In this post
Career Shifters: Meet a former ESL teacher who changed careers and never looked back

Sometimes, change is closer than you think.
Diving into an entirely new industry can be confronting – however, you may already have the transferrable skills to jump straight in, or even choose to undertake a short course to get you up to speed. It’s hard to figure out what you want in life, but taking small steps is sometimes all you need to define your career path.
Once you overcome the initial intimidation of the unknown when changing jobs, the reward is oh so satisfying!
Meet Freddy
For over four years, Freddy Grant has been the PR and Communications Manager at Bluethumb – Australia’s largest art marketplace. The online art gallery helps to connect collectors, art lovers and interior designers that have a mutual admiration of emerging and established local artists and are looking to buy art online.
However, Freddy wasn’t always thriving in the communications industry. Previous to his current role, he was working as an ESL (English Second Language) teacher. Although Freddy enjoyed teaching, he always felt that he’d be much better suited to a career in public relations and all things communications. So, he decided to make a change and move into more of the administration side of things. With the help of his now-husband, Freddy was given the help he needed to make the transition into his new career as a PR and Comms professional.
I realised that a lot of the skills I had and a lot of the things I was doing was marketing – I was running the social media and planning events.
The History of Bluethumb
Bluethumb was started in 2011 by brothers Ed and George Hartley. Coming from a very artsy household with an entrepreneurial father, the idea of starting a business was ingrained from the very beginning.
The two went off to have separate careers, however decided to come back together when they came up with an idea to fill this very obvious gap in the market: a way for artists to get their art in front of people directly.
Bluethumb has sold over
16,000
artworks
There was nothing quite like it in Australia at the time, and that’s where Bluethumb fits in.
Education Background
Education
Freddy graduated with first-class honours in 2007, using his qualification to eventually help him to pursue his passions. Like in Freddy’s case, it is the little things like a confidence boost in your industry area that can be the nudge that you need to go after a career in something you love.
Looking to study art and tighten up you’re fine art knowledge? A short Art Appreciation Course sounds like it could be right up your alley and a great career pathway to take your next professional step.
Explore Bluethumb’s Insta Feed
Source: INSTA @bluethumbart
The Gig
What is PR? PR and Communications professionals create, employ and evaluate communication strategies that craft the perception and favourable view of a business, its goods and services, and the role it plays within the community. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment where no day is the same, love people and have a creative and strategic mindset, this role could be the one for you.
PR and Communications Tasks:
- General customer-facing communications
- Newsletters
- Social media
- Management of outbound communications
- Press releases
- Pitching ideas
- Working with influencers
- Guest writing for publications
- Event management
- Pop-up and exhibition management
Think you’re cut out for a PR and Communications gig? Check out our public relations and communications courses, to help you build up your specialised skill set when changing careers.
“It’s definitely the best job that I’ve ever had, and a job that I’m really proud of.”
Keen on sharing your career change or ‘industry insider’ story?
Get in touch here.
Browse Results
Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping FNS40222
Monarch Institute is one of very few registered training organisations (RTOs) to offer the TPB (Tax Practitioners Board) approved courses required to become a registered BAS agent or a registered tax agent. We’re also included in a very select few accr...
Graduate Certificate of Sport Management
The GCSM has been developed following extensive consultation to provide a post-graduate education that aligns with industry requirements and expectations. The emphasis is on equipping students with the skills and knowledge required to add value in a ma...
Graduate Certificate in Leadership in Sport
The Graduate Certificate in Leadership in Sport (GCLIS) provides students with the opportunity to target employment opportunities within upper management in the sport industry. Target roles include positions at the General Manager, Director or Executiv...
Diploma of Football (Development, Management and Performance) (NSW Only)
The Diploma of Football (Development, Management and Performance) will prepare you with the skills, knowledge and understanding for a range of future career paths in the football industry. In this unique specialised diploma, you will explore a range of...
Bachelor of Sports Coaching (Strength and Conditioning) (NSW Only)
To address the high demand for sport coaches and professionals in Australia, the Bachelor of Sport Coaching (Strength and Conditioning) is a specialist degree fostering the coaching, administrative, and professional skills necessary for a fulfilling ca...
Bachelor of Sport Business (Leadership)
Turn your passion for sport into a career by immersing yourself in a degree that will broaden your theoretical and technical knowledge, so that you are fully equipped fora management role within the sport industry. The Bachelor of Sport Business (Leade...
Bachelor of Physical Activity for Health (NSW Only)
The Bachelor of Physical Activity for Health provides an exciting blend of health, sport science, and movement, giving you a springboard into a variety of careers and further study. It is ideal if you wish to pursue a career in health-related fields wi...
Bachelor of Health Science (Exercise) (NSW Only)
The Bachelor of Health Science (Exercise) offers the perfect career path for those looking to enhance their knowledge and skills through further studies in physiotherapy, exercise physiology, and other health professions. You will come to understand ho...
Bachelor of Football (Development, Management and Performance) (NSW Only)
This is Australia’s first Bachelor degree of Football! A unique and specialised degree that equips you with the skills, knowledge, and understanding to prepare for a diverse range of careers in the football industry. This degree explores a range of foo...
Bachelor of Education (Physical & Health Education) (NSW Only)
The Bachelor of Education (Physical & Health Education) incorporates units in movement and health as well as curriculum and pedagogical studies, equipping you with the requisite skills for entering the teaching profession. If you are keen to pursue...
Bachelor of Dance Practice (NSW Only)
The Bachelor of Dance Practice is a specialised degree that will equip you with the skills and experience to become a professional in the dance industry. The course develops artistry, choreography, performance, educational, business, and organisational...
Bachelor of Dance Education (NSW Only)
The Bachelor of Dance Education is a unique specialist professional qualification and is Australia’s first–being delivered through ACPE! Units are provided by highly qualified and experienced professionals, empowering you with all the knowledge and ski...
Associate Degree of Sport Business (NSW Only)
Get a higher education qualification in two years when studying full-time! Based on the Bachelor of Sport Business in terms of content, the Associate Degree of Sport Business offers students the opportunity to get into the workforce quicker or alternat...
Associate Degree of Football (Development, Management and Performance) (NSW Only)
The Associate Degree of Football (Development, Management and Performance) will prepare you with the skills, knowledge and understanding for a diverse range of future career paths in the football industry. Study how the football industry (e.g., soccer,...
Certificate IV in Leadership and Management BSB40520
Team leaders and frontline managers are a vital link between employees and senior management in every organisation. This qualification has been developed to provide you with the comprehensive skills you’ll need to lead, guide and support your own team...
Certificate IV in Project Management Practice BSB40920
Based around an industry leading project management methodology (PMBoK®), AIM’s BSB40920 Certificate IV in Project Management Practice is the perfect way to learn project management skills that can be used in a wide variety of contexts and is endorsed...
Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance (Perth Only) HLT33021
Are you interested in entering the health services industry? This nationally recognised qualification will allow you to enter into one of the most rewarding and enjoyable careers! When studying this course, you will gain knowledge in a range of fields...
Certificate III in Process Manufacturing (Perth Only) MSM30116
The Certificate III in Process Manufacturing is designed for those working or looking to work in production, warehousing, or factory roles. This hands-on course equips you with the practical skills needed to operate machinery, follow safety procedures,...
Certificate IV in Business (Perth Only) BSB40120
This qualification is suited to those working as administrators and project officers. In this role, individuals use well-developed skills and a broad knowledge base to apply solutions to a defined range of unpredictable problems and analyse information...
Diploma of Community Services (Perth Only) CHC52021
The Diploma of Community Services qualification reflects the roles of community services, case management and social housing workers involved in the managing, co-ordinating and/or delivering of person-centred services to individuals, groups and communi...
Online courses also available
Latest Articles
Agriculture Careers: What You Should Know in 2025
As one of Australia's most important industries, the agriculture industry offers great career opport...
Are Digital Skills the Key to Job Security in 2025?
The digital revolution is here, and it doesn’t care if you have a technical job or not — it’s coming...
How to Become a Chef in Australia: Complete Guide for 2025
The complete guide to becoming a chef in Australia. Learn how to get your start and make it in the h...
Want to read more?
How to Become a Plumber: The Best Career Move for You
Thought about becoming a plumber but you're unsure? Read more about the plumbing industry here and k...
The Ultimate Guide to Becoming a Professional Photographer
Becoming a professional photographer involves more than an eye for lighting and composition. It also...
7 Rewarding Pathways into a Community Services Career
The health care and social assistance industry is both the largest and fastest-growing industry in A...