Even though many of our graduates will have progressed in their careers since completing a case study, they are still of interest to students who wish to gain an understanding of the world of work.

I manage the team which delivers a programme of corporate and special events at Imperial, including inaugural and special lectures, the President's Address, VIP aspects of Graduation, launches and building openings, anniversary celebrations, and all incoming VIP visits from Heads of State, Government Ministers, Royalty and foreign dignitaries.

No two days are alike. I'll be office-based for the strategising, planning and reporting elements of my job, but will often be out and about actually overseeing event delivery. We tend to have a lot of meetings in the HE sector!

My role is fast-paced and extremely varied. I could be organising a Royal visit one week and helping launch a new research centre the next. I get to work with a huge range of different people who are often internationally renowned experts in their disciplines. My job is stressful at times, but it is never, ever boring!

- Working within limited budgets.
- The HE sector is facing an unprecedented rate of change, so priorities are continually shifting and there is more uncertainty than ever before.
- Events work is by nature extremely deadline-driven and can be very stressful.
- If you are doing your job well and everything is seamless, people sometimes don't notice/remember to thank you!

- Events was a natural career choice for me as I really enjoyed the work I did as a student organising concerts and operatic productions.
- I was attracted to the HE sector as it gives the opportunity to work with people at the cutting edge of research.
- The HE sector delivers better security and benefits than most equivalent roles in the private sector.

- Negotiation and influencing skills.
- Organisational and managerial skills .
- Written and verbal communication skills - being able to write a convincing report or deliver a persuasive presentation is essential for gaining buy-in from colleagues.
- My musical expertise often comes in handy when organising events and was completely necessary for my first 'career' job as a concert coordinator.

- I regularly undertake professional development courses offered by my institution
- I have attended training workshops provided by related external bodies such as the National Co-ordinating Centre for Public Engagement and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education

I have worked in events, more or less continuously since 2006. I started off in concert admin, but although music is my first love, I actually prefer working in a more generalist events role and keeping music up as a hobby (it was hard being the one to facilitate the music-making but not getting to actually go on stage!).

- I would like to stay within Events Management for the foreseeable future.
- I see myself staying in HE for the time being, but would consider moving to another sector if the right events-based role came up.

- Take any opportunity which comes up if it excites you, even if it is not part of the 'master plan'. You will discover talents and passions you never knew you had.
- Try and get work experience while you are still studying, even if it is voluntary (there is lots of voluntary work available in events, particularly within the arts).
- Consider working for your university - student helpers and ambassadors gain a wealth of experience in different fields, including events.
- I found working in hospitality while I was a student gave me a huge number of skills relevant to a career in events - an ability to multi-task and perform under pressure, excellent customer service skills, an eye for detail etc.