Bringing the JAE role to life - insights from Polly

Looking back, I applied for the job at CHC because I wanted to work in a small, fast-paced agency that would give me great exposure to a variety of work. The reality exceeded my expectations - not just in terms of day-to-day tasks, but in terms of the unexpected opportunities available and incredible exposure to all aspects of agency life.

Here’s my top three unexpected opportunities as a JAE:

1. Being involved in conversations about all agency planning so soon after starting. Contributing to the future direction of the agency, from our hiring and training strategies to our growth and new business goals, has given me incredible exposure to the nitty-gritty of how an agency works

2. Working closely with senior team members. On one project, I worked solely with Siân, our MD on a research project for cell and gene therapy. Working so closely together was a great opportunity for us to get to know each other and for me to accelerate my professional development

3. Contributing to three new business pitches (and winning two 😊). I’m not just rolled-out for the presentation as a token junior team member, but I’m involved from start to finish. Being part of discussions about strategy and being actively encouraged to contribute is an opportunity I’ve loved

In addition to learning on the job, there’s always time dedicated to training which is very important to me, especially as I don’t have a background in healthcare or science. CHC offers both external training courses, such as the ones provided by the Healthcare Communications Association (HCA), and internal training where another team member or expert teaches us about a new area or idea.

Joining a small agency meant that I quickly got to know everyone and settled in quicker than anticipated, despite starting remotely. Because of the nature of our work, we chat and message each other pretty much all day, so my first few weeks were the opposite of isolated. Over the last few weeks, we've been slowly returning to the office for 1-2 days a week. For those that want to return to office life, we've been co-ordinating our days together, which mixes things up mid-week and often leads to post-work drinks.

All in all, over the past year I’ve gained so much knowledge, not just from a day-to-day skills perspective, but from a wider agency perspective as well. The cherry on the cake for me, was being promoted to AE in my first year! If you got good vibes reading about my first year and are looking to start a career in healthcare communications, get in touch with me today as we’re recruiting for a new JAE.