Event student secures place on prestigious graduate programme

International Event Management BA(Hons) student Anastasia Murphy has secured a place on the prestigious Volkswagen Graduate Programme.

Anastasia, who is in the final year of her degree, was one of just 12 people offered a place from 1,600 applications. The programme starts this September and runs for two years – at the end Anastasia has the security of a guaranteed job or the option to go on a Volkswagen international placement.

We caught up with Anastasia to find out why she applied for the programme and her time at the University of Brighton:

“I completed a placement year as part of my course and for the second half I was with an events agency working at motor-sport events. I absolutely loved it so I knew I wanted to stay in the automotive industry, but as I also have marketing experience as well as events I wanted to keep my options open choosing which route to go down. The Volkswagen Graduate Programme just seemed perfect and I really like the idea of an international placement at the end.

“The programme has fantastic benefits and I’ll have a personal mentor to help with my career progression – plus a brand new car every 6 months! During the two year programme I’ll be on two six-month placements and one 12-month placement within the Volkswagen group. There are five brands under its name in the UK office, so I could be placed in any of the brands; the roles I’ll be given will be real jobs with real responsibilities.

“I am still waiting to hear about my first role but it will be tailored to my skills. I could be doing anything from digital marketing for VW to events management for Audi, at events like Goodwood Festival of Speed, or in the planning team assisting with car launches. It’s a full time Monday to Friday job based in their Head Office in Milton Keynes.

“My course at the University of Brighton really helped me to secure my place on the programme. The modules cover such a broad depth of information that is essential for your future career path in events. From event operations to marketing to event design to accounting to managing people – I have honestly gained so much knowledge that is genuinely useful for my career. In the Event Design module, we learnt about the ‘experience economy’ and design principles. I used this information in a presentation I had to do as part of my interview for VW and I believe my presentation is why I stood out.

“If you want to have a career in events management, the University of Brighton is the place to be. There are so many events to get involved with, plus quick and easy transport links to London. The university are always emailing us with opportunities to get involved in a wide range of events, from the Brighton Marathon to fashion shows.

“The course has lots of practical elements that really help you put the theories and knowledge you’ve learnt into practice. You’re given the opportunity to organise and manage a variety of events with real budgets. The modules all provide a mix of lectures, seminars and workshops so you’re not just sat listening to someone talk all the time!

“The university strongly recommends a placement year and help you to not only find and arrange it but also support you throughout its duration. I completed two placements and both of them came from the university’s advertising. I personally couldn’t recommend going on a placement more.

“Being based between Brighton and London, where the majority of events are held, with endless options of events to get involved with and with a 12-month professional placement under your belt before you even graduate, will make you so much more employable! Plus you’ll study by the beach – and who doesn’t love the beach!