823_UCB_240x170_UG Prospectus 2021_AW_WEB

OUR STUDENTS

The connections I made while at university enabled me to make a lasting impression. If it wasn’t for those, I wouldn’t be where I am now.

Emma Rankin Birmingham City Council events officer Events Management BA (Hons)

From the London 2012 Olympic Games and the IAAF World Indoor Athletics Championships to Birmingham’s famous Frankfurt Christmas Market, Emma has worked on a string of iconic events – and it all started during her time at University College Birmingham. While studying, Emma spotted an opportunity to volunteer at the European Gymnastics Championships, giving her the chance to gain the practical experience required for one of her modules. British Gymnastics were so impressed with her work, she quickly secured a paid role supporting the team at the 2012 Olympics. “The connections I made while at university enabled me to make a lasting impression,” said Emma. “For anyone studying events management, it’s really important to get those experiences, make connections and good impressions – if it wasn’t for those, I wouldn’t be where I am now.” Her connections have kept on opening doors for Emma. Having helped organise conferences and trade exhibitions in support of Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, Emma was contacted with an opportunity to work on the 2018 World Indoor Athletics Championships in the city. Securing a job as an events officer for Birmingham City Council, she now plays a key role in managing some of Birmingham’s top annual events including Pride, St Patrick’s Festival and the city’s Frankfurt Christmas Market – one of the biggest Christmas markets in the world. And throughout her career journey, Emma has been guided by the training and experiences she gained at University College Birmingham. “It’s not until you study the industry that you realise how diverse it is,” she said. “There are things I learned that I use every day in my job when it comes to project management, planning and organisational structures. It gives you the theory that you need to support any work you do – I would definitely recommend it.”

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