Critical Careers - Women Building Careers in Digital Infrastructure - Book - Page 74
Critical Careers
SENIOR LEADER
You did not follow the most traditional
route into your career. How did those
early experiences shape the way you
work today?
I didn’t have a clear career plan when I was at school. I knew I
wanted to travel and I very clearly understood that I learned better
through experience rather than just through education.
After my A-levels, I chose to go straight into work. I took an of昀椀ce
admin role to start earning and saving, which gave me a strong
sense of discipline early on. In order to achieve my goal to travel,
I understood that I needed to be focused and responsible to make
that happen.
After a couple of years, I was able to take a sabbatical and travel
with my now husband. That experience had a real impact on me. It
exposed me to different people, cultures and perspectives, and it
made me much more curious about how businesses communicate
and connect with audiences.
Charlotte
Wood
ACCOUNT DIRECTOR | SPA COMMUNICATIONS
72
When I came back, I knew I wanted to build a skill set rather than
stay in a general role. I chose to study marketing alongside working,
which suited me because I could apply what I was learning straight
away. That approach has shaped how I work ever since. I have
always been someone who learns by doing, and that continues to
in昀氀uence how I lead and develop others today.
