The Graduate Experience

Some of Northumbria University’s previous graduates include the likes of Steve Cram CBE, Sting and … more recently, me. With a 2.1 degree in English Language, I was one of the few in my class who decided to aim for a career outside education.

Thankfully, Northumbria University aren’t an institution that just hand you your degree, pat you on the back and ask you to close the door on your way out. Their support to graduates post-graduation is first class, offering free membership to their Northumbria University Careers and Employment service. It was here I applied for the position of a Graduate Content Writer at Onyx Health, a leading healthcare marketing communications agency based in the North East.

The role was an initial six-month internship, facilitated by Northumbria University Enterprise Business Support (NEBs), with the potential for a permanent position – a great opportunity to use the writing and research skills I’d developed during my degree, and to gain valuable experience at a fast-paced healthcare marketing agency.

Onyx Health work with pharmaceutical, diagnostic, and medical device companies, developing marketing communications programmes to promote brands to the medical profession. They’ve worked with Northumbria, and other universities, on Graduates into Business for six years now, and Karen Winterhalter, Managing Director, is keen for this to continue. The collaboration between the university and SMEs to support new graduates in business provides benefits for all.

My role was to support the team by generating content and key media opportunities for the numerous programmes they work on. At the end of six months, I was offered a full-time contract. It was an easy offer to accept, as no day is the same and I am on a constant learning curve, working with team that have over 25 years of knowledge and experience in the healthcare industry.

I’ve travelled the length of the country to witness first-hand how Onyx Health run medical education events. I’ve written blogs, case studies, press releases, and email marketing campaigns; worked as part of the team to produce brand bibles and client proposals; even been involved in big-picture campaign strategy meetings. I was almost roped into the Onyx Health 10k team too, but thankfully, managed to enter my fiancé in my place (much to his delight); while I enjoy the cake, celebratory prosecco and ice cream that regularly makes its way to the office. The team are the perfect mix of creativity and strategic thinking. Driven to succeed while maintaining a sense of humour, and always willing to explore new markets and new approaches.

So, here’s to the future, I’ve settled into my now permanent position and I can’t wait to get started on our next campaign.