The Spring is on its way...

Sarah
Since my last blog update I've been working on several goals to attain my dream career of working in events and PR, in particular for the third sector.Sixth month into my internship, I've had some amazing opportunities to help out with events including; organising an International Wave alumni reception in Hong Kong, assisting Joe with the bingo calling at the No Mince Pies event for the community, and helping out at the Not the New Year Party for the Brookes Society for Retired Staff. 

Aside from this, as an intern I've been completing group training with City and Guilds for Principles of Marketing short course and working on promoting and gathering information for the Yearbook. In the next few months I will also be working on the 2015 MBA Summer School and Gala Dinner, and organising an event for Accounting, Finance and Economics at the Harris Manchester College, Oxford. So at this point, there's still six months to go and lots to look forward to in the department.

Oh, and meanwhile, here's a selfie of Grace and I in our Christmas jumpers for Save The Children's #xmasjumperday at Brookes back in December.

Grace

Since my last post I have been working hard to obtain my Principles of Marketing short course with City and Guilds. I have loved group training with all of the interns every Thursday as we completed this eight week course, and am happy to have passed! This photo was taken on our last day where we all look as good as gold.

I’ve continued to organise numerous events, including an alumni dinner in the beautiful Headington Hill Hall. I’ve loved organising an event to thank alumni for their support of a specific academic department, and am sure it will be a great event celebrating all that alumni and the University have achieved!

I’m happy to say that I have recently been offered a new position with an Oxford-based charity and have accepted the job - sadly this means I will be leaving my current role and the alumni team at the end of March. I have really enjoyed the work I have been doing and the team have been so supportive which I have really valued. Although I’m sad to go, I’m excited for what’s ahead and I’m sure I will stay in touch with Brookes.

Joe

Although we are only two months into the 150th Anniversary year, it has already been packed full of events.  I’ve also enjoyed leading tours for alumni of the new campus developments in Headington, particularly the John Henry Brookes Building.

Last week we all helped at a Brookes Society event in the JHBB, getting the chance to meet a number of the university’s retired staff.  This was followed by a brilliant lecture by Sir Clive Booth, Brookes’ first Vice Chancellor to be appointed after Oxford Polytechnic became Oxford Brookes University in 1992.  This led to much reminiscing at the reception afterwards, and it was fascinating speaking to guests who worked at the university during that landmark period in its history.

Within the Faculty, I continue to plan a number of events, from reunions and alumni receptions, to networking evenings and guest lectures.  In addition, all three of us have begun delivering presentations to final year students, advertising the benefits of joining the alumni network after they leave in the summer.

We have also recently completed our eight week Principles of Marketing short course, and I was delighted to hear this morning that I have passed!  This will be an incredibly valuable addition to my CV and will add to the vast array of training we continue to receive as part of our internship.

We were sad to hear recently that Grace will be leaving us at the end of the month, as the next exciting stage of her career awaits.  I’d like to wish her the very best in her new role.  The office won’t be the same without her cheeky smile and eagerness to answer the phone…!