BU Business School
Celebrating our global graduate community
Name: Marta Mengoni
Course studied: MSc Events Management
Nationality: Italian
Current position: Events Assistant at NHS Dorset CCG
Why did you choose to study at BU? Many of my best childhood and teenage memories are of my parents accompanying me to big events such as concerts, musicals, fairs and sporting competitions. I’ve always been a people person, sporty and creative, but I never really knew what I wanted to do with my life. I had often asked myself “what I am good at?” but I realised I should have asked myself “what makes me happy?” I like seeing people reunited to celebrate what they love, care about, or believe in. This is what brings me joy. I’m passionate about creating memorable experiences and I realised this is what I wanted to do! Although I very much enjoyed studying for my bachelors’ degree and writing my dissertation about the most important steps to follow when creating events, I felt like I wanted to know more about this subject. I quickly realised that the country where I grew up didn’t offer what I was looking for, but after some research I decided the UK was the best place to continue my studies. I applied to various universities, but I had always hoped to be accepted at Bournemouth University (BU) to study events management. I liked the way the course was presented, and it seemed like all the most important units were included. Talbot Campus seemed a great place to study (and I can now confirm that) and BU was offering many opportunities to make my student experience better than any other. I’m so glad I had chosen them and that they chose me - it’s for sure one of the best decisions I’ve made in my life so far.
What did you gain from your student experience? I can honestly say my year at BU was the best study experience I had in my life. I’ve gained valuable knowledge in events planning, budgeting and sustainability. I’ve learnt how to create a project step-by-step and together with my team, I also put it into practice, giving life to our own event! Thanks to my professors I attended the International Confex in London, one of the world largest and most important exhibitions for event professionals. Furthermore, if you want to know everything about risk reduction, response and recovery strategies during events, the crisis and disaster management optional unit is the one for you! During this unit, we had the opportunity to visit the Virgin Atlantic Training Base and learn more about crisis management. I also had plenty of choices for extra curricula activities, from sports to learning new languages. I personally decided to enrol in the Global Talent Programme, a set of activities developed with employers to help students discover and demonstrate their potential to work in a global way. Throughout the year I received support from all my professors and BU staff. I met great people, learnt about different cultures and I’m lucky to be able to say that, thanks to BU, I now have friends from all over the world.
What advice do you have for other international students coming to study at BU? I know that leaving home, family and friends can sometimes be scary, but you shouldn’t feel scared. You will have plenty of support from BU staff, professors, and volunteers. Studying abroad might be one of the best presents you receive or that you can gift yourself, and BU is a great place where to begin your experience. I’m sure you will have plenty of fun and you will make great friendships while working towards your goals. Furthermore, is there a better place to visit than Bournemouth beach after studying? Bournemouth is an amazing place to live and like me and many other BU alumni, you might find yourself not wanting to leave!