Case Studies
Claire Boden, MSc Sociology of Sport
When I have completed my MSc in the Sociology of Sport at Loughborough University, I will be seeking a career in the sports media / PR industry. I was told that work experience in this career area is vital, so I decided to undertake some relevant voluntary work. During my undergraduate degree, I completed two spells in the press offices at major football clubs, and my experience of working with such prestigious teams enabled me to develop a sound grasp of sports media and PR.
My current role at a Championship club involves supervising and dealing with the media, and I am responsible for controlling the operations in the mix zone. In addition, I have had the opportunity to write extensively for the official match day magazine and to contribute to the official website with match reports. Overall, I already have over ten months relevant professional experience in media and PR offices at numerous professional football clubs in England, which should enhance my job applications after graduation.
My advice to other people looking for jobs in competitive areas is to get some work experience and to make some contacts in the industry.
Nichola Whitehead, BSc Sport and Exercise Science
Early on in my degree course I began pursuing my career aspiration to become a state registered dietician. I knew that I would need as much relevant experience as I could get to be considered for a place on a postgraduate course so I started planning early.
Last summer I worked as a lifestyles leader at a kids' weight management camp. This involved planning and delivering a variety of lifestyle education sessions to provide the children with the knowledge and skills to modify their behaviour and manage their weight within their home environment. I'm passionate about nutrition and helping these kids to live healthier lives so this was a fantastic opportunity for me to gain relevant work experience and enhance my skills. I found out about this work experience opportunity from my careers adviser during a careers interview. I also participated in the Careers Centre's work shadowing scheme with a dietetics manager in a community hospital and a primary care dietician.
I am delighted to have been offered a place on the Postgraduate Diploma in Dietetics at Leeds Metropolitan University where I will participate in a mixture of lectures and work placements. In the mean time I hope to gain some more career-related experience in a gym or the NHS.
My advice to other students is to go and have a chat with you careers adviser as early as possible, because there are lots of things you need to consider before you apply for your next course.
Emily Kortlang, BA (Hons) Sports Science & Social Sciences -Graduation 2004 and MSc Marketing & Management - Graduation 2005
Job Title: Marketing Manager, Company: Red Bull
Going to University, embarking on a journey of self discovery and finally graduating can give you a significant head start in the ‘big bad world'. However, with more and more young people obtaining university degrees it is becoming more and more important to attempt to differentiate yourself from the rest when applying for those ‘proper jobs'. Work experience can help students prepare for the world of work, make more informed career choices, act as the first step on that career ladder and be a substantial source of pocket money.
The Red Bull Student Programme offered me a valuable insight into marketing. As a Student Brand Manager I was responsible for developing and implementing marketing initiatives on campus. Each student has a high level of responsibility involving planning, managing and reporting all projects. I was involved in a range of activities including PR, creating awareness, idea generation and building relationships. The programme provided me with the opportunity to gain experience in all areas of business including sales, event management, entertainment marketing and consumer marketing, which has confirmed my decision to work in Marketing.
70 % of the Red Bull Marketing team were recruited through the Student Programme. As with many internships or placements offered by various companies, work experience can put you in an excellent position to apply for a graduate job with the company. The key is to build a network of relationships and a variety of practical skills that make you employable beyond the degree that you obtained. After completing 3 years as a Red Bull Student Brand Manger I have been offered a graduate position within Consumer Collection. It is important to have a degree but becoming more important to complement your degree with work experience.
Caroline Fenton, BSc Geography
Rocks, quarries, mud, wellies, barbed wire, hard hats and a pickaxe…what more could a girl want? During a day's work shadowing at the British Geological Survey, organised by the Careers Centre I spent most of my time out in the field. Accompanying a senior mapping geologist, I took photographs for a current project promoting geology to local primary school children. Number crunching, emails, phone calls and looking at data sources made up the rest of the day. All these tasks helped me gain an insight into the organisation and the occupation that far exceeded my expectations. The bemusement of the geologist as to why I wanted to find out all about his job added to the enjoyment – when he asked for my input on a project it was very much appreciated!
To get the most out of work shadowing, you need to be enthusiastic. If you show you are willing to learn they are more than willing to teach you. If you want to know something or see something just ask! The geologist was more than happy to help me find a particular book in the library that I was told would help my dissertation. I learned that sometimes the job is tedious and isolated, but is extremely diverse and involves working on projects with different kinds of geologists. Going out in the field was definitely the highlight of my day. My top tip would be don't think twice about applying! (for work shadowing).