Sports Management & Leadership, 2009
What made you select the University of Southampton?
Being from Devon, I wanted to be somewhere far enough from home but easy enough to get back. The University of Southampton had the exact course I was interested in (Sports Management) as it combined my passion for sport with business and marketing.
Did you have any anxieties about going to University?
Like most people, university was the first time I left home so there was naturally some trepidation but after settling in to my halls (Jellicoe), meeting new neighbours and course mates, that all soon disappeared.
What was Southampton like as a place to study?
I really enjoyed my time in Southampton. The content of the course was interesting and engaging, helping me to identify the exact career I wanted to enter upon graduating. I started working in London the day after I graduated and felt ready to utilise the skills and knowledge that I learnt at university.
What did you enjoy about the course?
I enjoyed the varied elements where I studied both traditional management and business strands, as well as those focused on sport and its role within society, as well as a combination of the two.
How did your studies and experience at Southampton shape your future?
My studies at university provided me with a wealth of skills from researching to team work, as well as the specific academic content, all of which shaped my current working and management style that I utilise today.
What interesting roles did you have over your career?
I now head up the Technology & Innovation team at PHA Media, a leading, top 20 PR agency in Soho, London, working with some of the most exciting brands in the world. Upon graduating, I worked in sport PR, very linked to my degree, but within time, I identified technology as a burgeoning industry and one where I could add significant value to my company.
When you graduated what was your ambition and do you feel you’ve achieved it?
My ambition was to leave university and work in sport marketing in London, which I achieved immediately after. I gained experience and rose up the ranks at PHA Media to where I am today.
What are you most proud of?
I have worked with some incredible companies; being part of and leading team’s that have generated coverage which has directly linked to tangible, global success. This is something that we strive for every day. My work in the PR industry saw me recognised with two awards this year; being named Young Professional of the Year by PR Moment and part of PR Week’s top 30 Under 30.
What advice would you give to a student starting their degree at Southampton?
To enjoy it. When you’re at university, you don’t really think about it being an incredible opportunity, only when you look back.
If you had your time at University again is there anything you’d do differently?
I don’t think there’s anything I’d do differently. I had an amazing time, met many of my closest friends and enjoyed my entire three years, which set my up to work in and be successful in my chosen field.