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Ashmole
sixth form

Anna - Durham University, History

Anna

 


Date attended Ashmole:   2007 - 2014

A Levels:   History, Geography and English Literature

University:  Durham University

Course:   BA (Hons) History


 

 

 

 

 

 

What are you doing now?

Since graduating in June 2017, I am now working for Principal Global Events, an industry leading event agency ranked within the top 20 in the UK.  We organise corporate conferences and incentives that range anywhere from 20 to 1200 people.

I have already assisted with events for some of our high profile clients including the Dell EMC Technologies’ Press Launch on Fifth Avenue in New York, large retailer SPAR in their annual conference in Telford - the glamour!  I never have two days the same in the office, my tasks vary from creating bespoke event proposals for clients, costing, extensive research ranging from hotels, flights, event props and anything else in between!

What did/do you get involved with at university?

At university I was part of the Student Community Action (SCA) and would help out weekly at nearby primary schools - it was a great way to get involved with the local community and have a break from my studies.  As Durham is a collegiate university, there were also always lots of events on at college which were great fun to attend with friends.

What did you find most valuable about your experiences at Ashmole Academy? What skills did it help you to develop?

I always found Ashmole to be a welcoming environment that stressed the importance of education, helping me to develop significantly at an academic level but also making great friends who I am still in touch with today.

Which Programme/s did you get involved in during 6th Form e.g. MedSoc, Oxbridge? other:

During Sixth Form I attended the Gifted and Talented sessions, which were really useful in expanding our horizons beyond our immediate studies.  We had regular mini-lectures from teachers and outside speakers from a range of professions.  As I was unsure about what I wanted to do post-education, it was definitely interesting to hear about paths I had not necessarily considered previously.

What top tips would you give to other students wishing to follow a similar career to yours?

To keep your options open! As someone who was always unsure of a long-term career plan, I would highly recommend that you do something that you enjoy.  This applies to the event industry, which thrives with people from totally different backgrounds allowing everyone to contribute something different from a slightly altered perspective.  In my office, the degrees range from Languages to Engineering to English Literature.

University is a great way to have a taste of the industry where I would recommend involvement in any organising committees for both small and large scale events, including team socials and events such as Summer Ball.

How did Ashmole help you reach your goals?

Throughout my time at Ashmole, there was always total support and encouragement from teachers to push me to achieve the best results possible.  Therefore, Ashmole helped me to reach my goal of a place at Durham University.  It was greatly reassuring to know that I could always go to the History or Geography departments with questions, whether it be during their lunchtimes or after school.