In this conversation, Susanna shares her journey from a working-class background to becoming the Head of Marketing at a charity focused on social mobility. She reflects on the impact of her upbringing, education, and the encouragement she received from a teacher that changed her trajectory. Susanna discusses the challenges of navigating class perceptions in professional spaces, the importance of self-funding her university education, and her experiences working in historic houses. She also addresses her parenting choices and the perceptions of sending her child to an independent school, highlighting the complexities of class and identity.
We explore the nuances of class in the workplace, particularly in marketing and PR. They discuss the perceptions of class, the divide between marketing and PR professionals, and the challenges faced by those from working-class backgrounds. The conversation also touches on the importance of cultural capital, social mobility, and the impact of unpaid internships. Susanna shares her experiences and insights on how confidence plays a crucial role in overcoming class barriers and encourages young people to pursue their ambitions without being limited by their background.
Key Takeaways:
- Susanna identifies as working class despite her current status.
- Education played a crucial role in her journey.
- Encouragement from a teacher was pivotal in her life.
- Self-funding university was a conscious decision to avoid burdening her parents.
- Navigating middle-class spaces can be challenging for those from working-class backgrounds.
- Her experiences in historic houses shaped her understanding of class.
- Parenting choices reflect her desire to provide better opportunities for her child.
- Class perceptions influence how individuals are treated in professional settings.
- Marketing became a passion after being encouraged to explore it as a career.
- Susanna's story highlights the importance of social mobility and access to opportunities. PR and communications is often seen as a middle-class domain.
- Marketing professionals tend to have a more gritty approach compared to PR.
- Experiences of humiliation can arise from class differences in professional settings.
- Unpaid internships perpetuate class disparities in the workplace.
- Social mobility is influenced by cultural capital and access to opportunities.
- Confidence is a key differentiator in overcoming class barriers.
- Awareness of class structures can help navigate professional environments.
- Working-class individuals often face additional challenges in securing internships.
- Cultural capital can vary significantly based on geographic location.
- Everyone's voice matters in discussions about class and opportunity.
🔔 Subscribe for more inspirational stories and insights into those from working class and low socioeconomic backgrounds!
👍 Like this if you enjoyed Susanna's journey!
🗣️ Comment below with your thoughts and questions for Susanna!
Follow Us:
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/initialstep.co.uk/
- Twitter - https://x.com/step_initial
- Apple podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/initial-step/id1758128198
- Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5ZizcM5a2HEQKcaAPToysk?si=79fb1e8a830a4ec9
- Linktree - https://linktr.ee/initialstep
Follow Susanna
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanna-plummer/
- Working Options - https://workingoptions.org.uk/
Thanks for listening!
#initialstep #workingclass #lowsocioeconomicbackground #creativeindustry #TVandFilm #Advertising #PRandMarketing #CreativeJourney #CareerInspiration #anyonecanachievesuccess #capital #socialcapital #economiccapital #culturalcapital #socialmobility
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
