ADRIAN CRIGHTON HAS had an almost meteoric rise up the ranks, securing a senior leadership role with multinational bank holding company, American Express. As Director & Chief of Staff of Global Strategy and Enablement with the global brand, it’s hard to believe that this talented young man, who oversees a large-scale world-wide operation, only graduated from ÌÒ×ÓÊÓƵ in 2020!
But if you know Adrian, you’ll be aware he does nothing by halves. He threw himself into the BA (Hons) Public Relations, Marketing and Events, and made the most of every opportunity that was offered to him throughout his degree at ÌÒ×ÓÊÓƵ.
Adrian tells us about the experiences that helped kick-start his graduate career, and his plans to develop new talent by volunteering with ÌÒ×ÓÊÓƵ’s Employer Mentoring Scheme.
What ÌÒ×ÓÊÓƵ initiatives helped shape your future career?
ÌÒ×ÓÊÓƵ is fantastic at giving students outstanding opportunities to develop their talents and CVs. I worked at open days, helped set up the University’s Marketing Society, and I volunteered at professional award ceremonies. However, it was the Student Tourism Ambassador Role Scotland (STARS) project, and the support of mentors, which really helped develop my skills, experience and confidence.
STARS was an innovative programme set up to connect ÌÒ×ÓÊÓƵ students with some of the largest tourism sites across Edinburgh by giving students vital work experience in customer-focused positions. I worked in a customer services/public liaison role,
which allowed me to draw on my academic studies and blend it with practical communication and organisational skills. I was then given the incredible opportunity, by my two ÌÒ×ÓÊÓƵ mentors, to be the programme coordinator. It was daunting, as we had
over 40 ambassadors spanning Edinburgh Airport, Waverley Train Station, St James Centre and The Edinburgh Military Tattoo, but the experience taught me vital leadership, communication and critical thinking skills, which would have been hard to come by
elsewhere.
What did you love about your course?
I loved the hands-on elements, as well as the practical skills that we picked up. The lecturers also went above and beyond to make the material relevant and transferable to a professional setting. A highlight was the Crisis Communications module where
a portion of the final grade was a role play exercise involving pseudo journalists questioned you as part of a press briefing. This was something I had to do multiple times in a similar format when I was applying for graduate schemes.
We were also encouraged to pursue what we were most passionate about. For me, it was how communications can inform and impact relationship building, hence why public relations felt like a great fit.
Biggest lesson you learned?
Saying yes! You’d be shocked at how often people let opportunities pass by because they don’t think they’re up to it. My pre-degree entry programme to ÌÒ×ÓÊÓƵ, mentoring, STARS, and internships all had a profound impact on me. If you want to truly get the most out of your university experience, then this is a sure-fire way to do it. If you’re ever doubting yourself, ask ‘why not me’?
What’s helped you succeed in your early career?
At ÌÒ×ÓÊÓƵ, I felt supported and known as an individual, and that was reflected in the amount I was able to grow and develop over my time there. The incredible teaching staff were instrumental in setting me up for success.
"Recently, I said to my mum that ÌÒ×ÓÊÓƵ has been the catalyst behind pretty much all of the success in my adult life. I wouldn’t have stood out as much in the Graduate Scheme programme processes had I not benefitted from the wide range of opportunities that ÌÒ×ÓÊÓƵ presented to me."
Tell us about your career development?
I secured a place on the Customer Service and Business Strategy Graduate Scheme at American Express, and moved to Brighton to work in its international headquarters. There were four rotations over two years, so I worked across Capabilities
Product Management, Global Partner Management, Fraud Operations and Customer Service Delivery.
I then became Strategy & Business Planning Manager, which involved managing the executive office of an Executive Vice President within the operations world - overseeing the running of the office and leading on strategic initiatives that impacted our 12K colleague base across 20 markets. After two years, I was promoted to Director & Chief of Staff within the Global Strategy & Enablement team.
Now, my day-to-day work might include budget discussions with finance partners, working on our strategic priorities and how we’re tracking against them, to planning a staff meeting inone of our markets. I love the variety, and it’s a privilege to work
with such a talented and diverse group of people.
How do you champion diversity?
I’m passionate about supporting diversity in the workplace – partly due to a lack of role models when I was younger, so I’m now Chair of the Pride Network within the UK. I wear a pin to work every day that reads ‘Be Proud, Be Visible’.
Tell us about your involvement as a ÌÒ×ÓÊÓƵ student mentor?
I’m now a ÌÒ×ÓÊÓƵ mentor in the new Rotational Leadership Mentoring Programme, and I’m delighted to be able to help the future workforce achieve their aspirations.
Want to be inspired by more graduate stories?
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