Alexander Thomson

An enthusiastic and creative team player with the ability to think differently and work objectively. I am now looking to apply myself in a communications role at an ambitious NGO, where skills gained in previous content generating roles can be of benefit to others. 

My professional experience includes positions in communications, journalism and public relations; capacity building; and project management.

Following my graduation from the University of Aberdeen with a degree in English, I pursued a career as a kitesurf instructor. The position took me to various countries around the world, where I enjoyed supporting students to obtain new skills and gain confidence with new experiences. Hearteningly, by nurturing young adults through support programmes, these courses often lead to individuals taking up outdoor education as a career choice.

In addition to my role as a kitesurf instructor, I volunteered as an environmental correspondent for an online news outlet. To extend an appreciation of rural issues to an urban readership, I developed a long read series that gave voice to members of the broader community, and considered the effects of privatisation on the landscape and ecology. This included exploring accessibility issues, exposing local malfeasance and considering different forms of farming.

In continuance of my interest in individual fulfilment, and its contingency on a healthy environment, I founded and project-managed a not-for-profit –  including a team of 11 voluntary professionals. In my role, I managed multiple projects to disseminate PR material. This comprised marketing plans, digital and print assets, magazine articles and press releases, snappy social media posts and engagement reports, and speaking on local BBC TV and radio. The position required agility and an opportunistic outlook to achieve well-founded strategies, technical problem-solving, and a collaborative and creative team space.

My most recent post was as a communications intern at the conservation charity Fauna & Flora (International). I was part of the busy communications team that worked in-office and remotely. In my role, I created engaging content, such as persuasive email appeals, species profile pages and deep-dive explainers optimised with SEO conventions. I also supported senior management in creating presentations about the organisation’s new brand and conservation focus.

MA (Hons) English Literature, University of Aberdeen

2.1 obtained, 2012