Alumni

Victoria Tidmarsh

Career Path: Head of Digital PR, Hatch
Location: Leeds, UK

After finishing university, I realised the day-to-day world of journalism wasn't what I was looking for full time, so I decided to look for more digital, content-related roles, conducting freelance journalism on the side. I began my career at a travel company called Super Break in York, starting off as a Digital Content Executive and developing copy for the website, blog and social media. I worked my way up to become Digital Content Team Leader, running this team and line managing the team of Executives.

From there, I moved on to Epiphany Search, one of the largest digital agencies in the UK at the time. Starting agency life as an Account Manager, I progressed quickly and shaped my own role there as Project Director.

My last few years have been filled with exciting projects at Hatch, working for household name brands and specialising in the activation of sports sponsorship. My role as Head of Digital PR has allowed me to scale the services we offer as an agency, and support brands in expanding their marketing success.

What are you doing now?

As head of Digital PR, my role has been two-fold; expanding our internal service offering, and delivering on strategies for brands, from local to global names.

In addition, I specialise in activating sports sponsorship, ensuring that brands get the maximum from their contracted rights. On the list of partnerships I’ve worked with are Hisense and Leeds United, Hisense and UEFA EURO 2020, Remington and Manchester United, plus Nationwide Building Society and The FA

What was it about Northumbria that made you decide to study here?

Newcastle is just an hour on the train from my hometown of York, but still had that big city vibe that allowed me to feel like I was really spreading my wings. I had friends who had studied at Northumbria previously so it was always at the top of my list, and after visiting for the open day it just felt like the only place to be. The campus and (at the time) new sports facilities were also a huge draw for me, as it really felt like everything I needed to learn and grow was in one place.

What was it like studying at Northumbria?

The beauty of the course I completed was the variety of work. There was a balanced mix of lectures, seminars, coursework and team projects that allowed me to exploit all areas of my skill set. Being a writing-based subject, naturally, there was a lot of essay-based work which was fine by me!

How connected was your course with industry?

My dissertation focus allowed me to branch out into the real world, organising interviews and work experience within the sports journalism sector. Which such a huge sporting presence in the city and university itself, there were lots of people who were willing to support me and contribute to the work. My lecturers were also hugely supportive in my finding and executing these opportunities.

What was the best thing about your course?

The sheer knowledge of my lecturers allowed me to absorb so much during the three years that I have brought into the real world. My course gave me the confidence and reassurance that I'd made the right choices, and that the path I wanted to pursue was genuinely there for me to grab with both hands.

How did studying at Northumbria help you achieve your career goals/ give your career an edge?

The quality of the course and lecturers allowed me to pass with a brilliant grade, meaning my CV was therefore strong and stood me in good stead when it came to applying for jobs. I also feel like living in Newcastle allowed me to really grow as a person, in terms of confidence in meeting new people, working a job alongside my studies and keeping a great work/study/life balance. The location of the campus is truly built for people to make the most of the city.

Which skills/knowledge did you learn on your course that you use most now throughout your career?

In general, my personal skills such as confidence, determination, a drive for quality and an overall curiosity have grown and grown. Based on my course, an understanding of being on both sides of the fence (journalism and PR) gave me a head start in my career, and has allowed me to act as a mentor for other people beginning their careers from similar backgrounds.

What did you enjoy most about your time at Northumbria University?

The sense of culture and family on campus. Studying at Northumbria built me as a person as well as a graduate with qualifications, and I put that down to the environment.

What advice would you give somebody who is considering studying at Northumbria?

Make the most of the first-class facilities. It can be easy to think you'll just study at home but the availability and quality of the library, lecturers and sporting facilities are really there to make your experience whole. It's worth the 5-minute walk!