Cat joined Real Ideas in January 2017 as a Marketing Intern delivering support to Talent Match, a project supporting young people in Cornwall to gain meaningful and lasting employment. “Working as an intern was a great way to get my foot in the door and start my career, I had previously worked in a marketing role but with little progression there so I was glad to find an organisation that could support me to learn new skills and develop” explained Cat.
In 2018 Cat was really keen to get involved with some of the other work Real Ideas were delivering, we developed a progression route to support Cat to take a new route and learn more about marketing for events. She began working as Trainee Marketing Consultant and moved to creating and delivering marketing content for Devonport Guildhall and the newly opened Ocean Studios in Royal William Yard.
Ready to take on more responsibility, in 2019 Cat progressed to a Marketing Coordinator role which she has enjoyed for the past 2 years and has been leading on marketing campaigns for many areas of the business including the 2019 Illuminate Light Festival and the opening of Market Hall in Devonport. Cat also played a key part in implementing a new CRM system for the business.
In 2020 Real Ideas arranged for Cat to begin a Level 4 marketing qualification with the support of RANK funding. ‘Starting this qualification has provided me with technical knowledge and marketing theory, it’s great to work somewhere that really believes in your ability to succeed’ said Cat. At the end of 2021 Cat began a new role as Digital Communication Systems Manager, she will now lead on marketing campaigns and work to ensure our communication systems are integrated right across the business.
“Working for Real Ideas is great, every day is different and brings a new challenge. I joined the organisation over 5 years ago and I’ve enjoyed every minute. I’ve been lucky enough to learn many new skills and work on a wide array of different projects. Real Ideas has trusted me to deliver work that I don’t think I’d have the opportunity to work on in other organisations, this freedom and trust to take on more responsibility has been instrumental in my progression.” – Cat Edwards