Career Path

Mary Devereux, Managing Director, Burson-Marsteller Asia Pacific

First job ever?

It was a summer job at the Associated Examining Board in the UK - checking examination papers to ensure that the examiners had marked all the papers properly.  It was fun at first to read other people's exam papers, but quickly got old.

First job in PR?

With a small PR firm in London called Raitt Orr & Associates.  Probably the best ever training ground for someone new to the profession - I literally learned everything from the ground up.

Best job you've had?

Well, my current one, of course.  And maybe my part- time job serving behind the bar of a real ale pub in the UK.  I really enjoyed the banter and, as it was the days before automatic pricing tills, I had to add up the bill as I went along, so my mathematical skills became superb.

Worst job you've had?

I'll resist shaming and blaming so will cite my second worst job.  I was a cleaner of exhibition stands at Farnborough International Air Show.  The work wasn't so bad in itself, but getting up at 4 am every morning was dreadful.

Perks of your current job?

Working for a major global network and all that entails - international and influential work, huge resources and interesting characters with whom I work.

Professionals you admire?

Harold Burson for sure - truly a living legend.

Best career advice?

Stop talking and listen.

Why a career in PR?

Like many people, I drifted into it by chance and never left.  I didn't know what PR was until I started in the business and certainly had never heard of media releases.  I think I imagined that the reporters all sat around a CEO's desk and jotted down his every word.

If you weren't in this industry what would you be?

Hmm - a lawyer maybe, or what I'd really want to be is a vet.

How do you relax?

Ask me again if you see me on Saturday night.