Emilie is a second-year student on our Festival and Entertainment Management degree course, she took the opportunity to work for Ticketmaster and supported some of the UK’s biggest festivals and concerts. 

“My course leader introduced a great opportunity to me and my coursemates to work for Ticketmaster over the summer. My role involved working as a Box Office Assistant at festivals including Download, BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend, Camp Bestival and Manchester Pride. Ticketmaster covered the travel and accommodation costs which was a great benefit. This opportunity allowed me to meet so many amazing people.

“As a Box Office Assistant I dealt with ticketing enquiries, as well as working with other employees to solve general enquiries. I was a main point of call for attendees and provided quality customer service whilst working with others at the events, this helped me expand my professional network.

“I developed several skills whilst working at Ticketmaster. Firstly, I became confident using their PCI system to sell and search for tickets. I have never been the most confident when using computers and other similar technology but over the summer, it became second nature to me. 

“My confidence grew as I spoke to more people at the event. Over the weekend, I interacted with a lot of attendees who had questions and needed directions to locations on-site. I was given opportunities to walk around the site and network with other teams. I interacted with the sound and lighting teams, disabled access team, and press team, this allowed me to have a greater understanding of how festivals are run. Everyone was welcoming and that is something that made my experience so positive.

“The course stood out to me as I've always had a great interest in working with others to plan a great festival. The modules are intriguing, and the course leader is welcoming and supports me throughout.”

“I have been supported in several ways during my time at university. I have accessed the disability support group and the well-being team. They have supported me with my mental health and helped me to organise my time and access assignment support.

“I recommend studying this course because of the unique work opportunities it provides. It opens so many more opportunities to gain relevant industry experience compared to working in the industry without any previous experience. The tutors share different work opportunities that are available to us too. 

“I would like to work in music festivals or live events, supporting, planning, and setting up event sites. I have a great interest in working in disability and welfare teams to assist attendees with additional needs. I am enthusiastic about gaining a wide range of experiences.”