Benefiting from the University’s industry connections, Emma spent her third year working on placement for White Lodging at a JW Marriott hotel in Indianapolis, USA. This internship provided Emma with the professional experience required to start her career.
After graduation, Emma decided to take a job opportunity back in Indianapolis at the largest convention hotel at the time, which boasted 1,004 bedrooms across 34 floors and over 9,500 square feet of event space. As Front Desk Supervisor at the new JW Marriott property, her job role was critical to the smooth running of the hotel, ensuring excellent customer service satisfaction scores.
Emma eventually moved back to the UK and returned to University to complete a part-time masters in International Hospitality and Events Management. Whilst studying, she worked full-time as a Wedding Coordinator at luxury hotel, Rudding Park. Emma then became a Conference and Events Officer at Leeds Metropolitan University working on external events. This strengthened her events knowledge within the public sector. Remaining in this field of work, Emma changed to her current role of Conference and Events Executive for Cloth Hall Court conference centre owned by the University of Leeds.
Reflecting on her UCLan experience, Emma thoroughly enjoyed it and said:
"I loved every moment of UCLan. The University really does have some fantastic opportunities when you get involved, from the range of modules to the brilliant faculty, the nightlife and the job and travel possibilities."