Spotlight on... Halle McCarthy

What is your role and what does it involve?

I’m a Campaigns Officer in the Vice-President (External Engagement) office. I work on our pan-UCL marketing campaigns, promoting our research and work to the public. I also work a lot on our podcasts. I manage the central podcast series and channels, and coordinate with the wider UCL community to help publish and promote their podcasts.

How long have you been at UCL and what was your previous role?

I have been at UCL for just over a year, I joined in June 2021. Previously I was working for a digital marketing agency, I worked across different consumer clients running organic and paid social media campaigns.

What working achievement or initiative are you most proud of?

The UCL Generation One campaign that launched in Autumn of 2021 was really cool to work on. I learned a lot about sustainability, COP, and the climate crisis. Our #UCLGenerationOne podcast was really fun to produce, the guests were all so interesting! The whole campaign was very collaborative too so I got to work with lots of great people across UCL.

Tell us about a project you are working on now which is top of your to-do list

I’m working on a campaign around UCL East, UCL's new campus on the Olympic Park in Stratford which is opening in the Autumn. We’re planning a digital campaign to raise awareness across the UCL community and beyond.

What is your favourite album, film and novel?

A disclaimer that I absolutely cannot commit to one favourite but these would be in my desert island discs if I had to pick…
Album – Channel Orange by Frank Ocean
Film – Call Me By Your Name
Book – A Secret History by Donna Tartt

What is your favourite joke (pre-watershed)?

Did you hear about the explosion at the cheese factory? All that was left was debrie...

Who would be your dream dinner guests?

My grandparents.. I never got to meet them so that would be fun!

What advice would you give your younger self?

Learn a language and stick to one of the many instruments you try (but you were right to abandon the violin!)

What would it surprise people to know about you?

I lived in New York City before moving back to London during the pandemic and am half American.

What is your favourite place?  

Any of the beaches in Sligo in the West of Ireland.