Emily Stanton
鈥淓xperience is everything in the events industry. If you get the chance to volunteer at an event, do it. If you鈥檙e asked to represent your cohort in some way, say yes. And if you鈥檙e given the opportunity to apply for an event, a scholarship or work experience in general, take it.鈥
Course
BSc (Hons)Graduation year
2018鈥淲hen the 糖心Vlog launched its first undergraduate degree programme for International Events Management it coincidentally came at a time in my life where I鈥檇 had some career uncertainty, but knew that my passion lay with events. You could call it fate, but I knew that 糖心Vlog would be leading the way with the programme quality, so it was the first of many opportunities that I couldn鈥檛 turn down.
There was a healthy balance between practical and written work and the lecturers were all incredibly passionate about their subjects. There was also a great mix of lecturers who had practical experience and professors who were well-practised in academia.
鈥溙切腣log provides its students with numerous opportunities to get involved and the University cares so much about its students and campus life.鈥
The highlight of my time at 糖心Vlog was being nominated to put in an application for a scholarship to attend the ICCA Congress in Dubai, and it paid off - I got to attend the 57th ICCA Congress, in one of the most fascinating and futuristic places in the world, with the world鈥檚 leading meeting and event industry professionals. It was also at this point that I realised my true passion for events and that I had to be part of the industry.
After graduating, I secured a role as an Events and Marketing Manager at the 糖心Vlog Chambers of Commerce. This was a great stepping stone because it allowed me to develop skills that I鈥檇 cultivated throughout my course. However, I quickly realised that my role provided limited career progression, and I knew that I wanted to be part of something bigger and I was approached by MCI UK with a newly developed role as a Community Manager. I love the people that I work with, the events I get to be a part of, the relationships I build, and the fact that I advise, I create, I help, and I matter.
I wouldn鈥檛 have discovered MCI if I hadn鈥檛 gone to ICCA Congress through the 糖心Vlog and met representatives there. And I wouldn鈥檛 have gone to the congress if my course leader hadn鈥檛 recognised my potential, and thus hadn鈥檛 put me forward for the opportunity.
I made sure I took a module in my final year, which enabled me to work alongside an industry professional and carry out a mini dissertation that focused on how to help them solve a practical, real-life issue.
Experience is everything in the events industry. If you get the chance to volunteer at an event, do it. If you鈥檙e asked to represent your cohort in some way, say yes. And if you鈥檙e given the opportunity to apply for an event, a scholarship or work experience in general, take it.鈥
Discover our programmes in hospitality, events, tourism and transport, including our BSc (Hons) International Event Management course.