Three years ago, Nicholas Wu started his career in communications. In this interview, he shares what his experience has been like at Paradigm, how he has developed an interest in data storytelling and advice for fresh graduates looking to pursue a career in communications.

1. This is your first full time job out of university. Can you please tell us why you wanted to pursue a career in communications?

I studied political science at university, a decision that stemmed from an interest in learning more about how people persuade others through storytelling. I also wanted to understand how the development of policy narratives and communicating with the public tied into global issues of importance.

Over the course of my studies, my interests branched out to journalism, research and writing. I became fascinated by the role the media plays in shaping peoples’ views and opinions about the world.

I was on the fence about becoming a journalist, but I also wanted to be part of the storytelling process. A career in communications thus seemed like the right move, bringing together my interests in writing, research, and the media.

2. Has the reality of working full time matched your expectations? What has it been like at Paradigm?

Before I started at Paradigm, my idea of the corporate workforce was a hierarchical chain of command. I thought I would have to spend my first year as a newly hired fresh graduate doing the daily coffee run. Fortunately, my experience at Paradigm has been far from that.

We have a small, close-knit team and our organisational structure is flat. This lends itself well to the nature of our work as we have to respond to client and media requests in a timely manner, as well as work across multiple projects which require quick decision making and collaboration.

At Paradigm, I find the culture is inclusive and there is a real focus on nurturing talent. We also work together in an open and collaborative environment where everyone is encouraged to try new things.

Our team includes seasoned communications professionals with many years of experience. Working alongside them, and having access to their experience in my first job has been beyond my expectations. On the client side, I’ve been brought along to meet C-suite business leaders and contribute to complex communications projects for some of the world’s top brands, an experience that I am grateful for so early on in my career.

3. One of the communications trends you are particularly interested in is data storytelling. Can you please tell us more about what it is and how businesses can benefit from it?

Data storytelling is about gathering data, extracting insights and translating those insights into a story. It can be used to guide decision making, reveal an interesting trend or convey important information to an audience.

Companies are increasingly turning to data storytelling to sharpen their messaging and increase the value they provide to their customers and stakeholders.

My interest in this field connects back to my desire to understand what I read and why it is important. Data gives authority to what is being communicated, but the challenge is finding the best way to frame it into a story that a given audience will care about.

I think data can help businesses develop unique and original story ideas to differentiate themselves from their competitors. Also, with the amount of information that’s out there, data can help brands add credibility to what they say and build trust.

4.    What advice would you give to university graduates interested in a career in communications?

From my experience working at Paradigm, I think an agency is a good starting point. While I do not have in-house experience for comparison, I feel that agencies give direct access to industry knowledge and provide an opportunity to develop a range of reinforcing skillsets. These benefits are even more apparent when working in a small team with a diverse client base.

Ultimately, I think it is important to identify your gifts and interests as well as what you want out of your career. Then find a company, whether it is agency or in-house, that provides the best fit. For me, it was about finding a nurturing environment that encourages me to be better each day and working with people who have a genuine passion for communications.