Interview with Isobel Roberts

by Christine Hollywood

Isobel Roberts is Events Manager at the Old Market in Hove. She is also studying the Foundation Degree in Hospitality and Events Management at City College Brighton & Hove.

Isobel has worked for the Old Market for five years. Originally she started as a member of the bar staff whilst working full-time for the DVLA. It was when the bar manager left and Isobel was offered the job that she decided to completely change her career. Before this she had worked as a sales assistant in the car trade for ten years.

She became involved in hiring out the venue for parties and weddings. After a couple of years Isobel was promoted to Events Co-ordinator and then to her present post. Aware that she had no formal training, she began to look round for part-time vocational courses that would give her a knowledge of the industry and would also benefit clients, her employers and herself.

She found the Hospitality and Events Management foundation degree at City College and thought “Bingo! I’d hit the jackpot! This was just what I needed,” she says. She began in 2006 and her employer agreed to let her take time off to complete her studies over two years. She finishes in June.

Isobel says, “The course covers everything about Hospitality & Events Management, gives you hands on experience with a work placement and organises group events. Doing a full-time degree and working full-time has been a bit tricky and can be demanding – but very rewarding. The flexibility of this course has been fantastic. It has allowed me to continue at a pace that suits me.”

Next, Isobel plans to complete a BA degree with the University of Brighton, again combining study with the job she enjoys so much. She also finds time for live music concerts and “the occasional festival, socialising with friends (including those I‘ve met on the course), travel and long weekend breaks in Europe.”

The Old Market

http://www.theoldmarket.co.uk

For a wealth of information about finding the right learning opportunity for you:

http://www.sussexlearningnetwork.org.uk/learning

For information about studying Foundation degrees whilst working:

http://www.sussexlearningnetwork.org.uk/learning-opportunities/ask-an-expert/239