Three Sports graduates from the University of Worcester returned to give students the benefit of their experience.
Sean Walsh, Sian Pilkington and Chloe Brooks met with second year students on the same course they studied, Sport Business Management, to talk about navigating the job market and the different career paths, or further studies, available.
Student Harry Bermingham, 20, said: “It has made me think about a Master’s degree as an option. It was also good to see a range of careers because it shows you that it’s not just directly sport-related roles that you can go into because the theories we’re learning could be applied towards many jobs.”
Sean, who left the University in 2015, is currently a marketing manager for specialist sports insurance firm, SportsCover Direct, while 2017 graduate Sian is a sales executive and events coordinator for drinks brand, Thatchers Cider. Chloe has remained in academia after finishing her course last year and is doing a Master’s in International Sports Management at Worcester.
The graduates discussed their journey through their studies, the skills they developed, what has happened since graduation and what they needed to do to get to where they are now, such as work experience.
“I found it very useful,” said student Matt Williamson, 20. “One of the most reassuring things was many of them didn’t know where they were going, their direct career path, because I’m not too sure where I want to go at the minute. But also the fact that you can branch off into other aspects rather than just sports was useful. It has also made me realise the importance of things outside of my studies and adding to your CV.”
The graduates said they had enjoyed coming back to the University.
Chloe said: “I wanted to be able to provide knowledge from people that have been through the process and were where they are now.”
Sian said: “I was once where they are. For me it wasn’t the most obvious employment but I’m now about to start an events role within the company that I have wanted since I finished university. I have had to take a different route but the experience I have gained will really help me.”
Sean, said the degree had definitely proved useful in his current job. “The degree has helped me in my role,” he said. “It’s having the theoretical understanding of business and marketing. When I was learning some of it I didn’t think I would apply it in the real world, but I definitely do.”
Gill Renfree, Course Leader in Sport Business Management, said: “I was delighted that Sean, Sian and Chloe continue to support the course of Sport Business Management at the University of Worcester by coming in to speak to the 2nd year students. They all provided some really sound advice for the students moving forward through the rest of their studies but also for short, medium and long term goals for their careers and the world of work. Sean, Sian and Chloe demonstrated that it is possible to carve out job opportunities from voluntary experience, placement and networking while studying at university and that if you persevere and be patient, the right career will follow.”