team have all been personal highlights; I look forward to what the future at Anthem will bring…