Kim’s new future

By Clearing

Kim Hammond has wanted to work in Public Relations (PR) since her teens. She has fulfilled her ambition, by achieving a BA (Hons) degree in PR from the University of Teesside and joining Hartlepool-based PR company Avanticom.

Kim, 22, from Redcar, came to the University with three A levels in Communication Studies, Sociology and German from Redcar and Cleveland College. Kim said: “I chose the PR degree because I really enjoy meeting new people and being involved in their lives in a positive way. I feel more confident at the end of the degree, with my writing and communication skills, knowing how to deal with the media and also have knowledge of marketing.”

She particularly enjoyed taking part in live projects during the degree. Kim said: “We worked with a local chemical company who had no previous media coverage and helped them to get stories in the press. That was really different and I also devised a fictional Ladies Day for a local racecourse, producing merchandise, publicity and a race guide.”

Kim started her new post as a PR Officer with Avanticom two days after finishing her degree. The company works mainly with Public Sector clients, such as New Deal for Communities and SureStart. Kim said: “It’s what I’ve always wanted, to get a degree and a job. I’m the first in my family to go to University. Although some family members were cynical about me doing a PR degree, they’re really pleased for me now. I couldn't have gone through University without their support. I’d recommend the course; the lecturers were really helpful and made learning fun. The Learning Resource Centre has good facilities; friends from other universities have said how good it is.”

Kim’s brother Aaron is now at the University, studying for a Software Engineering degree. Kim was one of thousands who attended the recent Live 8 concert in London. She said: “Robbie Williams was the star of the day and I particularly enjoyed the good mix of young and old acts. The day was fantastic, I was so lucky to be given the opportunity to be there.”

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