A good ambassador

Newcastle may be a relatively small city by global standards, but it has inspired some big ambitions for uni student Tim Hyde.

Since starting a business degree in 2006, Tim has had his sights set on international success – and found the University of Newcastle the ideal place to put his passion for people into practice.

"Working as an executive for a multinational company would be my dream job," says 21-year-old Tim, who hopes to work in HR.

"As part of the degree, we do a lot of group work, which is great as I’ve learnt a lot about team environments and what makes people tick. And people are the key to good business."

And it’s not only through his studies that Tim gets involved with people. As a student ambassador for the University, Tim speaks to potential students at schools and events such as next Saturday’s Info Day.

"Going to uni is a big step – but if you come along to Info Day there’ll be heaps of people who can answer all your questions. My advice to new students is always the same... treat your studies like a full-time job and you’ll be fine."

It’s an approach Tim himself follows, balancing living on-campus, study, part-time work and a healthy amount of social activity – one of the big benefits of university life.

"The atmosphere and community spirit is like nothing I’ve ever experienced before. Nowhere else can you move into a place and have 212 instant friends," Tim says.

For Tim, Newcastle offers all the benefits of a big city – with a small-town feel. It’s the perfect stepping-stone for this soon-to-be businessman.

Portrait of Timothy Hyde by University of Newcastle Bachelor of Fine Art student Meredith Weaver.