Events Management student Alicia Rees recently completed a year-long industry placement with Above & Beyond Solutions as an Events Executive. Alicia shares her journey to securing the placement, key learnings and how the experience has shaped her career aspirations in the events industry.
How did you find your placement?
I found my placement through LinkedIn, where Above & Beyond Solutions was actively looking for enthusiastic event professionals to join their team. Above & Beyond Solutions is an events agency specialising in exhibitions, activations, and partnerships. I demonstrated my interest by submitting my CV and reaching out directly to the company founder to express my eagerness to work with them. Taking the initiative to message on LinkedIn helped me stand out, and soon after, I was invited to a phone interview. During the interview, I was able to show my passion and excitement to start my career in the events industry. I had researched the company extensively and was excited for the opportunity to join such a dynamic team.
What did a typical day on placement look like for you?
My day would usually begin with checking emails and addressing urgent tasks, followed by prioritising the day's activities. We’d have a morning team kickoff call to align on our weekly goals, workloads, and share any recent wins. My primary focus was on upcoming events, which involved regular communication with clients to provide updates, as well as collaborating with our 3D and graphic designers to finalise all visual elements. I also met regularly with the production team to ensure logistical details were on track for a smooth event. To keep energised, we’d take a 20 minute team walk at midday, which was so beneficial to refresh and maintain focus.
What did you learn from your placement?
My placement offered me a wide range of transferable and employability skills, including:
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Communication: At the start, my communication skills needed refining. By the end, I had developed clear, effective communication strategies with both clients and team members.
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Building Professional Relationships: I learned how to create strong, professional relationships with clients and colleagues, which enhanced my teamwork and networking abilities.
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Applying Knowledge: I effectively applied concepts from my coursework, such as adapting event planning strategies from the Purple Guide and using financial skills from my “Finance for managers” module to prepare project costing sheets.
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Task Management: As a perfectionist, I initially struggled with managing multiple tasks. Over time, I learned to balance my workload effectively, minimise self-doubt, and complete tasks efficiently.
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Self-Management and Development: By proactively seeking feedback and prioritising tasks, I improved my self-management skills, which helped me grow both personally and professionally.
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Timekeeping and Reliability: I maintained excellent attendance and adhered to work hours consistently, building trust and reliability within the team.
Events Management at BCU
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How did your course help you with your placement?
My course leader strongly encouraged professional placements, which helped me gain practical experience and refine my skill set. The “Building Your Brand” module was especially useful in teaching me how to develop a professional profile and apply for work experience. I applied skills from the “Principles of Marketing” module to manage the agency’s social media. My “Live Event Experience” module provided hands-on learning that directly applied to real-world event management, laying a solid foundation for my placement role.
Do you have any standout memories from your placement?
A standout memory was working on the LookFantastic event in Manchester. I was involved from concept through to delivery, and as someone passionate about beauty, haircare, and fragrance, this felt like a dream project. Collaborating with our client and design team to bring this event to life was challenging but incredibly rewarding. Seeing the final event come to fruition was surreal, as I felt a deep sense of pride in knowing that I played a role in its successful execution.
What are your career aspirations?
This placement has given me a clearer sense of direction, but I’m still exploring where I want to be within the events industry. I’m drawn to different areas, like experiential marketing and large-scale brand activations. I’m eager to continue building my skills in client relations, project management, and creative event design. Ultimately, I hope to find a role that allows me to grow creatively and strategically, and I’m open to discovering where my strengths and interests lead me within the field.
What made you apply for your course?
Before university, I was unsure of my career path but knew I wanted a role I’d be passionate about. Friends and family often told me I was a “natural planner,” as I’d always organise events for birthdays, holidays, and other gatherings. When I discovered the Event Management course, it immediately resonated with me. I chose to pursue a sandwich course to gain industry experience, and Birmingham City University offered that opportunity. As someone from a small town in Wales, studying in Birmingham has allowed me to broaden my horizons and begin my journey in the events industry.
Do you have any advice for someone starting a placement?
My advice for anyone starting a placement is to be proactive and open-minded. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, as every challenge is a learning opportunity. Build connections, seek feedback regularly, and stay organised. Most importantly, maintain a positive attitude - every experience, even the challenging ones, will add value to your professional journey.