From Profile to Presence: Building Your Brand and Connections in the Hunter

Join the University of Newcastle Alumni Team for the 2026 THRIVE x Hunter Young Professionals (hyp) event – From Profile to Presence: Building Your Brand and Connections in the Hunter with Holly Martin and Jacob Ure.

Whether you’re a recent graduate or simply a young professional in the region, this engaging event will explore how to build an authentic personal brand, use social media with purpose, and create meaningful professional connections across the Hunter and beyond.

Led by University of Newcastle alumna Holly Martin, Managing Director and Chief Marketer of The Marketing GP, the session will deliver practical insights into how young professionals can confidently show up online, share their story, and build visibility strategically in a way that still feels genuine.

Through a focused and practical presentation, Holly will explore how to develop a clear personal brand, use platforms like LinkedIn effectively, and turn online engagement into real-world opportunities such as mentorship, collaborations and career growth.

Following the presentation, Holly will chat with fellow alumnus Jacob Ure, creator of Our Past. Together, they will discuss building an online presence, growing an audience, and using storytelling to foster connection and community. Guests will then be invited to take part in a Q&A, where you can ask Holly and Jacob your own questions and share your experiences.

After the formalities, continue the conversation with relaxed drinks and canapés. Professor Alex Zelinsky AO, Vice-Chancellor and President and The Hon Patricia Forsythe AM, Chancellor will also be there to welcome you.

As part of the evening, Jacob will also be filming oral histories to help create a lasting piece of history. For all the alumni attending, you’re encouraged to come along ready to share your own stories, which will become part of the University’s archive. There’s a low-pressure mini media lounge where you you can practise being on camera and get some top tips from the University’s communications experts, before answering a few easy questions on camera with Jacob. You’ll even get the best bits of your interview professionally edited so it’s ready to share on your LinkedIn!

KEY DETAILS

Date: Wednesday 5th August 2026

Time: 6:00pm-9:00pm

Location: Auchmuty Library, Callaghan Campus

Cost: FREE for all guests

RSVP: Essential by 29 July 2026

⭐WHY ATTEND?

• Build your personal brand with confidence. Learn how to present your skills, values and experience authentically, without feeling the need to be an influencer.

• Use social media strategically. Discover practical ways to use LinkedIn and other platforms to build visibility, share your work and create new opportunities.

• Join the conversation. The relaxed format of this event invites openness, including the chance to ask your own questions.
• Grow meaningful local connections with professionals, alumni and organisations across the Hunter region.
• Become a part of history. Share your stories, reflections and experiences with the University of Newcastle as Jacob captures oral histories on the night. You’ll also be able to kickstart your online profile with a professional video!