Our international graduate, Michelle O’Connor, had always been interested in the hospitality industry and was particularly fascinated by the organisation and management of large-scale events.
As an organised and project-orientated person, Michelle knew that the degree in Event Management was the right one for her.
Whilst studying, Michelle was involved in the Erasmus Student Network society, part of Europe’s largest student organisation that aims to help international students integrate into university. Michelle was President of the society in her second year where she gained new skills and experience of organising events with little or no budget.
"The course helped me grow in confidence through delivering presentations. All the experience I gained through course work and volunteering has helped me develop and learn new skills that I have been able to put to good use during my career."
— Michelle looking back on her time at UCLan
In her third year with us, Michelle worked on placement in her home country for Ireland’s Blue Book, a collection of boutique hotels, castles and restaurants around Ireland. This was a great opportunity for her to gain valuable industry experience and helped to secure her first graduate job. Michelle said: “The year-long internship is a great way for you to get experience but also get your first foot into the industry. I have learnt that the industry is relatively small, networking can be very effective.”
After graduation, Michelle returned to Ireland and accepted her first graduate job as a Sales and Marketing Executive for Ireland’s largest hotel group, Dalata Hotel Group. Her role was based at one of the groups’ brands, Clayton Hotel Leopardstown. A year later, Michelle moved to London to work in her current position as Sales and Marketing Executive at Clayton Hotel Chiswick. Her role consists of managing a number of local and international corporate accounts, market research to identify potential new clients and managing social media accounts and campaign promotions.