Tourism students explore Britains Cold War Heritage through their Consultancy Module

We recently wrapped up a particularly intriguing project for our Consultancy Module where we, a group of three students from the International Tourism Management course, dived into the depths of Britain’s Cold War history. We were offered the UK Cold War Network consultancy project, an opportunity that allowed us to explore ways to enhance awareness and foster research connecting curators, researchers, and owners of Cold War sites across the UK.

Our journey began with an event in Cambridgeshire in October 2023, where we immersed ourselves in the history and networked with individuals passionate about this era. This first-hand experience was not only enlightening but also gave us a solid foundation to start our project. We collected data through surveys, analysed various Cold War sites, and engaged with attendees through interviews and focus groups at another event in Yorkshire.

The feedback we received after our interim presentation in December was invaluable. It helped us refine our approach and prepared us for the final submission due in May 2024. Throughout this project, we honed skills that are essential in the workplace, such as effective communication, detailed research, report writing, and project management.

One of the biggest takeaways from this experience was learning the importance of teamwork and collaboration. Working closely with peers, meeting deadlines, and handling feedback are all part of the consulting process. We also discovered how crucial it is to maintain a professional approach, despite the various pressures of final year studies.

For students stepping into their final year, our advice is simple: choose your team wisely, maintain regular communication, and balance your workload. This will not only help manage the stress that comes with final year challenges but also ensure that you can deliver a project you're proud of.

Reflecting on our project, it was not just a rigorous academic task but a fulfilling adventure into a pivotal part of history, enriched with networking opportunities and professional growth. For those about to embark on similar ventures, embrace these opportunities to learn and grow. The experience is demanding but incredibly rewarding. Good luck, and enjoy the journey as much as we did!