Year of graduation: 2016
Current Employer: Flybe
Current Job Title: Marketing Executive
Current Location: Exeter, Devon
"My main reason for choosing University of Plymouth was because of the open day I attended before starting. I was completely taken by the course. The lecturers were so passionate about Events Management, and they really made me feel like I was going to fit in."
Tell us what you have been doing since completing your studies
I secured a 12 month contract with my first job before completing my studies, so jumped right into a graduate role one week after finishing my studies. Here I worked as marketing and communications coordinator, in a small business. I have now moved on from this role, and relocated to Exeter, where I am now working with Flybe as Marketing Executive. In between work, I have done a bit of travelling to a few European countries.
What is the best, most exciting or fun thing that you have done in your career?
Working for Flybe has opened up a lot of doors for me, and no two days are ever the same. There have been a couple of things that have been really exciting, including taking part in Exeter City and Exeter Chiefs new kit launches for the 17/18 season and being in the team photos; visiting Glasgow for the launch of a new franchise partner and organising social media activity with branded taxi’s, and a day trip to Manchester to take part in the onboard magazines new menu photoshoot.
What would you do differently since graduating?
I think I would have taken some time between finishing my course and starting a graduate role to do a bit of travelling, and catch up with friends and family. Although I was very lucky to secure a job so early on, final year is a very intense year and I feel I would have benefited from a bit more time between starting the role and finishing.
Imagine you were about to start university again - with the benefit of hindsight - what would you now tell yourself to have done differently?
I would tell myself to live in halls in the first year and branch out by joining a variety of sports and societies.
What was your main reason for choosing to study your course at Plymouth? With hindsight how significant was this for you?
My main reason for choosing Plymouth University was because of the open day I attended before starting. I was completely taken by the course. The lecturers were so passionate about Events Management, and they really made me feel like I was going to fit in. Location was also a benefit, originally being from Cornwall, it made the commute home easy to catch up with friends and family. Plymouth definitely felt like a home from home, and I had the best three years there.
How did we support you in your studies?
I really benefited from the careers and employability service throughout my second and final year. Remy, in particular, was great when looking for a job for post university, as he always gave time to me checking over my CV and cover letters, and pushing me to see what potential I had. Furthermore, I’ve been able to make use of this service post graduation, as it's available to graduates for up to three years after graduating, which helped in securing my job with Flybe. I also made use of the library services a lot throughout my final year, especially the quiet rooms, as it provided a place for me to go and get on with my work without any disruption.
How did studying at Plymouth change your career aspirations and plans?
My course in particular opened up my mind to the multiple opportunities that were out there waiting for me with my degree. Most people think of weddings or conferences for people who do events, but the course covered a wide range of topics, from marketing to PR to human resources and even consultancy in addition to events management. I never thought that when I started my course I would end up in a marketing based role, let alone in an airline.
What is your favourite memory of studying for your degree at Plymouth?
There are so many great memories! My fondest memory has to be my final year as a whole. I came back after taking a year off university, and had the best year, surrounded by some of my closest friends. Other great memories include having the opportunity to run and source funding for our own event, taking trips to both Amsterdam and Prague, and seeing the faces on my family on graduation day.
How well did Plymouth prepare you for the challenges that you have faced, or will face, in your career?
Studying at Plymouth has definitely helped me to prepare for life in the world of work, and I definitely wouldn't be where I am today without my degree. Going to university, taught me some invaluable life lessons and skills, including time management and how to prioritise. These are skills I use every day, and have Plymouth to thank for that.
Why would you recommend undertaking a course with University of Plymouth?
I genuinely had the best three years at Plymouth. I made lifelong friends and I learnt a lot from my course. The University and the city itself has so much to offer, with plenty of things to do from joining sports/societies to exploring the beaches and moorland right on its doorstep. I would absolutely recommend undertaking a course at Plymouth.
