International Women's Day 2023 - My story: Veronica Blackaby

Tell us about your career to date and how you got to your current role in Monahans
Growing up I could never really pick what I wanted to do, every other month it was a different career I had in mind so when it came time to university my choice was heavily based on what my parents thought best for me. All they wanted was for me to have a degree in a scientific field that I could rely on as a backup and then I could pursue whatever job I wanted. After two arduous years in university studying animal husbandry, I knew it wasn’t for me, so much to my parents’ horror I dropped out and went searching for what I would enjoy. I found it in graphic design, so back into uni I went and this time it was clear that this was my path, I loved every lesson and project and graduated with a job in a confectionary company, running their social media and packaging design.

In 2020, I decided to make another drastic change, I packed up everything I could and moved countries, coming to the UK from Brazil was taking a big chance and it was a struggle when the pandemic hit. I stuck it out and managed to find part time work with Somerset County Council in their marketing sector. In 2021, a head-hunter found me for an interview with Monahans. It was the break I needed, as the design and marketing assistant I can work with what I love and branch further out into marketing, something I had been thinking about doing for a while.

Who has had the biggest impact on your career?
I have been very lucky to have worked with so many talented and compassionate people, they have helped me to trust in my work and pushed me to challenge myself. One person comes to mind often, Luiz Henrique. When first starting out I was eager to please so would often take on more than I could manage, he took me under his wing and showed me how to say no in a professional environment. Something that everyone should learn to protect their mental health.

What do you wish you’d known about yourself when you were starting your career?
I wish I had more confidence in myself to follow what I wanted to begin with. To know that I could handle the challenges ahead and not be afraid to ask for help when I was struggling.

What advice would you give to someone who is in the early stages of their career?
Do not be afraid of making mistakes, sometimes it is the best way to learn, but do not think you have to fix things on your own. Make sure you reach out and ask for help! It is never a sign of weakness; it is a strength to know your limits and to rely on others. They will know that they can rely on you too.

Veronica Blackaby