Erin Gilroy —
BA (Hons) Events Management
About you
“I am a final year Events Management
student from Cupar in Fife.”
Why did you choose to study Events
Management and why QMU?
“I was inspired to be an events manager
by a family friend who is a talent booker
and I wanted to do all the cool and
interesting things he got to do.”
Have your benefited from any
scholarships or awards at QMU?
“The highlight of my time at QMU for me
was being awarded the Apex Hotels ‘Dr
Norman Springford Scholarship’ and
getting the chance to do an internship
with Apex Hotels, where I’ve learnt a
number of new practical skills, including
more in-depth knowledge about the
hotel industry, presentation skills,
research and consultancy, as well a
practical application of computer
programmes.
“I went through an interview process
where eventually three students,
including myself, were chosen for a
£1,000 scholarship and an internship
where we would learn about all the
different departments in a hotel. During
this time we were to complete and
present a research project based on an
issue within the organisation. Out of the
three of us I was chosen to win a second
£3,000 scholarship based on my
research, presentation and performance
throughout the internship.
“I’ve been able to put into practice a
range of theoretical practices and
knowledge I learnt at QMU and transfer
them to a real life situation. The
scholarship will also be used to further
my events management education.”
Apex Hotels has partnered with QMU to
set up the Dr Norman Springford
Scholarship, which is named after the
hotel group’s founder. The Dr Norman
Springford Scholarship aims to create a
new generation of hospitality leaders
who can transform Scotland’s hospitality
industry so that it is a key player on the
world stage. The Dr Norman Springford
Scholarship gives students the
opportunity to get paid work experience
with Apex Hotels, including hands-on
experience across all areas of the
business. They also conduct a research
project which aims to find solutions to
internal organisational problems.
Erin has now received a total of £4,000
in scholarship funds from the Apex
Hotels and the Dr Norman Springford
Scholarship fund to help support her
postgraduate studies at QMU. There
may also be opportunities for Erin to
embark on a management
apprenticeship with Apex Hotels after
she graduates.
Why did you choose to study in
Edinburgh/Scotland?
“I love the city of Edinburgh and have a
lot of family here that I was both close
enough to and far enough away from for
me to be independent and still get
support when I needed it.
“I always like to look around me when
I’m walking over North Bridge and take
stock of the incredible city where I live
and study. I also love embracing the
Festival Fringe and soaking up the
atmosphere of it.”
What are your top tips for future
students?
“Go for it! There are so many transferable
skills in this course and it stretches you
to try totally new things, like law and
economics, which you’ll end up really
enjoying.
“Join a society or sports club at QMU.
Don’t be afraid to talk to new people and
try new things, and just enjoy it!”
What are your plans after
graduation?
“I’m hoping to maintain a positive
relationship with Apex Hotels and
become a part of their team.”
NB Erin was studying towards a BA
(Hons) Events Management. The title has
been updated for entry in 2019 onwards.
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