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.
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.
NWMN AwardsI 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.
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.
After traveling the world and living in seven different cities across three continents, accredited coach Antonia “Kooks” Bartels finally found her place in Norwich. She now supports people through major career transitions and has found real value in the city’s warm and welcoming professional networks. Curious what drew her in? Read Antonia "Kooks" blog to see why her global journey led straight to Norwich’s doorstep
