Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Creative Event Design student praises ‘amazing’ lecturers at Graduation
Leeds Beckett University’s first Graduation ceremony of the year celebrates students from the School of Events, Tourism and Hospitality Management. Miranda Markham studied Creative Event Design and is planning to build a career in music events.
Looking back on her university experience, Miranda explains that two of her lecturers had a strong impact on her: “Dr Jonathan Moss and Michelle Lanham made my time at university so much better. Having them teach us has been my favourite thing about Leeds Beckett.”
“Jonathan was so supportive and approachable and Michelle sparked my whole class to creativity and imagination. She took us on field trips and events, which gave us the experience and insight we needed for the future.”
Already working full time as a marketing executive, Miranda is also freelancing on the side, working to build her dream career in events. She has been proactive and confident in working her way up, pitching to clients, and delivering high-standard work across a range of events in Leeds and Manchester, including Parklife Festival and Chowdown.
Miranda said: “Those events were an opportunity to meet high-profile clients. The more I’m doing, the more I get invited into event manager roles in the music scene. I learned so much on the spot and climbed my way up.”
Her lecturers’ advice played an important role in Miranda’s development. Dr Jonathan Moss, according to Miranda, stood out through his openness and honesty. “He told us that we’re allowed to lose motivation. He was honest with us and he reassured us that our work is all about creativity and even if we lose motivation, it will always come back.”
Michelle Lanham helped especially when her students were struggling with uncertainty about their course and industry of choice. “I cannot explain into words how amazing she is. She is one of the most creative people I know. When I had doubts about working in this field, asking myself if I really want to do this, Michelle showed me that I do. She helped us through a pitch for one of our modules, it was the most nervous I’ve ever been. But I really wanted to impress her because of how much she’d done for us. It was the most rewarding experience,” Miranda said.
Her advice for current and prospective students interested in a career in events is simple: never miss an opportunity and actively look for work experience. Your career depends on how much space you make for yourself in the industry.
The Events, Tourism and Hospitality Management subject group at Leeds Beckett University offers world-leading expertise and opportunities for future leaders of events, tourism and hospitality industries. Based in the thriving city of Leeds, the courses work with external industry partners to encourage practical work experience for students, which supports and develops their learning.