Northumbria graduate lands dream role at live music venue

A Northumbria University student who is set to graduate this year has turned a part-time job into a management position at a popular live music venue in the heart of Newcastle.

Jamie Coles, who studied Tourism and Events Management BA at Northumbria, has recently been promoted to Reservations and Front of House Manager at NX and Altitude Newcastle, formerly known as the O2 Acadamy.

Jamie initially joined NX Newcastle working part-time alongside studying at Northumbria and has since progressed to a managerial role where he oversees the venue’s operations, administration, and creative aspects.

In addition to these duties, Jamie has been heavily involved in the design and creation of Altitude, an upcoming rooftop bar set to open at NX this summer. Once launched, Jamie will be responsible for managing all bookings & reservations, room hire and providing general on-site assistance during operational hours.

Since NX took over the venue last September, Jamie has been part of the team who have welcomed a wide range of well-known artists including Joel Corry, Digga D, Gorgon City and James Bay. 

Jamie is now set to graduate from the Tourism and Events Management course this summer. During his time on the course, Jamie studied several modules which have helped him to develop essential practical and creative skills that he has transferred to the workplace.

Jamie says: “Choosing to pursue a career in the events industry is the best decision I ever made. Arriving from a performing arts background, I always knew that I wanted to have some sort of involvement in the music and dance industry. When the job offer came up for NX Newcastle, it was an opportunity I couldn’t afford to miss.

“The diversity of the Tourism and Events Management course has helped to elevate my creativity, determination, and drive. The practical side of it has been great too and getting the opportunity to plan and organise a student event for a local bar in Newcastle was a great highlight of the course.

“I’ve absolutely loved studying in Newcastle since arriving from my hometown in Scarborough. The Tourism and Events Management course aligns perfectly with the city’s values and it couldn’t be a better place to gain experience within the events industry as you have everything on your doorstep.”

Sharon Wilson, Associate Professor at Northumbria University, says: “We’re all so proud of Jamie for getting this fantastic role at NX Newcastle. It really does demonstrate what you can achieve and the opportunities which can stem from studying this course. It’s so exciting to be able to run the Tourism and Events Management course in a vibrant city that is brimming with opportunities and events and I think that’s what sells the course to a lot of our students.”

Northumbria University is ranked top 10 in the UK for Hospitality, Leisure, Recreation and Tourism.

Please visit the BA (Hons) Tourism and Events Management course for more information.