It’s a really hands on experience, that’s what I wanted

Auguste Lukaseviciute is a student on the Events Management course. She started volunteering when she was 15 because she was really interested in sporting events, festivals, and conferences. Doing this made her realise that she wanted to pursue a career in event management.

“In my country, Lithuania, there is no such thing as event management, so I had to look at international courses available at different universities. A I looked at the UoG course and it mentioned that it’s a really hands on experience and that’s what I wanted.”

Working experience

“When I came here, my first concern was my financial situation and how I will live here in the UK. I started working as a waitress part time to get that extra money, which was really good experience. I worked in a restaurant and they were very flexible with my studies and assignments. Now I’m working as a consultant and I’m also creating my own events team.”

Course

“My course is really practical. For example, on my first year I had sessions to learn how to use Artefact, which is an events software, usually used by different events management companies and organisations. So when we go out to clients, we know how to use it for example when I worked with children at the Literature festival, I used Artefact. This was a really good opportunity to use my knowledge and also increase my network. The lecturers here used to work in the field, and they provide their knowledge and contacts to students.”

Last week the University organised a trip to the Cotswolds and everyone said that it was the best experience. We were visiting different places across the Cotswolds and speaking to professionals working in those spaces, learning about the destination marketing model. You’re not only learning about marketing, but you also actually go in there and talk to professionals. You can see what is already out there for destination marketing and how it is being promoted. And at the same time, you have fun with your friends.”

Student ambassador

“I became a student ambassador last year. I was giving tours to people who are coming to university. So, if prospective students are coming to university you help during interviews, you direct them, engage with them, answer their questions. It is fun to tell them all about the University. Having a part time job is not easy, but I think a student gets their own process on how to handle it. It’s not that stressful especially if you don’t do too many activities.”

Other opportunities

When I came to UoG I didn’t know anyone here, so I joined a sports club which was a huge group of people all together. It was nice to play games together, go to different events, engage with different societies.

Favourite places

I love travelling and I am from Lithuania, so I want to explore the UK. Wales is beautiful. It takes a little bit more time to go to beaches, but it’s definitely worth it. Snowdonia is a lovely area to go for an adventure with friends. Cheltenham is beautiful, with lots of hills and nature areas.

Advice

When I came here, I was really stressed that I wouldn’t be able to make friends as I didn’t know much about England’s culture. But there are so many international students here that you will definitely make connections with. It is nice to know people from all around the world, I have a friend from China, Nepal, Cambodia and Spain.

If I would give advice to future students, I would say – Don’t overthink that you won’t fit or that you won’t be as good as somebody. Just be confident, go out there and just try to make connections. Try making new friends and try different things