Virginia Perkins
BA(Hons) Hospitality Management, 2001
"The Title Hospitality Management never did this course justice, the opportunities are a lot greater than the perception I soon found out…
I was lucky enough to fall into a management role straight from University at the Business Design Centre, Islington, London – employed by Sodexho Prestige, who had the in-house catering contract. We managed numerous events, exhibitions, conferences and more glamorously….product launches. I had not envisaged a career with a catering company, but knew it was a great opportunity for my first job and could lead on to other ‘events’ roles in London, of which they are in abundance!
I chose the University of Brighton whilst on a gap year in Australia, going to a local - Northern City University seemed popular with my friends, but to me the sea air and lifestyle was calling! Not only was the Service Sector department professionally ran and managed, but we we’re in a friendly, relaxed yet exciting town only a stones throw from Brighton.
BA (Hons) Hospitality Management gave me the basic skills and confidence for business with the emphasis on the Hospitality Industry, however the core subjects and strengths I have continued to use and evolve in numerous roles are predominantly marketing, accounting, IT and almost certainly my presentation and interactive skills – all part of being a University student!
My career changed slightly, working for a party catering and event company – based in the city with a prestigious client base and more varied event type. This gave me the appreciation for ‘on-site’ events having to be articulate with the planning. My career path was soon to become a lot more prestigious and open up a part of the hospitality industry combined the excitement of the sporting industry where I could combine both my degree qualification and previous experience.
Working for Marylebone Cricket Club at Lord’s Cricket Ground – firstly working as the Corporate Hospitality Manager, whereby I co-ordinated the entire private match day hospitality from the corporate boxes, sponsorship arrangements to members hospitality – it was hard work, but good fun! Later moved back into events at Lord’s co-ordinating all non-cricket events, and finally pro-actively selling and marketing the ground to prospective corporate clients and agents and account managing key clients on behalf of Meetings & Events at Lord’s Cricket Ground.
I can honestly say, now I’m in a similar role in Australia – my University friends and experience in Eastbourne was amazing and would fully recommend both university and degree to people who love working with other people in fun and challenging environments. The opportunities are so vast within Hospitality and Business industries – Good Luck!"
