Spotlight on GC Alumna Katie Mallinson
08 November 2019Katie Mallinson studied at Greenhead College from 2002-2004. She is now a CIPR-award winning public relations and communications specialist, and proud founder of Scriba PR.
We put Katie on the spot to find out more..
What was your career aim when you were at college?
I never knew what I wanted to be, and purposely kept my options broad.
What A Levels did you study?
Business, Mathematics, Psychology and German
How do you remember your times at Greenhead College? What stands out?
The quality of teaching, and the relationships with the teachers. I also loved being part of a big community.
Can you describe your path from leaving college to founding Scriba?
On leaving college I went to Huddersfield University where I studied Business Management. Whilst on the course I was fortunate to gain a placement with a Public Relations agency in Leeds. At the time I didn’t know anything about PR but this placement shaped the direction of my career. At the end of the placement they offered me a job and there I stayed for the next 5 years. I had a burning desire to support niche, complex organisations and demystify the world of PR, and eventually decided to go freelance. Within 48 hours I had my first client and this led me to start my own business in 2013.
What are your standout Scriba moments?
It’s been a challenge, but I’ve honestly loved every minute. I think growing the team to 10, attracting clients from overseas, and building a business renowned for quality of service, passion and a strong culture, have to be highlights. We are so hard working and I am incredibly proud of the results we’ve achieved for clients. Helping to inspire nine other people to work towards the same ‘mission’ I had over six years ago, fills me with a great sense of achievement.
We’ve also recently moved into our biggest office space yet, which we have taken from a blank canvas, and it now oozes our personality as a company.
What advice would you give to your 16 year old self?
Grasp the opportunities that are offered to you, keep your eyes wide open, make the most of every conversation you have with people that you meet, and keep networking! Oh and, don’t listen to people that seemingly criticise you for smiling along the way – you can get along in business while being nice!
For more information about Katie and Scriba PR, visit https://scribapr.com/.