Case Study

From Marketing to Editing Vogue: Alison Craig-Leyland

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Age: 20s

Then: Alison was working as Public Relations and Special Events Manager for Peppers Retreats and Resorts. She had started as a trainee out of college and worked her way up the corporate ladder through sales and into the marketing department. It was a comfortable position, but after seven years Alison felt that there was more to life.

Alison left her job, and after an exciting overseas holiday and temping for a while, she was unsure what she really wanted to do. She had applied for various jobs but was not sure if she wanted them, and had thought about studying but was not sure what to study.

Now: Alison is an editorial assistant for Vogue Entertaining and Travel, Vogue
Living and Conde Nast Traveller. Her work involves everything from working on shoots to editing recipes.

Alison says: :I was very nervous about doing the Life by Design workshop. I was so confused! When I did the VisionCasting exercise, I was able to visualise where I wanted to be and where I saw myself going. It was a complete turnaround for me!"

"From there I was able to make some decisions and put small steps into place. I quit temping almost straight away, and started a photography course. I also gained work experience with a stylist who I knew through a friend. This gave me valuable insight into the industry. I started out two days a week and before long was full time."

"I would almost say that I have a dream job and what's more I am happy - a complete turn around in less than 12 months."

We say: "We often work with people who have been in a comfortable position for a number of years, and know they want to change, but are not sure what they want to do."

"Often the angst and uncertainty can keep these people in their existing positions. But when the frustration and dissatisfaction reaches crisis point it shifts from a desire to change to a need to change. It is a very challenging position to be in."

"It is very rewarding to work with people like Alison. It was great to see her gain clarity and direction, and with courage and persistence, to make changes which have enabled her to have a happier and more authentically successful life".

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