Nina Gandy

Events Management BA (Hons) *

• Year of graduation: 2012
• Current job title: Corporate Partnerships Fundraiser Lead
• Current employer: Cynthia Spencer Hospice

I’ve loved working in hotels and sales since graduating with an Events Management BA (Hons) degree – I’ve met so many different people, travelled all over the country, and stayed in some really nice places. I also got to work on a three-month secondment project at a hotel in Windsor. I didn’t realise at the time, but I learnt so much from being involved in this project, which I’m still very grateful for. My current role as Corporate Partnerships Fundraiser Lead for Cynthia Spencer Hospice is very different. I still get to work with amazing local businesses and corporate clients, but the relationships I build are to support the charity, who in turn help those who are living with a life-limiting condition within our local hospice. The job is so rewarding and deep down I’d always wanted to work for a charity eventually.

I’ve always loved organising and I remember getting told in Year 6 at school that I was a great organiser! This went further at secondary school and sixth from, where I was organising the May Ball and being part of school committees. I remember I wasn’t sure about going to university, but my Mum said to look at courses where I could use a skill like this, and then I found it – BA Events Management at the University of Northampton and I didn’t look back! Apart from the great course, some of the things I will appreciate the most are the experiences and opportunities it’s given me and the opportunity to make lifelong friendships.

My advice to any students thinking of going to university is to take every opportunity – volunteer, talk to people and network – as it will all be beneficial in the long term.

*UON no longer offers Events Management BA (Hons), but you can study events management as part of the Hospitality Management BA (Hons) course.