Tourism and Hospitality

Nicky Havelaar, MD at Crown, has recruited a number of Placement students from Bournemouth University and gives her view on the value of internships.

With internships and apprenticeships high on the business agenda, the events industry has been at the forefront of welcoming graduates and championing placement schemes that give aspiring eventprofs real life exposure to our industry. Nicky Havelaar, MD at Crown, explains why companies need to be responsible to interns to nurture future talent.

Internships have a long tradition of being a shoe-in to a job or industry. However, it comes with the stigma that interns will be stuck with grunt work and performing the mundane tasks no one else in the office wants to do.

Whilst this remains true at some organisations and time is needed to shift these perceptions, the reality is, internships are just as beneficial to companies as it is to the intern themselves.

Companies that have a structured programme that facilitates learning with practical applications benefit from nurturing the talent of future employees, potential rising stars in their industry, and who knows, quite possibly the next Angela Ahrendts , Es Devlin or Zaha Hadid.

The training I had in my first role gave me confidence and a solid grounding in the industry. It was an unparalleled opportunity to bond with the team and inspired a deep loyalty to the organisation. This is a culture we have sought to instil at Crown. Some of our longest serving members of staff have been in their roles for over 15 years, having worked their way up to the top of the organisation from entry-level positions. We strive to give individuals the confidence to exploit their talent and make a good impression, with us and elsewhere.

Crown not only commits to Growing Brand Belief for their clients, we instil an equally greater belief in our staff. With this mentoring philosophy, we conceived “Green Shoots”, our internship programme that employs undergraduates on an industrial placement for a year, and throws them on a steep learning curve into the events industry with real, frontline exposure on projects. Recruitment for Green Shoots is unique. Interns are determined by their level of potential, coupled with business acumen and emotional intelligence. This approach to recruitment is key to staff success at Crown and allows an individual to shine and excel on their own merits.

After their time with us, interns go on to complete their university studies. After graduation, one intern will be offered a full-time role at Crown. This cycle will then repeat itself year-on-year, and within four years, promotion to a specialist role is anticipated.

Along with the structure of their programmes, it is essential that companies take a considered approach to recruiting candidates. Internships are a two-way street. Interns with the determination and the aptitude to want to learn and succeed will be the ones to benefit from their time at a company. Companies that offer an educational programme with exposure on real live projects, coupled with access to the expertise of their existing team are the innovators at the forefront of their industries.

Programmes such as Green Shoots sends a strong message to interns and staff alike, that the company they work for truly values their people, instilling trust and respect into the culture that inherently supports their own internal engagement. Replenishing roles and bringing up the next generation of talent is a responsibility all organisations need to be involved in.

Sports Development and Coaching Sciences student, Christian Fizia, undertook an exchange to Hanze University, Groningen in the Netherlands. He reflects on his time there below.

My exchange to Groningen in the Netherlands allowed me to interact with a variety of cultures and meet hundreds of new people from around the world. Staying in an exciting and lively building with over 300 students meant there was never a dull moment and it made it really easy to settle in and make new friends. Moving to a new country without knowing anyone there can be daunting to some but the majority of students in my building were in the same position and it meant everyone was extremely friendly and just wanted to make new friends.

Living in another country provides the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and I was able to learn a lot about the Dutch culture during my stay. One of the best parts for me was the bicycles. The city of Groningen is full of bikes and this became an essential tool for getting around the city to university, to the shops and even on nights out. I was able to experience the culture first hand through a number of different excursions thanks to the Erasmus Student Network. This student board are fantastic at organising events and trips. Trips included a meal on a pancake boat, an attempt at speed skating, hitch hiking across Europe and a sailing trip.

From an academic point of view studying International Sports Development gave me an insight into how sport is taught differently throughout Europe. This was down to the fact that students on my course were from Italy, Spain, Germany and Netherlands. The course gave me a lot of freedom and I was able to focus on the subject areas that interest me the most. The teaching staff were very approachable and had a very laid back manner making for a relaxed atmosphere. They encourage high student interaction through meetings which are often held over coffee.

For further information about study abroad opportunities visit https://www1.bournemouth.ac.uk/students/careers/study-abroad

Second year Sport Management student Tazio Sciarrino spent an unforgettable semester at our German exchange partner university SRH Heidelberg in 2014/15.

“I had a great time on my student exchange in Heidelberg, Germany, at the SRH Hochschule. From a first culture shock to an unforgettable goodbye, this was an additional international – and fantastic – experience for me.

The choice of going to Heidelberg was appropriate from the first moment I chose to go there. In those five months I attended an international business course and it gave me a different perspective on European business.

Mixture of international students created a fun environment

Although my stay was short (1 February to 27 June 2015), I learned the basics of German language to an A2 level, finding myself comfortable in the German environment. I learned a lot about German culture: their habits, pleasures, dislikes, virtues and deficiencies, history, economy and political system. Although the majority of the students were German, in my course there was also a high presence of international students from Europe and Overseas.

The combined mixture of international students created a fun environment that enabled us to establish strong friendships. Therefore, it was marvellous studying together and then meeting for parties and social activities.

From a shaky start to an insane sense of belonging

It was fantastic being part of the Erasmus programme that Europe funds every year. It gives students the chance to open their minds, survive in another country and learn different characteristics of life and of a European country that is different from their own. I will always remember this amazing experience and keep it in my heart, since I got to know many different and nice people in a beautiful town.

I recommend this choice to other students: participate in the programme actively and make the most of it; even though you might feel uncomfortable at the beginning of your stay, this will soon develop to an insane sense of wellbeing which will give you a first insight into what life can be. Put simply learning to coexist, adapt and accept a new environment with different people is really interesting. This experience can only be beneficial, one that revolutionises your life, your rhythms and your ambitions.”

For further information about study abroad opportunities visit https://www1.bournemouth.ac.uk/students/careers/study-abroad

For the third year running, Sport & Physical Activity students participated in the international student seminar of the European Association for Sport Management, held just before the large annual academic conference. After students actively participating in Istanbul and Coventry, it was Christian Fizia (Sports Development and Coaching Science) creating an impact in September in Dublin – for example, he continued the streak of BU students to finish in the top 3 of the management game with their international teams, which allowed him to present in front of a larger audience during the main conference as well.

“While our sport students are enthusiastic to go abroad during their placement year or as part of our high quality study abroad programme, it is important that we leave a mark at leading international conferences and also offer extra-curricula opportunities for international experiences. Christian did show great passion and dedication for the case all groups where presented with and he worked professionally with his intercultural team members. These are only some of the learning experiences which he will add to his employability and which he will explicitly and implicitly share with fellow students in his final year, too” says Dr Tim Breitbarth, Principal Academic Sport Management and Coordinator Internationalisation.

 Here is Christian’s brief report:

“The student management game, which took place before the conference, contained approximately 50 students from 8 countries assembled in small teams. Our task addressed the internationalisation of a national sporting federation (Gaelic Athletic Association) in a digital age; this allowed me to use knowledge from my course and my internship at a sports market intelligence company. I gained valuable presenting experience with my work, firstly addressing the students and judges (7 tutors) and then after progressing to the final presenting at the conference itself to a room of students and academics numbering roughly 70 to 100. The trip enforced my keen interest in sponsorship and provided me with a new network which could be utilised in future employment.

Culturally I was able to learn about the history of Gaelic sport and how it plays such a pivotal role for Irish people and their national pride. The tribal nature of the sports and amateurism generate a unique community feeling as players can only play for the county they’re born in. I was able to play a little bit of Gaelic Football, Hurling and Handball and will be looking to join a Gaelic Football club in England in the near future to try and play the sport competitively.

At the large international academic conference, the experience I gained was phenomenal and I was able to attend several presentations from some of the leading academics and professors in the sports field who were presenting their most up to date research. The topics spanned across the majority of sports management and sports development issues, below is a list of just some that I chose to attend and which inspired my thinking:

–          Fan Engagement (Basketball – USA/Germany & Football – Austria)

–          Marketing Communication (Alcohol brands strategies – France)

–          Economic Value (Skiing World Cup – Norway & Football transfer market – Eastern Europe)

–          Online Fan Engagement (Twitter – Tour De France & Football – Dutch team at Brazil 2014)

–          Corporate Social Responsibility (Football – Denmark, Basketball – Europe and Belgium sport)

 Within the sport department, the application process for the EASM conference was straight forward and it only required a short expression of interest form and short interview with Dr Breitbarth. Global Horizon Funding was offered by BU and provided a great incentive to apply. It was useful to maintain communication with the conference organisers and the university in order to ensure I knew what to expect from the trip.”

Sport Management Golf student Kasia Selwent was one out of three BU Sport & Physical Activity Level I students to benefit from the wonderful study opportunity at our German partner university SRH Heidelberg in 2014/15. She will even be back in late 2015 to work at the Solheim Cup, a very significant international golf event.

Read about her various experiences:

“I have decided to come to Heidelberg (Germany) for a student exchange programme for a couple of reasons. Funnily I wanted to be closer to my home, friends and family, as I am a foreign student at Bournemouth University and felt homesick sometimes. Originally I am from Poland, my hometown is close to German border, therefore I thought moving to Germany would be a perfect solution. I also love to experience new cultures, discover new places, and get to know people with international backgrounds. Lastly I am a golfer and Heidelberg is well known from one of the best golf courses and facilities across Germany. Combining all of above Heidelberg seemed to be a right place to be for me. And it certainly was.

I can easily say that last 6 months were one of the best in my life. I have made some amazing friendships widening group of my international friends. I have learned so much about different cultures, tolerance and doing businesses worldwide. As a European citizen I am happy to say that I finally have a good knowledge about European Union, its rules, laws and advantages of being a part of it. Also I feel proud to say that I am a European with no divisions, barriers and inequality between members’ countries. I am satisfied with the programme we covered at SRH Hochschule and I have gained a lot of useful and practical knowledge during the International Business course. However I appreciate much more knowledge gained from others’ students and professors’ experiences. Books are an amazing educational tool, but I know now that experiencing things by yourself is the best possible way to learn and acquire the most important life skills.

I was lucky to have an amazing group of people around me during my student exchange, both German and international students. I can definitely say that we will stay in touch with some of them for a long time. SRH Hochschule’s staffs were taking care of us for the whole time making the most of our time here in Heidelberg. Additionally the city of Heidelberg is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been to. The atmosphere of an old town mixed with typically student’s town make the place really special. Beautiful, historical architecture combined with fabulous landscapes is what describes Heidelberg the best.

I had a chance to play and practise at one of the most wonderful golf courses in Europe and for me as a golfer it was a really important aspect. What is more I am coming back to Heidelberg in September to volunteer at one of the biggest world golf events Solheim Cup (Ladies’ Ryder Cup), which I am really excited about.

In the end I barely was visiting my home country and homesickness disappeared completely while being in Heidelberg. Now I know it is all about people and ERASMUS programme is one of the best opportunities to meet some amazing personalities and make friends for life.

If anyone would ask me if it is worth to go for a student exchange programme my answer would be; there is no better present you could do for yourself during your studying. I am not sure how it is in different places, but I can certainly say that anyone who would come to spend a semester here in Heidelberg will fall in love with this place within a couple of days.”

Sport Management student Dominic Buchan was the first BU Sport & Physical Activity student to benefit from the fantastic study and internship opportunity a new partnership with the internationally renowned Norwegian School of Sports Sciences offers. Read his brief account:

“Studying abroad at the Norwegian School of Sports Sciences (NSSS) was a fantastic decision and an experience I will have for the rest of my life. Based 20 minutes from the city center of Oslo via the metro system, NSSS offered everything I needed; from the sand volleyball courts to the local hiking trials NSSS had it all.

The programme I opted for was divided into two parts. The first part was simply studying abroad for the first semester, and the second part is being positioned in a sporting body undertaking an internship.

S1) Study Abroad

This was divided into three topics: sports marketing, event marketing and volunteerism in sport. These topics were international courses therefore we conducted in English. In these classes were a range of nationalities: Norwegian, Canadian, German, Polish and English. The majority of my classmates were also international students to which of whom I got very friendly with and will forever stay in contact with. These topics were interesting topics and were relevant to my internship. An added bonus was the fact that as a class we got to work at the Cross Country Ski World Cup in Lillehammer which was a great couple of days. Also, staff and pupils were very friendly and welcoming even though Norwegians are very introverted. I think being part of the ‘fadder week’ (Freshers week) helped with this a lot, since the school has a small amount of pupils getting to know everyone is very easy.

S2) Internship

I was lucky enough to have my internship at the Lillehammer Youth Olympic Games Organising Committee (LYOGOC). This enabled me to witness and take part in the professional business environment and witness first hand how an international event starts from nothing to evolve into something. With this internship I was able to take part in all of the ski events taking place in Oslo and Lillehammer, which was absolutely brilliant. Also had a hand in developing ideas for LYOGOC campaigns themselves such their ‘1 Year to Go’ campaign that was televised across Norway and the Torch Tour.

All in all this was an absolutely incredible year away and I would recommend doing this or something like this. I have learnt so much individually and professionally I didn’t want it to end. However I would also say its all about what you put in because if you get involved with the school, the pupils and other international students you will certainly have a terrific time!”

Sport & Physical Activity students interested in study abroad opportunities should contact the department’s coordinator internationalization, Dr Tim Breitbarth, at tbreitbarth@bournemouth.ac.uk

Agency Grass Roots Meetings & Events has appointed an events management graduate following Meeting Professionals International’s (MPI) inaugural MPI Connects event in April.

The MPI Connects event, which took place at Westminster University in April, was designed to bring together industry employers and new talent who are looking to make a start in the events industry.

As a result, Grass Roots Meetings & Events has appointed Takara Patrick, a Bournemouth University events management graduate, to the role of events coordinator.

Grass Roots Meetings & Events operational director Sue Massey said: “The MPI Connects event was a great opportunity, which not only benefitted the jobseekers but ourselves as employers.

“Off the back of the event, we have been able to employ a fantastic graduate in Takara and we are excited about her future in one of our client implant teams in London. The whole idea of bringing employers together with those searching for careers within the industry should be applauded.”

C&IT’s State of the Industry Report has revealed that recruiting new talent is the top challenge facing event agencies in 2015, with Smyle managing director Rick Stainton stating: “The top challenge for anyone at the moment is talent. There doesn’t seem to be any. It’s very difficult to find really good, multi-discipline, multi-sector experience or talent out there.”

The MPI Connects event was attended by more than 50 event management students who were advised to ‘take the initiative, pick up the phone’ and demonstrate a thorough understanding of the industry to find employment.

Hamish Reid, UK commercial director at MPI, added: “One of our main aims is to aid students with the transition between full-time education and finding a career.

“MPI Connects was created for the sole purpose of connecting jobseekers and students like Takara to potential recruiters so for a global company such as Grass Roots to hire as a result of the event is a real success.”

In March, Grass Roots made three ‘significant’ changes to its leadership team ahead of new ambitious growth plans.