Laura Triana Africano

From Bogotá to Norwich…

When I first arrived in Norwich, I was stepping into the unknown—a new country, a new culture, and new challenges. Moving from Colombia to pursue my master’s in Media and International Development at the University of East Anglia was a dream come true, but I had little idea how much this city would shape my journey beyond academia.

One of the first things I heard before coming here was, “Why are you going there?”. Norwich wasn’t a widely known destination, but that made it all the more intriguing.

Comedian Russell Howard once joked about Norwich’s unpopularity, suggesting the locals were keeping its beauty a secret. And now, after three years of living here, I understand why.

In the beginning, I struggled with homesickness, although I wouldn’t like to accept this feeling, but it was inevitable with the challenge of building a life in a place where everything felt different. But I soon realised that to truly experience Norwich, I had to step beyond the familiar and embrace what the city had to offer.

 

 

As a student, I was eager to absorb knowledge, meet people from all over the world, and immerse myself in UEA’s vibrant campus life. After a busy year studying and gaining experience in the sector, balancing part time jobs, a dissertation and even filming content for a midwife– a very interesting experience- I found myself graduating and drawn to Norwich’s creative and professional community, which opened unexpected opportunities.

Transitioning from student life to a professional career was both exciting and daunting.

Norwich’s job market, whilst competitive, provided an ideal environment to carve my path in communications and marketing, which I realised I was interested in through the UEA internship programme where I explored content creation and storytelling.

I worked with the Food Innovation Cluster (now Tastebuds Collective), which introduced me to Norwich’s business community and networking scene. It was an exciting experience—insightful and delicious! Attending industry training sessions and supporting local businesses showed me just how welcoming and collaborative Norwich’s professional community can be.

Marketing in the Legal Industry

In 2023, my transition into legal marketing was unexpected but rewarding. Marketing for Hansells, a law firm, challenged me to find creative ways to make complex topics accessible and engaging. It also reinforced my belief in the power of building a personal brand—something I’ve actively worked on through networking and sharing my expertise.

One of my proudest achievements has been winning ‘The Marketer’ award of the Norfolk Women’s Marketing Network for my efforts at Hansells Solicitors in bringing the brand alive, creating innovative content campaigns for the industry and organising events like OMG2 (Our Marketing Group 2), a networking group for marketers in professional services. The group has grown into a valuable space for sharing ideas, learning from peers, and fostering collaboration within the industry.

As I write this, reflecting on the past year and a half in this industry, I look forward to the new opportunities and am excited to see what the creative scene in Norwich offers me.

I was honoured to win 'The Marketer' award from the Norfolk Women's in Marketing Network, I never imagined having such a special moment and this achievement solidified my passion for this field.

NWMN Awards

A Supportive and Creative Community

Supporting me through my experience and work in the marketing sector of Norwich is its vibrant community and networks; one of the city’s greatest strengths. Whether at networking events, industry meetups, or casual chats in independent cafés, I found professionals who were eager to share insights and support each other’s growth. I became involved in local marketing groups, attended workshops, and engaged with organisations that valued creativity and innovation.

The city fosters an entrepreneurial spirit, making it an ideal place for anyone looking to build a career in media, marketing, the creative industries, the professional services industry, and much more.

 

Making Friends and Finding my Place

Norwich is a place where career ambitions and a fulfilling personal life go hand in hand; it’s an ideal environment to grow a strong community.

Norwich has gifted me a wonderful group of friends—people who have supported me through career transitions, cultural adjustments, and personal milestones. Moving to a new country isn’t easy, but finding like-minded individuals who understand the struggles and joys of building a life in the UK has made all the difference.

Looking Ahead: My Future in Norwich

For anyone thinking about studying, working, or moving to Norwich, my advice is simple: give it a chance. The city’s potential and offers in opportunities, community, and lifestyle is unmatched.

Get involved, explore beyond the surface, and you’ll discover why so many people—myself included—have come to call it home.

As I look ahead, I see Norwich as a place where I can continue evolving professionally and personally. I’m excited to take on new challenges, explore creative opportunities, and contribute to the city’s dynamic marketing and creative industries. My journey here is still unfolding, but one thing is certain—Norwich continues to surprise me every day.

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Laura Triana Africano

From Bogotá to Norwich: Laura moved to Norwich to pursue a masters at UEA. Read more about her journey and how she has managed to succeed in Norwich's creative sector, win awards and create meaningful networks along the way.