Corke permanently joined Eyewitness News in December 2014 having previously worked there as an intern, a “dream come true” for Corke had wanted to be a journalist since she was 16-years-old. She initially thrived off the adrenaline and adventure that journalism can offer and in her doing her part in exposing “the truth in a very troubled space”.

However, a year of working very late shifts and finding herself repeatedly in dangerous situations began taking its toll, with the “anxiety attacks and bad dreams” being all too real. It got to a point where Corke resented her job, where being sent out on almost any story made her a “nervous wreck”.

“I was 22-years-old and suffering from PTSD. One day, after having yet another panic attack, I decided this lifestyle was not for me and I needed to find a new calling while I was young enough to find one,” Corke says.

More than anything, Corke realised that journalism was not the right fit for her personality – which prefers organisation and structure.

“There had to be another option for me. That’s when I found G&G,” Corke says.

The change in working hours since joining G&G was the “best” adjustment for Corke to make, allowing her to lead a more balanced life. The nervous wreck that left journalism soon became stimulated and excited about work again, which suits her “personality down to the ground”.

“The very fact that I use my camera, think outside the box and create ideas from concept to delivery everyday has been eye opening and exciting and reignited my passion for creativity and advertising,” Corke says.

“I love the space I work in where I am surrounded by people who are driven to exceed expectations and create award-winning work that adds value to people’s lives. It has also been refreshing to be taken seriously, not despite my age, but because of my age. It has been incredible to be valued as a young creative and has given me the confidence to do work that delights and excites people.”

Corke has no regrets about leaving journalism, thought she does miss the people she worked with at EWN and the mentors she picked up along the way.

“Working side by side some of the greats in the radio industry like Katy Katapodis, Stephen Grootes and Gia Nicolaides is something I will always miss and forever value,” Corke says.

“I also miss being in the newsroom when national stories are unfolding. It’s almost like I get FOMO and want to return to the newsroom and help write the 5pm bulletin.”

As a late reporter, Corke had to learn quickly to sink or swim in situations with extreme deadlines and where there were little resources available. She now applies the skills she acquired as a journalist in her current working environment.

“Afternoons spent crossing live every half hour, tweeting, photographing, and videoing big stories all at once, on my own, has taught me to work quickly and efficiently under extreme pressure. It also developed my photography and videography which I now use for G&G,” explains Corke.

Another skill Corke picked up as a journalist was learning how to interview difficult people, which she now applies to solve client problems.  

“As a social media content creator, I use the skills I gained through writing for radio and live tweeting as a reporter every day. Writing for social is like radio: short, sharp and grabs the listener/reader within seconds,” Corke says.

“It was a fantastic introduction into the copywriting I would be doing in this industry.”

For those journalists who are thinking about moving into the marketing space, Corke advises being 100% sure of why you want to leave journalism for marketing, with the two environments being very different.

“But don’t be afraid to make the leap and do it while you are still young enough to,” she says.

“There is something else out there that might be your calling. Go find it. As for practical advice, I would build a portfolio of your work that best shows you capabilities over many digital mediums such as audio, video, and photography.”

Journalism requires commitment and driven professionals, so Corke suggests showing your prospective employer the value you, as a journalist, can add.

“Do your homework on the company you apply to and the clients they cater for. Pitch your own ideas for the brand and show them what you can do from the first interview,” Corke says.

“Finally, just do it.”

For more information, connect with Corke on Twitter.

*Picture courtesy of Emily Corke and Gullan&Gullan.