This is a guest blog by Giang, who is studying MSc Events Management at BU.

Having travelled across half the globe to the UK, I was eager to take in new challenges and push my limits. Choosing this course was never a safe option personally, let alone the decision to study abroad. I never knew I wanted a career in the Events industry until I was introduced to this course, and reading details of the units and curriculum consolidated my wish to pursue this path. 

BU student Giang

Bournemouth University has what it takes to teach you what you want to know – and how you want to know it. It’s not just about the reputation and rankings, but the actual work you’re required to do. You will be asked to reach a little further, read a little more, and try a little harder. The units are a great combination of theory and practice – but even with entirely theory-based assignments, there are practical elements in them. You will always have the chance to learn something useful and new through research and writing, whether it is the difference in working cultures of the UK and your country of origin, how to compile a strategic report for a (real) company, or the components to a business plan.  

However, fairly speaking, nothing can teach you as much as practice does, and I have learned that the hard way through engaging in a live project as one of my units – Sustainable Project Management and Live Event Development and Delivery.  

We were assigned a group of 6 to deliver a live event in the course of 3 months. We have different backgrounds, have never collaborated in the past, and have limited experience in organising events. We started off alright, as we were able to agree on a few basic things such as the theme, roles, activities, etc. 

As the project progressed, and the deadline was getting close, we struggled to communicate effectively, the difference in working styles emerged, and thus created unnecessary misunderstandings. We went through ups (and downs) and as a result we missed an important milestone that could have jeopardised the whole event.  

Tension filled the air. We were yards away from cancelling the event, everyone was stressed. Then, we had an intervention by our unit leader and she helped us get ourselves together.

In one day, we managed to sell 80% of the number required, and had a go-ahead for the event. It was such a close call. 

The event turned out great, and we ended up learning so much about ourselves as well as event organising. Personally, stakeholder management is, I think, the most important task, as it affects so many aspects of the project. I learnt about my communication style, my working style, and how easily influenced I am by others’ opinions.

You can hardly learn those things by doing theoretical work. And that is why I deem working on this project highly valuable.  

For those who are considering this course, my only advice is to invest as much as you can in the course. I guess this advice applies with every course, but I believe you won’t be able to explore the full potential of yourself, and this course, without putting everything you have in it. Dive deep, and you will see how relevant everything is. The offer is there, and you’re the only one who can utilise it.

Looking back on the project, I’m really grateful for everything it put me through.   

Good luck in your journey, and get ready for challenging times that represent the biggest learning curve! 

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Postgraduate Events & Management courses