Initiative reaps rewards

When UCLan Event Management graduate, Rachel Coleridge-Smith, returned to UCLan to give a guest lecture to the second year International Corporate Hospitality and Business Events class, current student Alice Cavassa was inspired by what she had to say and was quick to take up Rachel's invitation to contact her via LinkedIn.

Rachel graduated in 2011 and upon graduation began working as Business Development Manager for Super-Click International, a Preston-based flooring company. She later became Marketing and Events Manager, travelling the world to trade exhibitions and has recently become Director of the newly-launched Piccolo Group who specialise in sourcing unique and innovative flooring systems from around the world.

Six months after her guest lecture, when Rachel was looking for someone to work with her, she turned to UCLan for help. Remembering Alice's previous contact, Rachel asked whether she would be interested in gaining some work experience.

Alice accepted the offer and is enjoying every minute. In early January she will travel to Hanover in Germany to work on Piccolo's exhibition stand at the World Trade Fair for carpets and floor coverings.

Rachel said: "Alice deserves this opportunity for having had the gumption to make contact via LinkedIn."