Choosing a degree, studying Events Management at uni and how I got into Events at BBC Studios
Welcome to my first blog post. If you're thinking about going to university, not sure of what to study or need some inspiration for the future keep reading. This might just be the article that helps you choose.
Choosing a Degree
“Most people don't know what they want to do, they just think they know what they want to do.”
One of the most difficult decisions for me was choosing which degree I wanted to study. I knew I wanted to go to university, but I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life, and choosing what I wanted to do at the age of 17 seemed daunting. I felt like all of my friends had it figured out, so I spoke to my parents, and I will always remember what my Dad said to me, 'most people don't know what they want to do, they just think they know what they want to do'. They encouraged me to continue researching, writing down what I'm good at and what I enjoy, because if you love what you do, you'll never work a day in your life.
I knew I got a buzz out of organising group activities, holidays and generally planning and always looking forward to the next event in my life. You would think it logical for me to think of events, however, I was initially interested in Hotel Management (post work experience). After visiting university open days on this course, I knew it wasn't for me, and that events were really where my heart was at.
BA (Hons) Events Management
It's somehow been three years since I graduated from Bournemouth University with a degree in Events Management. I did four years at uni with my third year on placement, where I worked as an Events Assistant at the Industry and Parliament Trust (found through my uni's careerhub). Placement year provided me with invaluable events experience and allowed me to apply all the knowledge I was learning at uni, not to mention getting to make amazing new friends - I loved it!
Events Management is a fantastic degree that I would highly recommend if you are interested in Marketing, Communications, Finance, Economics, Small Business Management, Project Management - you name it, Events probably does it. You really learn to work as a team from the outset and also produce live events under pressure. There is so much you can learn from a degree in Events Management, especially with an added year in industry, that can be applied to such a variety of roles in the real world. So even if you don't know exactly what you want to do, this might help you decide.
Life after University
“It took me a while to find exactly where I wanted to be.”
When I finished uni, I knew I wanted to work in events, but it took me a while to find exactly where I wanted to be. I love working and keeping busy, so towards the end of my degree I started working as an Assistant Camp Director at a kids summer camp near home. This helped me financially after uni and also meant I could put my events skills into practice. After this, it took me a few months to find a role I wanted in events, which turned out to be...not exactly what I had in mind, but it did help me grow my experience in the industry, and figure out what I did and didn't want to do.
Events Coordinator
I started working for BBC Studios two and a half years ago now, after interviewing for the position of Events Team Assistant. The role sounded perfect for me, and the events world class. I applied for the position online through the BBC Careers website, then got invited to interview, which was followed by a second interview, with presentation (on myself - which terrified me!). I was offered the role and nothing (apart from perhaps my graduation day) has made me prouder.
I have recently been promoted to Events Coordinator, the position I have longed for since starting with BBC Studios two and a half years ago. So take it from me, I know first hand, it will take time, dedication and hard work (oh and a lot of patience), to even begin getting to where you want to be. But once you're on that path, it makes it all worth it.
If you have any questions on a career in events, or my experience, hit the contact tab at the top and drop me a message. I'd love to hear from you.
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