Introducing Sasha, a final year Events Management student studying with the UK Centre for Events Management at Leeds Beckett University.
Hello Sasha! Tell us about yourself and what you study 👋
Hello everyone! I am a final year Events Management student studying with the UK Centre for Events Management at Leeds Beckett University. I joined EG back in April 2020 and was inspired to build a personal brand and have been working on that since through creating my blog and an Instagram page documenting my journey into events. I am also working on projects and volunteering alongside my studies, including Future Event Leaders, The Events Insight Podcast and more.
Why did you choose to study events, and what are your aspirations? ✨
I originally wanted to study English Literature at University but changed my mind overnight to study events and it was the best decision I could have made. It was stressful but I got an unconditional offer from Leeds Beckett and without having seen the university in person I accepted my place. Now I can’t imagine myself doing anything different.
I am open to all opportunities within the events industry, but my dream job would be to work on product launches and experiential events. I am also incredibly passionate about the environment and as a result, sustainability will be a key aspect in all events I plan in the future, and I aspire to bring about sustainable change in the industry.
What have you learned and enjoyed most about your course? 📚
I love how different it is every day. Learning isn’t mundane or boring one class can be about managing risks for events and the next we're out on a site visit in the middle of a field measuring stage sizes to plan a made-up festival for an assignment.
I love learning about the events industry because it is so broad. You can pretty much work on whatever events you want to in whichever sector you wish. There is something for everyone. I also love the community aspect that comes from the course. Events is a sector where teamwork is essential, and I love working in a group with my fellow students to create mock-up pitches and events.
What work experience opportunities have you taken advantage of while studying and what did you learn from them? 💫
My advice to anyone going to university, no matter what you are studying is to take advantage of as many opportunities the university offers you.
I have had many volunteering opportunities during my time at Leeds Beckett and have helped on events including The Sky Betting and Gaming Charity Ball in aid of Candlelighters, Live at Leeds Festival, The Leeds International Film Festival, Leeds Light Night to name just a few. All of the volunteering opportunities I have worked on have helped me to develop my skills, meet new people and expand my network.
I also had a job as Event Staff on the Leeds Beckett University Events Team and have worked on many guest lectures, conferences, art shows, and award shows which has enabled me to further develop my skill set.
How have you had to adapt and adjust during the pandemic? 💻
Due to deferring for the academic year 2020/21 after a cancelled placement due to covid, I didn’t have to do the year online. I returned for my final year in September ’21 and thankfully my university was able to return to face-to-face teaching.
With the chaotic times we now live in there have been times where lectures and seminars have had to be online due to illness, assessment dates changes etc. While this can be frustrating at times it’s important to remember that it’s out of anyone’s control and be being more adaptable, we can also build resilience.
In your opinion, what does the future of the event industry look like/ what are the upcoming trends? 🔮
I think that the future of the events industry looks promising. More and more people are wanting to be sustainable, inclusive, and diverse with all events and this is being pushed further by an extra special future generation of events professionals. I have met so many individuals who are paving the way for a bigger and better events future and it is rewarding to know I will also be a part of that change.
If you could describe the event industry in one word, what would it be? 🎟️
Fascinating - you really don’t understand all that goes on to create an event until you’ve learnt about it and worked on them.
Tell us about your favourite event? 🎪
I have volunteered and worked on many events since the start of my journey into events. But I think my favourite one must be the one I planned and ran myself back before I had even begun studying events. My family and I have always been big supporters of the Guide Dogs for the Blind Charity and a few years ago I planned and somewhat successfully managed a coffee morning event that was raised over £1000 for the charity and it’s something even to this day that I’m incredibly proud of.
What advice would you give to other students or aspiring event students? 🎓
My advice would be to not underestimate the power of knowing the right people. Expand your network but make sure you do so with quality connections, not just quantity. Make LinkedIn your best friend it is amazing. Finally, just be your true authentic self and put the work in and the right people and opportunities will come to you.
Thank you Sasha for taking part in the Event Grads Student Showcase!
Follow Sasha's journey here:
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The Student Showcase aims to highlight the incredible talents, resilience, and expertise of event management students.
If you would like to contribute to the Event Grads blog, get in touch! E-mail eventgrads@gmail.com with the subject "Student Showcase" for more information.
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