Brydie Hindley’s (BA/BSc (Hons) English Language and Communication / Sociology and Social Science 2014) journey from CCCU to Client Partner at Spin Brands highlights how a strong mix of critical thinking, communication and creativity can open career opportunities. After graduating Brydie built a career across media, journalism and global brand campaigns, working with leading names such as Nike, Amazon and Google. Now part of the senior leadership team at Spin Brands, she brings together strategic insight, storytelling and commercial expertise to drive impactful, culturally relevant marketing partnerships.

Why did you choose Canterbury Christ Church University?

I was drawn to CCCU because it offered the right balance of academic quality and student experience. Its strong reputation across the arts, humanities and social sciences, along with a focus on employability and industry links, made it the ideal place for me. My English Language and Sociology degree was flexible and interdisciplinary, allowing me to explore everything from linguistics to identity, culture and social inequality.

Were there any experiences or lecturers that shaped your career path?

Absolutely. My lecturer’s teaching had a huge influence on how I think about communication, audience and meaning, these are skills I use every day in marketing. Both subjects encouraged critical thinking, discussion and independent analysis, which helped build my confidence and shaped the way I approach messaging, research and writing in my career.

Can you tell us about your journey from graduation to becoming a Client Partner at Spin Brands?

After graduating, I completed a Master’s in Broadcast Journalism at City, University of London, which strengthened my ability to communicate clearly and adapt content for different audiences. I then worked across media and agency roles, including A&E Networks and campaigns for brands like Google and Trivago. My time at Hearst Magazines was a turning point, here I managed global campaigns for brands such as Nike, Amazon and Prada which helped me develop strategic, cultural and leadership skills. Those experiences led me to Spin Brands, where I now bring together my background in storytelling, audience insight and commercial strategy.

“My lecturer’s teaching had a huge influence on how I think about communication, audience and meaning, these are skills I use every day in marketing. Both subjects encouraged critical thinking, discussion and independent analysis, which helped build my confidence and shaped the way I approach messaging, research and writing in my career.”

What does your role at Spin Brands involve, and what do you enjoy most about it?

As Client Partner, I sit within the senior leadership team, guiding client relationships, strategy and commercial growth. I work closely with teams across paid social, strategy and influencer marketing to ensure we deliver impactful, culturally relevant work. What I enjoy most is building strong partnerships and helping both clients and the agency grow.

What advice would you give to students interested in marketing, social media or agency careers?

Get as much hands‑on experience as you can. Offer to run a society’s social channels, help a local business, create your own content or look for internships. Be aware of industry trends, and don’t worry about specialising too early; agencies are great places to learn quickly. Most importantly, focus on communication, proactivity and attitude. Being reliable, enthusiastic and eager to learn will always set you apart.