Today we’d like to introduce you to Sophie Wheeldon.
Sophie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
After completing A Levels and a diploma in Visual Communications, I went on to study BA (Hons) Multimedia Journalism at Bournemouth University. The University course has an optional placement year which I decided to pursue to gain industry experience. I was offered a role at Champions UK plc as a Celebrity PR Content Creator. Here I led just over 100 interviews with various influential figures and celebrities to boost their speaking profiles. I was then given a full-time position within the PR department where I continued working with Champions’ celebrity cliental and various B2B and B2C organizations to better promote their expertise. I now work freelance as a Celebrity PR and Outreach Executive alongside my final year of university.
Most recently, I completed my major multimedia project, and I am currently writing my dissertation. Through my major project, I explored the rise of stalkerware and tech-facilitated domestic abuse, which has increased dramatically since the beginning of the pandemic. I investigated whether greater gender equality in the technology industry could prevent this and combat tech abuse as violence against women continues to increase in online spaces. I considered whether the female tech workforce are more mindful of women’s safety in the early development stages and whether they were more likely to spot potential threats, such as ways technology can be used to aid domestic violence.
My dissertation will discuss the emergence of gender fluidity in Vogue and how this impacts wider society’s attitudes toward gender roles and personal gender identification.
I am set to graduate with a 2:1 or above this year and wish to pursue a career in journalism or digital marketing as communication is definitely my passion.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
I suffer greatly from imposter syndrome and I certainly have to work hard for what I achieve as high grades do not come easy to me. My greatest struggle, which I’m sure many can relate to and will be a constant battle throughout my life, is self-confidence.
To combat this, I try to better myself through education. I learnt a lot during my time at Champions Speakers, and I look forward to once again entering the working world full-time so I can keep learning and developing my skills further. Having said that, it’s also important to take breaks. I’ve noticed a lot of young women feel a constant pressure to be motivated and engage in self-improvement which can lead to burnout. So, although it is important to engage in learning and look forward, it’s vital to also take time for yourself and fully switch off.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am most proud of my work as a journalist where I have highlighted gender inequalities. These were audio documentaries highlighting the lack of women in construction and the rise of stalkerware.
How do you think about happiness?
I like to celebrate the small wins, and I think this is very important for happiness. It’s easy to get caught up in the pressures of the everyday and the achievements of others, especially working in PR/ journalism! But you should always take time to congratulate yourself when you achieve something, no matter how small. Another thing is exercise, and this has helped immensely with my mental health. But it is also important to take breaks when you’re not feeling up to it.
Contact Info:
- Email: swheeldon@championsukplc.com
- Website: https://champions-speakers.co.uk
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/sophiewheeldon3
