Alumni

Julia Elder

Career Path: Event Manager at Events of the North
Location: United Kingdom

I was fortunate enough to graduate with a job offer secured in my dream sector of sport event management. After completing a placement in my second year, I joined EOTN as an Event Assistant and soon discovered that operational management and logistics were what really interested me within the event world and were where my skills lay. The company supported and exposed me to opportunities to succeed within this area and I was able to work my way up to now managing that side of the business. This includes the planning and delivery of over 5 mass participation running and cycling events across the UK. I have also been able to work on projects overseas in Monaco with the company.

What are you doing now?

Working as Event Manager at Events of the North, heading up the logistics and operations team.

What was it about Northumbria that made you decide to study here?

The opportunity to undertake a placement as well as competing in high level sport alongside my studies.

What was it like studying at Northumbria?

Despite most of my degree taking place during Covid, the structure of the course meant I stayed engaged during this time. This was due to the mix of team projects, lectures, seminars and opportunities for feedback. The staff also seem to really want the students to succeed and were always there to offer advice and support.

How connected was your course with industry?

Very. I was able to undertake a 12 week placement as well as there being multiple guest lectures. This allowed me to gain valuable experience and connections within the field of work I wanted to pursue.

If you took on a placement during your course how did you feel this helped you in your career/ with your studies?

It was very helpful, it landed me my job! I found gaining real experience within a business allowed me to develop transferrable skills to benefit my studies as well as my future career. It also really helped me to decide what I specifically wanted to do as a career.

What was the best thing about your course?

The practical opportunities through the placement modules as well as the event module.

How did studying at Northumbria help you achieve your career goals/ give your career an edge?

The course enabled me to develop skills and make contacts to become established within the events industry. My tutor was also very helpful with advice to benefit my studies as well as my career.