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CASE STUDY: Phil Johnson

Where do you work? What is your position?

I am project co-ordinator for Merlin's Magic Wand, the group's charity aimed at delivering memorable

Stirling University in Scotland offers an MSc qualification in sports coaching

Degrees are often pre-requisites for in-house courses and are highly sought after

"PFI/PPP facilities, customer and client

requirements can be complex. Although not a necessity, academic qualifications of a high standard are extremely helpful."

Get yourself attracted

While not always the case, degrees are often pre-requisites for in-house courses across the leisure industry, and are highly sought after. Gayle Catt, graduate manager at Merlin Entertainments Group, said that the company received more than 700 applications in the UK alone for its next intake in September 2010. Globally, Merlin looks to take on up to 12 applicants. The group is one of the world's largest

attractions operators – it runs the London Eye, Sea Life Centres and Legoland to name

© Cybertrek 2010

but a few divisions of the group. While it's too late to sign up to the 2010 intake, Catt confirmed that pre-registration for the 2011 Merlin Graduate Programme will open in November and provides a two-year training scheme that provides six-month placements in roles across the business. "The ultimate aim of the programme is to

develop our managers of the future," says Catt. "In four-to-five years, these graduates will be part of the senior leadership team at an attraction, or perhaps even running their own attraction." With such a diverse portfolio of attractions

and the ability to specialise in the second- year of the scheme, Merlin provides a great opportunity for those looking to enter the attractions industry. And if you are successful

experiences and days out for children who are seriously ill, disabled or disadvantaged.

What University/higher education course did you take and where?

I studied BA(Hons) management studies at University of Leicester between 2005-2008

Did you enter the leisure industry directly from university or did you undertake a post-grad course or any other course?

After graduating, I spent three months with consultancy firm EC Harris on an internship then six months working for Alliance and Leicester in their mortgages department.

How did you find your first job?

I found the position at EC Harris by going direct to the company. I was made aware of Merlin's Graduate Scheme by one of the updates I received from Milkround.com.

Was it easy to find a job?

No. The thing I found most difficult was that, as a recent graduate, my work experi- ence was limited. Therefore most jobs I was applying for I was competing against people with more than five years work experience.

What would you do differently if given the opportunity?

I would have found some relevant experi- ence in the leisure industry during univer- sity breaks and prior to applying for jobs.

What are your future ambitions?

I would like to make the most of the oppor- tunities given to me by Merlin's Graduate Scheme. Longer term, I would like to work as a senior operations manager at a Midway attraction and progress to general manager within five years.

What advice would you have for students/ graduates looking to get into the industry?

I would advise anyone looking to get into the industry to research what seasonal work, during semester breaks, is avail- able as any relevant experience will prove invaluable. For example, phoning individual attractions to enquire about fixed term con- tracts during busy periods. It is also about differentiating yourself from others with an undergraduate degree – emphasising any society work, responsibilities during season- al work etc – making yourself stand out.

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