How I chose to study events management at Univeristy

I knew that events management was always for me. But the thought of university scared me, because I thought it would involve lots of reading and exams. I wasn't a reader at the time but that's changed.

In college, I had my heart set on doing an events management apprenticeship. I thought it would be more hands on and practical, which suited me because I wanted to be working on events. But I’m so glad I went to University instead. Now I couldn't imagine not being in Huddersfield.

The truth is, I wanted to get my A levels done and out of the way. If you’re like me then you’re probably feeling the same way right now.

1. Get A levels out of the way.
2. Feel overwhelmed with future options.

It can be an overwhelming time, but you’ll get through. I did and I’ve had so many opportunities by coming to University. I’ll tell you more about them in a little while.

But first.

Let me explain what inspired me to choose university over doing an events management apprenticeship.

The change started at college

We had a ‘what's ahead conference’. The conference had different lecturers coming in to talk about university opportunities and also people from businesses talking about apprenticeships. So I thought I'll book myself onto one about event management.

The talk was by Janna, the leader for the course at the University of Huddersfield. There was something about her talk that inspired me. I thought I’d like the course because it sounded so exciting, and Janna was so nice. Plus, the group was only 40 maximum. So I thought yeah, this seems cool. Let’s challenge myself and go for it.

If you’re still unsure about going to university or you’re undecided about which university to choose then I recommend speaking to the lecturers. They’re so friendly at Huddersfield and will be happy to chat about the course. Also visit an Open Day to see the campus.

The things I’ve done since coming to University

So I'm currently doing the MSC Marketing Communications course and have recently graduated in Events Management BA(Hons). The reason why I wanted to stay on at Huddersfield was because of the atmosphere and the people, plus the opportunities that I got as an undergrad were amazing.

Placement at Buckingham Palace

Through the University I applied for a 12 month placement at Buckingham Palace. In my interview they were asking me about my volunteering and about my hands on experience. Then I got a phone call to say,

“We want you to do an internship, but doing more events."

I was like,

"Yes, perfect!"

Being around the Palace was special and everything about being there. For example, I had the chance to work at events on the royal balcony and around the palace. It was so surreal.

I was there when David Cameron resigned, so we were watching out of our office window. One evening we left the office to go to an event and all these cameras were there as we walked through the courtyard. The cameras were looking at me as if to say, "Is that Theresa May?" I was like, "Yeah, I'm Theresa May."

It was definitely a day to remember!

UK Delegation to Israel

And then this January (2018) I got a call from the University to ask if I'd represent the University on a UK delegation to Israel. So that was another thing that I'm like, "Wow!"

I went to Israel with 14 other people from all over the country. As part of the trip I spoke about university and higher education plus networked with a wide range of students from other institutions.

Throughout the trip, they showed us around the universities and education in Israel. Which was interesting to see how education works in another country, and the traditions of a different culture.

The future

Sure, when I chose to come to Huddersfield I didn’t know I’d get to do all of these things. But I knew by challenging myself and making the choice to come here I’d learn things I didn’t know before.

The point I’m trying to make is that these four years at University have really made me realise what I really want to do in the future. I’m now ready for a career in events management – once I’ve finished my Masters’ of course.