Souhila Azegah is a media account executive at Havas, one of the world’s largest global communications agencies, based in Kings Cross. She tells us c, what she likes most about it and what she plans to do next

I currently work as a media account executive with Havas People, a communications and marketing agency. I got into the job after completing a paid internship with them through a scheme called Platformers, which is run by LIFT (Leading Inclusive Futures through Technology).

It was such a great opportunity which ran over six months. It really gave me the chance to experience the advertising, communications and media sectors. I was able to gain on the-job experience doing real work, for real clients. I think having the chance to get that kind of experience is invaluable.

Whilst working, Havas provided a weekly training programme, plus peer-to-peer support throughout. We also got to take on our own projects – so I was interviewing a group called the ‘women of Havas’, where I learned so much about different career paths that other women had taken, which was really inspiring.

Part-way through my internship, I was asked if I wanted to stay on, which was exciting, and I jumped at the opportunity. In my role, I work with social media – mostly paid social media ads to reach certain audiences. At the moment, my clients are universities, and we advertise opportunities to students during ‘clearing’. This is a time when students who perhaps haven’t got the grades they needed to get into their first-choice university are looking at other options. We are able to help them find the right degree and place for them.

Taking an ethical approach to work is really important to me and that’s something we’re always thinking about as an organisation. I feel like I’m making a difference – helping to sustain universities and helping students get a place they want in higher education. I’m a person who likes learning new things and taking on new challenges, so I’m not sure what will come next. With that said, I love my job and I’ve learned so much in a short space of time, so I plan to stay in marketing for a while yet!

To find jobs, training and entrepreneurship opportunities in tech, creative and science with LIFT (Leading Inclusive Futures through Technology), visit liftfutures.london