Drawn to QMU’s welcoming atmosphere and supportive environment, Ava Dillon knew she had found the perfect fit during her Open Day visit. She was also eager to pursue a hospitality and events course that combined practical experience with academic growth. In this Student Story, Ava shares how she has made the most of the opportunities at QMU, including securing funding that enabled her to embark on an exciting internship in Cape Cod, Massachusetts!
Why did you choose to study at Queen Margaret University?
I chose to study here because, during the Open Day I attended, I felt that the uni matched my personality. I was excited not only about the course but also about the university atmosphere that is generated throughout the experience of being a student here.
What interested you about your chosen course?
I wanted to enroll in a course that offered experience and knowledge of the hospitality and events industry. During my time in the last few years, the University has opened me up to new experiences and a vast amount of academic and personal knowledge and development.
What attracted you to study in Edinburgh?
I was always attracted to studying in Edinburgh as I have always loved visiting the city. The campus at QMU was also a reason for wanting to come here, as it is close to the city but without all the chaos of the city centre.
Did you attend an Open Day/Offer Holder Day? If so, what was your experience like?
I did attend the Open Day at the beginning of the year that I joined QMU, and I really enjoyed my experience. Everyone that I met during my time was very welcoming and polite. They were willing to answer any questions that I had about the University and the course itself.
I enjoyed it when there was a discussion specifically about the course and talking about the opportunities and the support that is offered within QMU. This was something that I was excited about and it informed my final decision.
What have you most enjoyed about your course? What has been the highlight?
I have enjoyed meeting a variety of different people from different cultures, as this offers interesting discussions and gaining other cultural perceptions on topics.
"A highlight from my time at QMU so far has to be my second-year internship in America. Working and meeting fascinating people helped me develop so many skills in the industry and interpersonal skills."
Have you participated in a course activity you found especially interesting?
Since my first year at QMU I have had the pleasure of taking the role of Class Rep, this role has enabled my communication skills to develop with classmates to lecturers. I have enjoyed this position as it is good to retrieve advice and suggestions from lecturers and fellow students on situations. I enjoy being a student voice and representing my cohort.
How have your lecturers supported your learning?
I have also enjoyed the support from my lecturers, as the content within each module offers in-depth insight into the industry, and developing my knowledge to help with future experiences is very interesting. Putting academic concepts and applying them to real life is making my experiences increasingly positive and beneficial. In general, my lecturers have made the experience easier and are always willing to help and support me when needed.
Have you ever taken part in a placement as part of your course and if so, what was your experience?
During my second year at QMU, as part of one of my modules, I had to complete a 20-week internship. My dream was always to go somewhere abroad and gain experience in a destination that I had never been to before.
When looking at options it was hard as internships are hard to find. Luckily, the University had a connection with an American-based agency. We were able to be given a presentation and more information in regard to a company called BSG Interns. The process started after I submitted my Resume, and interviews began.
I had two interviews, before my final interview with a specific country club. When I got the news that the country club was offering me the internship, I began the process of applying for a visa and booking plane tickets to Boston.
I spent those summer months working in a country club in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. It was a brand-new experience for me; it was both my first time going to America and working within this industry. The entire experience was amazing and opened my eyes to many different skills and I was able to work in various departments throughout the company and build my confidence.
My role within the club was to work as a server in different outlets serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This experience enabled me to develop my communication and service skills and work with a team. I was able to overcome challenges and use that experience to help me with future obstacles. As part of my job as a server we had to become familiar with a brand-new menu every week. This was a challenge but taking the time to go through all the dishes each week made it easier to remember.
I also had the opportunity to work with the club's Events Department. During this time, I learned a lot about event planning; these skills included speaking to clients and businesses, purchasing external products and more. This also allowed me to be a part of events such as weddings and other events at the club.
I enjoyed my time within the Events Department as it enabled me to develop my office skills, like using Excel, communicating with various clients, managing billing for events and processing payments.
The weeks were long, as I was working a lot of hours, but I would have to say that self-motivation and being within a motivating team made the weeks easier, and making the member's evenings memorable was also a big accomplishment.
Do you have any advice for students who might be interested in applying for this course?
Advice that I would give to other students is to be enthusiastic and use the experience that you have within the industry as assistance in your learning. The main common factor of this course and across other industries - not simply hospitality and tourism – is communicative skills. This experience helps a lot within this course, as is something that is seen across all industries.
What QMU student services have you used to support you through your university journey and how have they helped you?
Something I struggled with was academic writing, especially at the university level. The support from the Effective Learning Service (ELS) helped me considerably. They were able to help and guide me through the correct standards of academic writing and were always willing to make time and try and fit within my schedule. This experience helped me become more efficient in my writing, and I keep developing in my academic assignments to the highest standards.
I am also constantly guiding other coursemates to attend the sessions offered as well as emailing the ELS team, as their e-mail response are fast and efficient and definitely worth it.
Are you a member of any clubs or societies at QMU? If so, what was the reason you joined and what do you enjoy most about it?
In my first year, I joined the Netball Society, and I am currently still enrolled. I wanted to join this society as I have had previous experience from high school in this sport and I wanted to get back to it after it was cancelled due to Covid-19.
I really enjoy being a part of society and would suggest it to anyone, as it enables you to have time away from your studies and be more active. The sessions are weekly so gives you time to break away from the library. There is also a great social side to it, as you may not be in the same year or course as some other people. So, this allows you to meet others who have similarities to you and become friends. I am happy to say that some of my closest friends are the ones I met during the first training sessions of Netball in my first year.
What’s your ‘top tip’ for making the most of being a student?
A big tip that I would offer to another student is to step out of your comfort zone and introduce yourself to people you wouldn’t necessarily know. Be confident, kind, and willing to try any opportunity that you get.
What has been the most valuable lesson that you’ve learned in university?
To do well academically, you must put the work in and be proactive. The guidance and support from QMU is there, but it is down to you to work hard and get the best job done as you can.
Balancing university life and private life is also extremely important, as you don’t want to overwork yourself and not enjoy time with friends and family.
Can you tell us about the Moffat Trust Scholarship Fund and you benefited from it?
I heard of the Moffat Funding Scholarship through my lecturer. The application process was easy to understand; it required a written report discussing why the funding would be beneficial. When I found out that I had been granted the funding, I was thrilled and relieved as the financial aspect of this internship was expensive, and being a part-time student, it was taking a lot for me to be able to afford some of the expenses before I was thankfully granted the funding.
I used the funding towards the payments for my visa-related costs, which included travelling to London for an appointment at the American embassy. The money that I had left went towards my flights and part of the accommodation and living costs for the first month.
"The funding helped me so much and without it, I don’t think I would have been able to complete this internship. The process to apply for this funding was easy and I had all the guidance and support I needed. "
