Dr. Margaret Hyde has recently been honoured as the first-ever Tutor of the Year at the inaugural Martis Awards — a remarkable achievement that reflects her passion, dedication, and the flexible, student-centred approach that defines her work at Professional Academy. Here is a glimpse into what a day in her life as a part-time tutor looks like.
A Dynamic Start to the Day
Margaret's days often begin with a deep dive into the BBC News website, staying informed about global events. This habit is not simply personal curiosity — it is a deliberate choice to connect real-world stories to the marketing workshops she leads.
"We are living in a very dynamic world," Margaret explains. "I often refer to a news story to make workshop topics more relevant." She encourages her students to stay updated too, as global events can significantly impact organisations and the wider marketing landscape in ways that textbooks alone cannot fully capture.
The Art of Preparation
Preparation is at the heart of Margaret's work. With a comprehensive knowledge of marketing theory — backed by her PhD in service quality — she is no stranger to the material she teaches. Yet she never steps into a session without revisiting the content and meticulously planning how to deliver it.
"I know exactly how I want things to run," she explains, ensuring every workshop is engaging, structured, and tailored to her students' needs. That level of care and consistency is precisely what earned her the recognition she received at the Martis Awards.
Behind-the-Scenes Contributions
A significant part of being a tutor involves contributing to the processes that keep Professional Academy running smoothly. In marketing, the 7Ps framework emphasises "process," and Margaret is deeply involved in these behind-the-scenes efforts.
She openly acknowledges that technology is not her strongest suit, and she is committed to improving her digital skills with the support of her colleagues — aligning with the contemporary focus on digital marketing practices. That willingness to keep learning, even in areas of personal challenge, is itself a powerful example to her students.
Lifelong Learning and Collaboration
At Professional Academy, continuous professional development is a priority — and Margaret embraces it wholeheartedly. Keeping up with shifting marketing trends is part of the role, and she finds inspiration through regular meetups with former university colleagues.
These gatherings, often over lunch, blend social connection with serious discussions about the evolving challenges in professional marketing. Together, they have collaborated on academic papers, diving into desk research that deepens their understanding of topics like service quality. "These meetups provide insight into wider aspects of the field," Margaret notes, ensuring she stays at the forefront of her discipline.
Connecting with Students and the Community
Margaret also contributes to Professional Academy's outreach efforts — whether by writing blogs like this one or co-presenting webinars. With her extensive experience in public relations and communications, she sees these activities as a way to add a personal touch to the learning experience.
"It is part and parcel of reaching out to our students," she says, fostering a sense of connection and engagement. The highlight of her role, however, is interacting with students — preferably face-to-face, though online sessions are valuable too.
"The best part of the job is meeting students," Margaret shares. "These interactions are a two-way street: whilst she hopes students gain valuable insights from her workshops, she learns just as much from them about the sectors they work in. This exchange makes discussions richer, more relevant, and keeps her connected to the ever-changing world of marketing."
A Well-Deserved Honour
Margaret's dedication and impact were recognised at the inaugural Martis Awards, where she was named Tutor of the Year. Reflecting on the honour, she said: "It is a pleasure to work with students and colleagues alike, and I thank everyone for choosing me for the first Tutor of the Year in the Martis Awards."
Her ability to inspire, educate, and connect with her students and colleagues shines through in every aspect of her work — making her a thoroughly deserving recipient of this prestigious award.
No Typical Day, Just Impactful Ones
In Margaret's own words: "There is no typical day for me, and that is exactly how I like it." Her days are a blend of preparation, learning, collaboration, and meaningful interactions with students — all underpinned by her passion for marketing and education.
As we celebrate her Tutor of the Year award, we are reminded of the profound impact a dedicated tutor can have — not just on students, but on the entire Professional Academy community. Congratulations, Dr. Margaret Hyde, on this well-earned recognition.
View Dr. Margaret Hyde's social post about her Tutor of the Year award
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At Professional Academy, our tutors are at the heart of everything we do. With experts like Dr. Margaret Hyde guiding our learners, we ensure every student receives not just the knowledge they need, but the inspiration and support to apply it effectively in their career.
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