Bruna Tomsic

• Year of graduation:2018
• Current job title: Account Director, PR
• Current employer: Syneos Health Communications
• Industry sector: Healthcare PR

Meet Bruna Tomsic, a Multimedia Journalism graduate who has built a dynamic career at the intersection of storytelling and healthcare. Since graduating from the University of Northampton in 2018, Bruna has progressed to become an Account Director in PR at Syneos Health Communications, where she uses the power of communication to amplify patient voices and raise awareness of important health issues. Through hands-on industry experience, mentorship, and a passion for meaningful storytelling, Bruna has developed a career that combines creativity with purpose on a global scale.

What are some of your favourite memories from your time at the University of Northampton?

I have so many fond memories from my time at the University of Northampton. I met incredible friends from all over the world, including my now husband, and had the opportunity to start the Media & Journalism Society. I also gained valuable experience in my industry, such as working with the BBC, which helped shape my future career. Honestly, I could go on and on. I still can’t believe how quickly those years flew by. They were some of the most meaningful and transformative years of my life, and they truly changed the course of my journey.

Can you tell us about your current role and what a typical day looks like?

I work in healthcare public relations, primarily supporting pharmaceutical companies, while also collaborating with patient advocacy groups. No two days are the same. My role involves a wide range of responsibilities, from developing communications strategies, content such as press releases, Q&As, and social media for client channels, to managing accounts and working across multidisciplinary teams, as well as securing new business opportunities. I also spend time pitching stories to journalists and interviewing patient advocates to help bring their experiences to the forefront. Storytelling is at the heart of what I do. I’m passionate about ensuring that patient voices are heard on a global scale. It’s incredibly rewarding to see how powerful personal stories can be, helping to shift mindsets, raise awareness of different conditions and their symptoms, and ultimately empower people to advocate for themselves, their loved ones, and seek timely diagnoses.

What experiences or opportunities helped shape your career after graduating from the University of Northampton?

During my time at university and shortly after graduating, I was fortunate to have access to many opportunities and supportive mentors who encouraged me to be proactive and apply myself. Experiences such as working at the BBC and MailOnline were particularly formative, as they gave me first-hand insight into how journalism works in practice. That’s where I learned the fundamentals of crafting a strong, compelling story and the importance of truly understanding your audience. Health was always an area I felt deeply passionate about on a personal level. Both of my late grandmothers were affected by breast cancer, which gave me an early understanding of how deeply health conditions can impact individuals and families. That experience motivated me to pursue a career where storytelling could help make a meaningful difference. This ultimately led me into healthcare public relations. After graduating, I moved to London to begin my career in the field, and eight years on I’m still working in the industry. It’s a space where I can combine my background in journalism and communications with a purpose – helping raise awareness of important health issues and ensuring patient voices are heard.

How did the University support your career development while you were a student?

I was fortunate enough to have many lecturers who I also looked up to as my mentors – Hilary Scott being one of them. There was also the Changemaker hub, which I got involved with and was able to attend conferences in Boston and Chicago – really focusing on behaviour change and sharing ideas with like minded people on how to ultimately make this world a better place, through powerful projects and actions.

What motivated you to get involved in mentoring students through the Student Futures programme?

I was motivated by the opportunity to simply be a supportive presence for someone who might need it. I remember how daunting it can feel when you’re trying to find opportunities during or after your studies, and having someone to talk to can make a huge difference. If I can offer guidance, share my experiences, or even just be a listening ear, then I’m really glad to be able to help students navigate that stage of their journey with a little more confidence.

What advice would you give to students who want to pursue a similar career path?

Make sure your LinkedIn profile is up to date and use it as a platform to showcase your interests, portfolio, and any relevant work you’ve done. Share content related to the industry you’re passionate about, connect with professionals in that field, and actively engage with conversations happening in the space.I’d also encourage students to attend networking events whenever possible. Do your research beforehand on the speakers or panelists, and take the time to ask thoughtful questions during or after the session. Those small, proactive steps can go a long way, you never know what doors they might open. Most importantly, be proactive and go after the opportunities that genuinely excite you. Apply for roles you’re passionate about, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Often, it’s those early connections and experiences that can shape the direction of your career. Also, let your personality shine through, it’s what makes you unique.

What are your ambitions for the next stage of your career?

I have a lot of ambitions for the next stage of my career, and I definitely see myself continuing to grow within the healthcare communications industry. Alongside my professional work, I’m passionate about giving back, particularly through mentoring. I hope to support and mentor even more young people as they navigate the early stages of their careers. I’m also keen to do more public speaking, especially around tackling youth unemployment and helping students feel more confident about their career paths and opportunities.

On a more personal note, I’ve also started writing a book about my experiences studying abroad and the lessons I learned along the way. It’s something I’m really excited about, and I’m hoping to finish it in the near future.