We’re so excited to announce two new members to The International Bunch Team. Emma has joined us as our new in-house marketing executive, while Sharnie has joined as Lou’s Executive PA. We catch up with both Emma and Sharnie following their first six months in their roles.
Emma
Do you want to start off by telling our readers a bit about yourself and your professional background?
When I think about writing, for me, I think about that one line from ABBA’s Thank You for the Music: mother said I was a dancer before I could walk. Of course, I’ve never been much of a dancer – you probably couldn’t find anyone much worse in that respect – but I’ve been writing for as long as I could pick up a pen. I distinctly recall once being reprimanded in primary school after I chose to rewrite The Three Little Pigs rather than summarising it like I was supposed to.
For as long as I can remember, words have been my solace, my comfort place. At university I studied English Literature while simultaneously undertaking internships in sales and marketing. Marketing was the perfect blend of everything I loved in life – creativity, learning, writing and analysis. I graduated in 2019 from Cardiff University, and I haven’t looked back from marketing and copywriting since.
What excites you the most about your move to The International Bunch?
My English teacher in secondary school once wrote in my university admission recommendation that I have a ‘vampiric thirst’ for learning. It’s true – any chance that I have I’m learning something. I’m still fairly new to scholarly publishing, but it already feels like home to me in that respect. I’m constantly learning something, whether it’s about the industry, my role or anything else in between.
My role at The International Bunch is incredibly diverse – I primarily work on copywriting tasks, but I work on digital marketing, graphic design and so much more. It’s exciting and varied – it keeps my overactive brain busy!
I’m so proud to be part of such a dynamic, intelligent and welcoming team. Working under Lou and Megan has been fantastic and I’ve already learned so much, and I especially love getting to work with our incredible clients.
Finally, outside of your working life, how do you like to spend your time?
I have far too many interests! Most importantly, I love to spend time with my family – my 14-month-old daughter, my dog and my fiancé. I like to frequent the outdoors, especially in the countryside, so regular walks are a must. I'm also fond of dancing – I’m just terrible at it.
Reading is one of my favorite pastimes – my favourite genre is gothic fiction, I’m especially fond of Laura Purcell at the moment. I’m a huge Jane Austen fan. When I get spare time I also catch up on literary criticism, especially in medical fiction and gothic.
When I’m not reading, I’m either trying to solve murders in video games or books, or I’m singing. I’m trained to grade 8 in musical theatre, though mostly my current audience is my dog. I’m not entirely sure that he’s a fan of Wicked!
Want to learn more about Emma? Check out Emma’s LinkedIn Profile.
Sharnie
Do you want to start off by telling our readers a bit about yourself and your professional background?
I love to try new things! I have experience across numerous sectors, including pharma, construction, engineering and care.
What excites you the most about your move to The International Bunch?
I was excited to join a brand new team and see new faces, as well as learning about the
marketing, scholarly communications and information industry. Even before I joined
The International Bunch, I had the impression that they were a team of professionals
who genuinely cared about their craft. I actually met Lou while caring for her children.
Everyone has been so warm, welcoming, and friendly, and I look forward to learning lots from them here. The team is awesome!
My passion has always been helping and caring for others and that is exactly what I do. I
help them in many different ways making sure that everyone is happy. My role can be
very versatile from admin to research, amongst other things.
Finally, outside of your working life, how do you like to spend your time?
My priorities are my children and animals, I have two boys and two dogs and four cats. We love to be outdoors you will always find us on a mountain or a lake or dancing in a field. I have a passion for all animals so outside of work and mum life it would be horses and for adrenaline, snowboarding! I also love a good book for escapism.