At beam’s all members meeting, held on 30 April at Mercure Manchester Piccadilly Hotel, a panel of final year students from Manchester Metropolitan University urged the industry to open its doors wider.
The panel, moderated by beam board member Caroline Medcalf, featured senior lecturer Jonathan Sibley and students – Lucy Hucklebridge-Key, Rummanah Promi, Claire Pisira and Rachel Wheeler.
Speaking to a room of more than 100 industry professionals, the students offered a bold and honest insight into what the next generation wants from the workplace, explaining that they are more interested in the opportunities to learn, grow and contribute, rather than the potential employer’s brand.
Wheeler shared that her biggest fear about entering the industry is being ‘thrown in at the deep end without support’ and hopes to find a workplace where she can take responsibility while still having someone to turn to with everyday questions.
Hucklebridge-Key added that she worries about slowing others down by needing training, when she and many graduates are ready to hit the ground running if given the right guidance and space to learn. She also revealed that she hadn’t heard of the events industry until a family member mentioned it, underscoring the need to raise awareness and visibility among young people.
Another significant barrier raised was the lack of clarity around job titles and expectations, particularly at entry level, making it difficult for students to understand roles or map out a career path.
Mentorship emerged as another key theme, with formal schemes like Elevate and Fast Forward 15 praised, though it was informal, day-to-day mentoring that students felt made the greatest impact. Sibley said: “The degree gives them the foundation, but it’s employers who must take accountability for their development once they enter the workplace.”
Representation was another key topic, with Promi highlighting the lack of visible diversity as a barrier and Pisira, stressing the importance of role models for young people of colour in leadership roles.
The students expressed a strong desire for meaningful action on sustainability, having witnessed industry waste during placements and noting which businesses are stepping up.
Speaking after the session, beam chair Louisa Watson said: “To speak so clearly about their fears and ambitions in front of a room full of senior professionals was inspiring – and humbling. There was so much to take away from that session. We were also delighted to hear how networking, both on LinkedIn and in person, is being actively encouraged by the university to help these future professionals connect and grow.”
She added: “In terms of raising our industry’s profile, we all have a role to play. I’d encourage every organisation and individual to reach out to local schools and colleges and to join brilliant initiatives like The Power of Events Schools Programme to build awareness and open more doors to the future of our sector.”
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