Mark Pawluk is a former PR apprentice with who spent his apprenticeship with Warner Bros. He now works at Activision Blizzard, one of the largest video games companies in the world.
In this blog post he talks about his time as an apprentice; working on LEGO games; and travelling across Europe for work.
How have the industry skills you learned during your time at Warner Bros. helped you develop further?
There are almost too many skills to list that I developed during my time at Warner Bros. and thereafter.
Confidence is the first that comes to mind though. Whether you deem confidence as a skill or mindset, it’s still played a pivotal part in my development, and working closely with others who instilled confidence in me accelerated my career. It’s hard to quantify, but thinking back to my first phone call selling in a story – which had me shaking manically at the time – compared to now, where these things come naturally.
Growth in this area has allowed me to focus on becoming more strategic in my thinking, meaning less time spent worrying about my next presentation or phone call.
What advice would you give to those considering an apprenticeship?
Jump! Apprenticeships offer something unique compared to going to university. Apprenticeships will allow you to learn on the job, earn a decent wage, and build a network to kickstart your career. In fact, if it wasn’t for the network I had built during my time at Warner Bros., I wouldn’t have met the lovely folk at Bastion, and subsequently, Activision Blizzard.
Your network can be a deciding factor for your next career move, so even for this reason alone, apprenticeships are on top.
What’s one apprenticeship myth that was ‘busted’ when you were on your programme?
Apprentices don’t just make tea!
During my time as an international integrated communications apprentice, I worked on some fantastic campaigns for Hitman 2 and Mortal Kombat 11, as well as a selection of LEGO games. In addition to playing a pivotal part in the EMEA communications for said campaigns, I was flown out across Europe on several occasions (seven, in fact) to support various press and influencer events.
I’ll say it again, Apprentices don’t just make tea – unless it’s at a Marriott hotel…
How long did you stay in the company after you completed your apprenticeship programme?
I left immediately after my apprenticeship. I was sad to leave at the time, but on reflection, I wouldn’t be where I am now without leaving Warner Bros. and spending three and a half years at Bastion where I was able to develop even further, continue building my network, and create some lifelong friendships.
Are you still working in the PR/communications industry?
Yes, and I have no plans to ditch the video games industry. I love it.
What position are you working in now?
I’m a senior communications specialist at Activision. I work across all things Call of Duty in EMEA with a particular focus on the franchise’s mainline releases (MWII, MWIII, etc.), their live ops business (Multiplayer, Warzone, etc.), mobile games (Call of Duty: Mobile and Warzone Mobile), as well as the Call of Duty Endowment; a non-profit organization supported by Activision Blizzard which helps veterans find high-quality careers.
Image: PRCA
This blog post was originally posted by PRCA. Learn more about PRCA apprenticeships.
