Beth Giles graduated with a BSc (Hons) in Business and Tourism from ARUL last year and has just started a new role as Senior Events Coordinator at the Royal Automobile Club.
During the course, she particularly enjoyed the course’s marketing and events modules and credits her lecturer for encouraging her to pursue a career in the events industry, “I really took inspiration from my events lecturer Philippa Vincent, who took me right the way through the process of working in events, from the basics all the way to understanding the planning process of large scale occasions.”
Throughout her studies, Beth decided to get a taster of the practical side of events by working jobs in hospitality; this was a first step on the career ladder and gave her essential skills that are needed to progress into a more prominent events role. After finishing her final exams, it wasn’t long before she secured a placement at one of London’s biggest entertainment venues, Alexandra Palace. Beth was recommended by Philippa to apply for the role, and she started the initial three-month placement in June 2018.
The placement involved assisting the Creative Learning Team with two main projects, BAFTA Big Schools Day and the Great Fete. The role involved a mixture of admin and practical tasks, including managing Detailed Booking Systems, liaising with performers, creating welcome packs, social media takeovers and working with volunteers. Beth explains that this range of responsibilities gave her an extensive introduction to the world of events: “It really appealed to me because it meant I was able to gain first-hand experience in the sector, work within a professional environment for the first time since starting university, and also develop my confidence in meeting and interacting with people.”
Following seven months at Alexandra Palace, Beth had the practical experience needed to kick-start her career in the events industry and felt ready to apply for a more esteemed role. She discovered a senior events role was available at the Royal Automobile Club, an established private members’ club in Pall Mall; she was immediately attracted to this as it would be a new challenge to plan and produce high-quality events for a specific group of people in a corporate environment.
Beth was offered the job and started her new role as a Senior Event Coordinator in April: “The variety of events means every day is a different day, which keeps me on my toes! I'm lucky enough to work in a passionate and creative team who work really hard and I'm able to continue to learn and grow in a wonderful organisation that is the Royal Automobile Club and ARUL provided the perfect preparation for this role.”