BSc (Hons) Geography & Heritage Management
Having studied Geography & Heritage Management at the University, I am now working as the Assistant Visitor Services Manager at Dyrham Park in Gloucestershire, which is a handsome Baroque National Trust country house built in the 17th Century. I help to manage a team of 7 visitor reception assistants, motivating them to hit recruitment targets and to provide excellent customer care when welcoming visitors to Dyrham Park. I support my manager in the area of marketing and communications, assist in organising and promoting the events programme and in developing the venue as a wedding location.
I chose the University of Gloucestershire as I knew people who had been there and it wasn’t too far from home. I enjoyed being in Cheltenham – it’s a very pleasant town with lots of amenities and good transport links. I also found the facilities and equipment at the university to be great.
The field trips during my course were brilliant, particularly the geography trip to Barcelona. Living in halls of residence close to the campuses was great fun and I formed friendships that are still strong today. The University Balls were also great fun.
When I look back, I realise how my course taught me to be self-motivated, to work hard and to take responsibility. It also gave me good time management skills and the ability to work to deadlines. My advice to current students who are planning their careers is to volunteer. If you have never done any form of work experience, then volunteering is a great way to see if an organisation appeals to you and to help you get your foot in the door. Volunteering is always highly regarded and shows that you are committed to the organization and have a genuine interest.