Graduate special
“Get as much work
experience as possible – it’s not just about qualifications these days”
Marlena Wisniewska
Where and what did you study? I attended University of West London studying marketing. Where and what is your current role? I’m a first year graduate trainee manager at GLL What does your day-to-day role include? I am on the two-year graduate programme which involves under- taking different job roles. So far I worked as a sales advisor, recreation assistant and fitness instructor. My current placement is in HR department where I assist with recruitment. I feel that aſter my first six months I have learnt a lot. What attracted you to the leisure industry? I’ve always been actively involved in sport and promoting healthy lifestyle, therefore this is the industry for me. How well did your university course prepare you for a career in leisure?
charlie priestley
Where and what did you study? I graduated in 2008 from the University of Gloucestershire with a degree in sports education. Where and what is your current role? I am a project manager for 1610 leisure trust in Somerset, based at Hestercombe House near Taunton. What does your day-to-day role include? I have two roles. I develop and coordinate the apprentice- ship programme at 1610. I recruit, train and assess sports coach apprentices, I work with 4 apprentices and we are currently recruiting for more to work across the organisation. I also work with the Outdoor Adventure team at 1610, I am involved in delivering the programme of outdoor sports such as abseiling, climbing, cycling, etc. What attracted you to the leisure industry? Te diversity of the industry appealed to me and I enjoy working
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My university course prepared me more in terms of business side as I was studying marketing. How does working in the leisure industry compare to your expectations? So far I am nicely surprised. I get involved in a variety of different projects, depending on the placement. What are the best aspects of working in the leisure industry? It is a vigorous and energetic industry. I am happy to be a part of the team delivering a great experience and help to all customers. As a trainee manager with GLL I am also involved in the pre- Olympic events organised in Aquatic Centre and Olympic Arena which is an exciting experience. And the worst? I can’t think of any. What advice would you have for last-year students/ graduates looking to get into the industry? You should always stay positive and be ambitious. Te right posi- tion will come across.
with people and I also have a background in sports, so it seemed the obvious choice to go into the leisure industry. How easy was it to find a job? I was incredibly lucky as I graduated just before the recession really kicked in. I sent my CV in to the leisure trust and they invited me in straight away for an interview. Tey developed a role for me which played to my strengths and interests. 1610 is very forward thinking in that way and they look at the person and what qualities they can bring to the organisation. How well do you think your university course prepared you for a career in leisure? It was a great foundation for my knowledge in the sector but hav- ing a degree did not really prepare me for work and employment. It was a steep learning curve when I first started working in the role, and learnt so much through my mentor, training courses, and qualifications 1610 have put me on. Any advice for graduates looking to get into the industry? Get as much work experience as possible, volunteering etc. It is not just about qualifications these days.
Read Leisure Opportunities online:
www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/digital Twitter: @leisureopps © CYBERTREK 2012
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