My first freelance position for my content strategy and copywriting service was at The Alfred Foundation. And what an introduction that turned out to be. Writing took the form of almost every format imaginable – an annual report, a seasonal magazine, articles, posters, infographics, EDMs, and social media.​

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But the biggest challenge came from the research involved in order to get the ingredients to write. Soon I was interviewing patients, Australia’s leading clinicians, philanthropists, corporates, and everyday donors. It was an inspiring and humbling experience that I hadn’t quite thought enough about if I am honest. It’s certainly something I take with me to any stakeholder interaction now and I am sure it has honed my ability to listen with the utmost intent.

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In such a complex stakeholder environment, I got to grips with stakeholder mapping as a means of a research channel. I also took to any available means I could to immerse myself in the different subjects I was writing about – be they previous reports, documents, published articles, industry news and podcasts.

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In short, I did my research. Every day.

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I didn’t have to know everything upfront about The Alfred. With the right means to effectively gather information and the skills to turn complex industry speak into succinct and easy-to-understand content, it became possible to enter this new vertical and succeed as the Foundation’s copywriter.

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Having since freelanced at a variety of public and private sector organisations in local government, finance, TV production, and more, I enjoy exploring new industries using the skills and learnings that I have accumulated along the way.