How live event marketing helped build confidence and career skills
Arianwen gained hands-on experience in live event marketing with Depot Cardiff.
Meet Arianwen Thomas, a second-year Business Management and Marketing student at Cardiff University, who gained hands-on experience in live event marketing through a Student Futures Insight Opportunity with Depot Cardiff, a live music and events company.
Arianwen’s experience
Over eight weeks, Arianwen worked as a Social Media Assistant at ten major events at Cardiff Castle and Blackweir Fields. Her role involved creating engaging content for Depot’s summer concert series, featuring A-list artists such as Noah Kahan and The Script, and capturing the vibrant atmosphere of the crowds.
Arianwen’s confidence and communication skills grew significantly as she interviewed a wide range of people – from fans of all ages to celebrities.
She also developed her video recording and editing skills, learning how to tailor content for different platforms and audiences.
“It is really difficult for me to pick just one highlight from my experience, as I honestly loved every single moment. Every single moment was so incredible and unforgettable. If I did just have to choose one highlight, I would say it was most definitely being able to learn from and work one on one with Caitlin, who’s in charge of Depot’s social media content. Because I was the only social media assistant working with Depot, it felt like having a personal mentor who was full of great support and advice.”
Looking ahead
Arianwen’s goal is to work in live events marketing once she graduates and she recognises that social media marketing is a big part of that field. She understood that getting experience would be beneficial for her career aspirations and allow her to stand out from the crowd in job applications and interviews.
Arianwen encourages other students to apply for Student Futures opportunities, sharing that she secured three marketing placements despite having no prior experience in her first year of university. She found the application process straightforward, involving a CV and cover letter, and appreciated the regular updates from the Work Experience team.
Her advice to others?
Research the company beforehand and treat every interview as an opportunity to learn and practice. Regardless of whether you get the job or not, Arianwen notes that you will walk away with experience that will help you in your next interview.