OPEN Spotlight Series – Helena Houghton-Casella
19/08/2021
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For this month’s edition of the Spotlight Series, we’ve spoken to our new Office Assistant, Helena, about their new role and how their first week working here at OPEN has gone.
Can you tell us a little bit about your work experience before OPEN?
I’ve joined OPEN after completing Agent Academy, a 12 week course run by Agent Marketing helping young people to gain experience in marketing and build confidence in their skills. I had a great time on the course and made some great friends, as well as learning about the industry directly from local industry professionals.
I graduated from a Drama degree at Liverpool John Moores University in 2020 (still waiting on the opportunity to throw my cap!), as well as completing an internship with online-based charity Studenteer in early 2021. I also worked as a Festival Guide for Liverpool Biennial 2021, which I loved as I’m especially interested in Arts and Culture.
What made you want to work for OPEN Media?
I’d followed OPEN on socials for a while and loved the people-first and future-forward values that I saw coming through the posts. I’d also heard wonderful things about the whole team (and the opportunities for growth and personal development) at Agent Academy through the industry leaders we met, including Amy. When I saw the vacancy online I jumped at the chance to apply and be a part of such an inclusive and safe workplace.
What are you most looking forward to at OPEN between now and the end of the year?
I’ll be involved with OPEN’s own Black History Month campaign in October and I’m very excited to learn more about how an internal campaign comes to fruition, meeting the people involved and being able to spread awareness of such an important month in the calendar. I’m also really excited to be working with Loz, who matches my love of organisation and helping others.
What will your job role entail?
As a naturally organised person, I’m excited to get stuck into the scheduling and organising aspects of my new role (I love a good deadline). I’ll also be working closely with Sales to make sure that everything is where it needs to be and that our clients have everything they need. There will also be research, administration and organising events and milestones around the office. I’m always happy to help!
What are your interests/values outside OPEN that you’d like to bring to the company?
As a Queer person, I’m especially interested in making sure that every space I enter is accepting and inclusive for all people. In my first week, we’ve been looking over OPEN’s company culture and seeking ways to help people and the planet, which I love to see!
I’m also an avid fan of theatre and art, so maybe organising some cultural trips in the future? I’m excited about my future here at OPEN and can’t wait to see what’s next.