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The opportunity to grow and explore

I’ve spent a large part of my Public Relations career with Sefiani. ‘So what?’ you ask? Well, I’m also Gen Y so the tendency to get itchy feet and seek ‘greener pastures’ or pull on the backpack is something we’re born with and can’t avoid.

So it takes a pretty special workplace to keep that same bright-eyed graduate engaged and challenged for so long. Fortunately, I found that workplace on the first attempt.

But I thought I might have to let it all go when I found the lure of overseas travel on my doorstep. I’d left school and gone straight into university; left university and gone straight into work. My plans for exploring the world had taken a back seat, and it was something that always played on my mind.

I was frustrated but nonetheless hopeful there would be some way I could stay working with the great team at Sefiani while also squeezing in some travel. I decided the best option was to simply be upfront with Robyn but to do so well in advance in case my plans changed.

I walked into Robyn’s office and floated the idea by her. I remember being less than convinced that my proposal for five months off backpacking the world would see the light of day again… To my surprise, Robyn turned around and asked, “Would six months be long enough?”

I was shocked, expecting to be told that two or three months would be the maximum, and there I was being offered an additional month of travel. But this is Robyn’s, and consequently Sefiani’s, attitude to personal endeavours. Staff are supported in the choices they make as there is a mutual excitement shared with our team. People here want you to try new things and come back to share what you’ve learned.

Many months later I laced up my trekking boots, strapped on the backpack, and made way through the departures terminal, off to explore Europe and South America for five and a bit months. I returned at the end of 2010 with longer hair, dirtier shoes, and a wealth of personal experience under my belt.

When I came back into the office a few days later, that same excitement was still there and it felt right to be back with the team I’ve very much become part of over my time here.

Following my return, I was able to continue exploring my other passion; assisting clients with their transition into the online communications environment in my new role as Head of Digital at Sefiani. My international experience, coupled with the supportive management and staff at Sefiani, meant I have since been more readily able to tackle new challenges and opportunities to help them achieve the best results. For over five years, Sefiani supported my every need – both professional and personal – and I couldn’t be more grateful to have been part of the team.

Roger Christie, former Head of Digital

Careers - Roger on Huayna Potosi, Bolivia