I’m Ali.

My career journey so far.

After coming home from my Business Management degree at Northumbria university, I thought the pathway to my Marketing career would be easy enough. You go to uni, get your degree, head to a few interviews, and land an entry-level role in your dream career, right? Wrong.

‘What’s meant for you, won’t pass you by’ was an unintentionally frustrating phrase used by friends and family who were trying to help me navigate through so many interviews (requiring years of work experience), voluntary work and even travelling to London in search of that dream.

Although I knew it wasn’t my forever job, I enjoyed my first post-uni job at Argento Jewellery as a Sales Assistant in Belfast, working my way to store Supervisor in Holywood – and it’s how I met Part Three Digital’s Hannah! I am forever grateful to my manager Lynsey who took a chance on me and gave me a Marketing Assistant spot at Argento’s Head Office, where I learnt the ropes from a great team. After working my way to Marketing Executive and loving everything about Digital Marketing – the photoshoots, social media, SEO, eCommerce - it was difficult making the decision to leave a job I loved, but I knew it was necessary to grow.

I worked briefly as a Marketing Manager in hospitality, before realising that I needed to give agency life a try.

Agency life suited me to a T – the fast pace, learning so many things I had never even dreamed of from so many different departments, and getting the opportunity to work with a variety of amazing clients.

I’m so glad that nothing worked out as planned. It’s taken a lot of confidence building and resilience, but I always knew I’d get where I needed to be; by being myself, putting in the work and never giving up.

Why I joined Part Three Digital.

Having worked in-house and in-agency, I knew I wanted to be in an agency and a team that reflected and aligned with my own values and goals. Somewhere that would nurture my career and growth, where I could put my own stamp on things, have an input, and really be a part of the business. Somewhere my creativity would be valued and encouraged.

Working for a local, female-founded company, where I can specialise in social media and influencer marketing was a no-brainer – and working with good friends who inspire you, and who you work well with, is a massive bonus!

How I make a difference to Part Three Digital.

I specialise in social media and influencer marketing, SEO and content marketing, delivering effective digital marketing campaigns for a range of clients including; Danone, Magners, SLA Digital, Tipperary Water and Santa Rita Wine Estates. I care about our clients, team and the brand collaborators we work with, because of the relationships I have with them, having the craic and ensuring everyone is happy.

My creativity and experience in art direction comes in handy, especially when leading on content projects for clients. I have an eye for detail in both videography and photography, as well as an understanding of a through-the-line approach, having created content for both traditional and digital marketing clients.

Favourite things about my job.

I love a good shoot! Seeing the whole process through from planning and briefing, to overseeing things on the day, to the finished product when it goes live on social, gives you a real sense of achievement. Especially working with the guys from The Hype Factory, who make it all look so easy!

Anything and everything social media. I often fall down a scroll hole and would sit and make TikToks and Reels all day if you let me!

Work doesn’t feel like work! Our clients, colleagues, brand ambassadors/collaborators and PTD team - very lucky to have such cool brands and genuinely lovely people to work with daily.

No day is the same. I get to be creative, put my own stamp on things and stand over work I’m proud of. I am challenged personally and professionally and all roads lead to growth. Wellbeing is prioritised and encouraged. Work life balance has been nailed. The ‘every-day’ is made fun. You are trusted with responsibilities. And if you’re ever ‘stuck’, nothing is ever a bother. There’s always someone there to help you. We come together and we divide and conquer when we need to.

When I am not at work I’m.

Travelling. Learning new things, exploring, feeling inspired and meeting new people. Bali has been my favourite place so far (‘Bali Ali’ is still a nickname!), and Ibiza feels like my second home.

In summer, I will likely be found at Helen’s Bay beach or the Jamaica Inn in Bangor. Having a drink, dancing, going to music festivals, eating out with my friends and boyfriend and hanging out with my nieces. I love fashion and could scroll for hours on Pinterest, as well as dog-walking crazy Jake, yoga-ing, the odd sea swim, and I hope to take horse riding back up this year.

My career goals and hopes for the future.

My career goal, as we become a bigger team, is to find my niche and become a specialist within social media and influencer marketing. Whilst I’m still carving that out, I wouldn’t mind a viral TikTok or two!

I also want to help everyone I can with their digital marketing careers. I know how hard it is to be just starting out - I’ve been there too - and you need as much info and help as you can get. I’m not a big ‘future-planner’ and like to take every day as it comes, but to continue making everyday fun and doing things I enjoy is up there.