Student Blog

This is a guest blog post by Katie Stroud, BA (Hons) Events Management student.

I’m Katie, and I am currently working at Live Group as part of my placement whilst studying Events Management at BU. As part of my course, I am required to carry out a 30-week placement with a minimum of 30 hours per week.

Why I chose Events Management

I was drawn to Events Management for the endless diversity and excitement it offers. No two events are alike, and the constant challenge of creating unique experiences for different audiences excited me. Moreover, I recognised that Events Management provides a wealth of transferable skills, such as organisation, communication, and problem-solving, which can be applied to a wide range of industries.

Choosing Bournemouth University

I chose to study at Bournemouth University because of the location. It is situated along the Jurassic Coast with 7 miles of beautiful beach. Student accommodation is either situated next to campus or close to town, with a short bus journey to get to Talbot Campus. Not only is Bournemouth University situated in a prime location, but it has also been consistently ranked among the top universities in the UK for teaching quality, research output, and graduate employability.

Bournemouth University also has a vibrant student life, with a wide range of clubs, societies, and activities to get involved in. There is always something to get stuck into at BU.

The thing I like most about studying Events Management at BU is how industry-focused the learning is – there is a strong emphasis on this, and it ensures graduates are well-prepared for the demands of the workplace. This is achieved through internships, placements, and guest lecturers from industry professionals. As an Events Management student you are required to carry out a placement, I am currently studying my placement at Live Group.

My placement at Live Group

Live Group is an Event Management company based in Kingston upon Thames, London. They provide a wide range of services, including event planning, venue sourcing, and production. Live Group are known for delivering high-quality events for a wide range of clients, including corporate, private, and public sector organisations. They are committed to sustainability and have several initiatives in place to reduce its environmental impact.

I found my placement with Live Group through Bournemouth University’s Career Hub, this a great tool for anyone looking for a placement to find a wide range of companies looking for interns. Once I submitted my application, I was invited to attend a virtual interview, the team answered any questions I had on the role and explained what my day-to-day role would be. Upon successfully completing my interview, I was invited into the office to meet the team.

I am currently on my fifth month working for Live Group and I have loved every minute of it. Working at Live Group has been an incredible experience for me; it has allowed me to grow in confidence and develop my industry skills.

There is a very supportive work environment at Live Group, and we are often told even though it’s a fast-paced environment we are not saving lives. The team are always happy to support you in whatever task you may be doing and provide an ear to talk to.

Live Group also encourages a healthy work-life balance, and we have frequent internal events taking place, such as our summer party, going out after work and our Christmas party. I would recommend Live Group to any Events Management student looking for a placement, as you can work on events all over the world. The wide range of clients also allows you to work across different types of events and meet different client needs.

Here’s the email address for Live Group talent@livegroup.co.uk if you want to get in touch about their placement opportunities, they encourage you to send a CV and cover letter.

Advice for aspiring Events Management students

My advice to anyone thinking of studying Events Management at BU would be to network and build connections. Building these relationships can open doors to potential internships, job opportunities, and mentorship.

Before applying for university, it is important you have a passion for the subject you are studying. If you thrive in fast-paced environments, enjoy problem solving and relish the satisfaction of creating memorable experiences for others, then Events Management at BU would be for you!