With two weeks remaining of seminar lectures in school, I constantly find myself struggling to stay motivated till the end. My UK career journey has not been the smoothest; many times I have felt like quitting my search for a job in a public relations agency and just sticking to whatever I find.
But I suddenly regained the motivation when our course leader, Rudiger Theilmann, sent an email about a special guest speaker; Robert Minton-Taylor who was invited by a course mate of mine- Sound.
After reading through the contents of mail, Robert’s name sounded familiar, and it didn’t take long for it to click-we’re connected on LinkedIn, and he even commented on a post of mine a while back. It’s funny how life works sometimes, isn’t it?
I’m particularly fascinated by Robert’s story- from being a dropout to a copy boy and to one who acquired over 50 years of experience in the UK PR industry. I can strongly relate with his story. My own journey began as a customer service intern for a food brand in Lagos, Nigeria. After this, I became a PR intern before moving into managerial roles.
How Did Robert’s Career Begin?
The session began with the story of how Robert became a public relations professional. His journey was not a smooth one. It was rather complicated. Robert’s first profession was journalism. This was in the year 1967. From journalism he changed his career path to tourism studies but ended up unsuccessful.
However, fate smiled on him as his endowments were recognised by Townsend Thoresen and was engaged by the vehicle shipping company. Robert came onboard as its press officer. For Robert, the chapter to an new fulfilling career path had just began.
Armed with some experience, as well as dedication and hard work, Robert was promoted to the directorate level where he was made the director, leisure, transport and travel in Europe.
Asides paid employment; he offered free services to the cause of humanity. Robert offered voluntary services and consultancy services to the “Prince’s Youth Business Trust” and “The Joint Israel Appeal”.
His voluntary services did not end with those two because in the year 1992, Robert became a PR advisor to “Chelsea and Westminster and Charing Cross Hospitals”.
His coming to Leeds in the year 1994, was as the head of a PR firm. His stay in the firm was brief. Subsequently, he took up a teaching job at Leeds Beckett University where he taught Public Relations to different levels.
In addition to his lecturing, he consults for Wallenius Wilhelmsen. At both jobs, he contributes immensely to the profession.
Fate and Robert Minton-Taylor
Nobody knows tomorrow
We have this saying in Nigeria, “Nobody knows tomorrow”. Fate or Providence plays a role our lives. Fate also played a role in Robert’s life as it dealt him a cruel blow in the year 2019. He was afflicted with stroke. Thanks to the National Health Service (NHS) he survived the trauma.
This made him to change his lifestyle. So, he now plays the roles of public governor, patient advisor, and mentor, advocating for improved healthcare and supporting young journalists.
Robert’s experience and resilience make him the perfect person to advice aspiring PR professionals like myself who want to land their first job in the UK PR industry.
Here are the 5 must-have skills Robert recommends:
- Social skills
- Team Collaboration
- Research
- Detail oriented
- Self-criticism
- Curiosity
Once you have developed a structured CV and mastered these skills. Be ready to stand out; like a star!