For Will Emery (He. 2009-14), a love of storytelling has shaped a dynamic career in communications. After spending much of his school years on stage, he went on to discover public relations as a creative outlet that combined performance, strategy and long-term career stability. Now approaching four years as Communications Manager at Battersea Power Station, Will has played a part in the extraordinary transformation of the Grade II* listed landmark from derelict ruin into one of London’s most vibrant new neighbourhoods.
What does a typical day look like for you now — and what are you most excited to be working on?
I am coming up to four years now as Communications Manager at Battersea Power Station, and have been fortunate enough to see the Grade II* listed landmark transform from a derelict ruin into a major new neighbourhood for London. I feel very lucky to be part of the team that has genuinely changed the London skyline, and to have had the once-in-a-career chance to open a building as iconic as Battersea Power Station.
I shouldn’t think it would come as much of a surprise that I’ve gone from touring prospective students and parents around Brighton College, to touring journalists around Battersea Power Station - I’ve always loved to tell a story!
Which part of your career journey do you think would most surprise your Brighton College teachers?
So much of my time at Brighton College was spent on stage, and so a career in performing arts seemed almost inevitable. However during university, and indeed from work experience secured through the Old Brightonians, I discovered the world of PR and found an alternative to the arts where I could still flex my creativity, but also had greater job security and a bit more financial stability. Now, almost 10 years into my PR career, I’m very pleased I made that choice (and I still get my performing fix through amateur dramatic shows in London).
How does your life today differ from what you imagined when you started at Brighton College?
When I joined Brighton College in 2009 I was obsessed with female pop stars. I would religiously listen to Kylie Minogue on the walk to and from the rugby pitches, hoping that ‘Spinning Around’ and ‘Love at First Sight’ would provide some protection from two hours of rugby tackles and the bitter winds emanating from Brighton beach.
Now, 15 years later, I had the opportunity to work with Kylie and her team to switch on the Christmas lights at Battersea Power Station, and it’s been one of the highlights of my career to date.
Standing alongside someone I had looked up to for over two decades was a little overwhelming, and definitely filled with pride - I don’t think my 13-year old self could have ever dreamt that moment into reality.
What excites you about the future?
I’ve just turned 30, and without getting too sentimental, it’s definitely a moment of reflection and future gazing. I hope my personal and professional life continues to be as rich and rewarding as the last decade.
I’m not sure what excites me most; it’s probably the opportunities I don’t yet know about, as it’s often through those weird and wonderful moments that something awesome happens.
What lessons or perspectives from Brighton College have stayed with you beyond school?
One cannot pretend that an education at Brighton College is not an enormous privilege, and as a child and student, it’s significant luck that you’ve been afforded such an opportunity. Whilst I don’t think the weight of that responsibility is something that should be occupying too much of your time whilst you are studying at BC (goodness knows there’s many other stresses to be thinking about!) after school, it’s important to recognise that privilege, and channel it into positive work.
What advice would you give to current Brighton College pupils inspired by your own journey?
Always, always make the most of the opportunities that are given to you. Never be afraid to ask a question, strike up a conversation, or be a little inquisitive. I’ve found this to be key to building relationships and expanding my own knowledge.
What are you most proud of?
I hear there’s some photographs of me still lingering in Brighton College marketing materials, so I’m pretty proud of that!
Which is your favourite House and why?
I feel torn between School House and Head House, as I spent my first three years in the former, and then moved to Head House in Sixth Form when it was designated a male boarding house. I’ll probably say the latter, as I have such fond memories of Sixth Form at Brighton College.
And finally, what is the best thing about being an Old Brightonian?
I can genuinely say that the Old Brightonians have played a central role in my career. During my second year at Durham University, I reached out to enquire about PR work experience, the lovely Rebecca Findlay connected with me to the Freuds PR agency, and that’s where my career began. There’s such a rich network of connections across the Old Brightonian community that can provide a huge range of opportunities and insights, so definitely make the most of it!