What is your role?
I’m the Marketing Manager for the Research & Enterprise Department, home to the University’s business support services. As well as promoting the University of Lincoln’s expertise and collaborative opportunities to our industry partners and employers, I oversee the marketing, PR and events activity associated with our localised business networks and two start-up incubation centres, Sparkhouse & Enterprise (where Student Enterprise is located) and Think Tank.
Working closely with Reece Leggett (Student Enterprise Co-ordinator) and Dominick McOmish (Marketing and Communications Officer), my job is to ensure that the service is effectively reaching our entrepreneurial students and graduates, so that they can benefit from all the self-employment support we have to offer.
What is your background?
I had a bit of an unconventional route into marketing and communications, having studied History and German at university. My third year was spent in Hamburg, undertaking an internship with a small translation company. As well as making coffee, dog walking and running errands for the office, over time I was asked to work on projects for clients, primarily fashion and lifestyle brands. Translating German to English website content, social media posts, news pieces and product descriptions sparked an interest in marketing and copywriting.
After freelancing to fund my final year of university and for a little while after that, I secured a junior marketing role with an eBook publishing company – coincidentally based in Think Tank. It was there that I learned the fundamentals of marketing and PR practices. Since then, I have worked in marketing and events related roles for a coffee roastery, agricultural machinery manufacturer and a North Yorkshire tourist attraction – with a six-month career break for travelling thrown in there too. In 2019 I moved back to Lincoln to be nearer family and friends, after being offered the role of Marketing Manager at the University. I’m now also undertaking an MBA in Leadership with the University of Lincoln.
My career so far has followed unexpected twists and turns. I truly believe in taking opportunities life throws at you, giving things a go and having the courage to accept when a role or workplace isn’t the right one for you.
What is your favourite element of the job?
Definitely seeing the impact of the community we have created. Our talented and dynamic team not only make coming to work enjoyable, they’re genuinely passionate about helping businesses thrive. Playing a small part in supporting SMEs, including our student and graduate start-ups, to connect with one another, benefit from advice and mentorship, receive funding and take a step forward in their business growth, is exceptionally rewarding. I’m a big advocate for young people staying in Lincolnshire to enjoy a high quality of life, with great opportunities to progress, so seeing more and more examples of this brings me a lot of joy!
Within your role, what are your strengths?
As part of my role I have had to develop a broad skillset, ranging from small-scale communications to global event management. On balance, I would say that the strategising elements of marketing are where my strengths lie. Whether it be working on brand discovery with start-ups or the creation of an impactful marketing plan for more established brands, I have found that my best work comes when I have the opportunity to work creatively.
In terms of events, I have found the organisation of conferences to be the most enjoyable and rewarding. A particular highlight has been organising the Student Enterprise Conference, scheduled to take plan on February 22nd. We have really tried to develop what we offer as a conference, and hope that all attendees find it half as enjoyable as it was to organise!
Any advice/tips for any student entrepreneurs reading this?
You are the heart of your business – embrace bringing your personality, backstory, and values into your brand. People buy into people!
If you would like to book on to our Student Enterprise Conference, you can reserve your ticket here: https://uolcareers.co.uk/event/student-enterprise-annual-conference/. We hope to see as many of you there as possible.