Blog » Ethan Loughrey

Ethan Loughrey

16th June 2016

Role: Group Support and Digital Media Assistant

Company: Action Cancer

Track Record:

What does your job entail?

I’m responsible for providing Action Cancer’s 21 regional Community Groups with practical and motivational support in the form of marketing materials, fundraising ideas and general communication on the charity’s activities from Head Office. I also support the Communications Officer on implementing the organisation’s social media strategy through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram so a really varied role with lots of different elements to it.

Is it 9 – 5?

No! I work 35 hours a week Monday – Friday but am also out and about attending events, meetings and cheques presentations in the evenings and weekends. Action Cancer are a very flexible organisation and operate a  great TOIL policy meaning I can claim back the extra hours worked and take them at another time.

How did you get into this kind of work?

I studied English and History initially at Queen’s, followed by an MA in Journalism in Coleraine. I worked in different placements, generally unpaid, which provided me experience that enabled me to successfully apply for a maternity contract at Action Cancer. This involved booking the Health Action school roadshows. At the end of the contract this position was created in a restructure of the community fundraising team. I applied and was successful!

Outline your career to date

After finishing my Master’s degree, I got a placement at the BBC in both the online and radio departments. Following this I worked for a time for a tourism company and hostel in Derry / Londonderry. This was great for providing me with experience in management and social media. Then I started working with a start-up tech company, which involved a lot of research into the tech industry, conducting interviews and that sort of thing. Action Cancer was my first full time job.

Tell us about your qualifications/training

I have a 2:1 BA Honours Degree from Queens, an MA in Journalism from UU and a diploma from the NCTJ. I also have training in basic first aid, risk assessments, photoshop. As something a bit different, I’m also a qualified Irish dancing teacher.

What qualities are required for your job – personal and professional?

It’s essential to have a friendly and personable manner when working with our volunteers who work so hard and give up their time to raise money for such a good cause however you also need to have string organisational and time management skills. The Fundraising team run a very fast paced, target driven office so it’s essential to work well under pressure and be able to meet strict deadlines. 

What is the best advice you ever received?

When you want something, break it down into the smallest steps on how to get there – and plan for some diversions along the way.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I enjoy reading, Crossfit, gaming, Geocaching, going out with friends and travelling with my fiancée. 

Tell us an interesting fact about yourself

Myself and some friends once won quite big in a TV quiz show. 

Who has inspired you most in your life?

My Grandad. He comes from a very humble background, works hard, always puts family first and to this day keeps himself in good shape.

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