During the spring 2024 term, four of our students went to Texas A&M University on a study exchange trip. The students are on Edinburgh Napier’s Festival & Event Management, Tourism Management, and Hospitality Management programmes. They spent some time working alongside a business in Texas as part of the Live Project Module, and likewise some Texas A&M University students spent some time in August in Edinburgh.
The project team consisted of Dr Afiya Holder, Dr David Jarman, and Slawek Staniszewski, Global Mobility Officer in International Operations from ENU. Dr. Donna Lee Sullins and Prof. Brian King coordinated and led the project on behalf of Texas A&M University.
So what is it like to travel to Texas for a Live Project? Hear directly from the four ENU students who shared with us their thoughts on the experience below. Thanks to Bethany Tait (International Hospitality Management with Festivals and Events), Claudio Pigozzo (International Tourism Management), Cerys Fitzgerald (International Festival and Events Management), and Dean Jenkins (International Festival and Event management).
Question: Why did you apply and how did you secure for such an amazing opportunity?
Bethany: “I knew that I had to apply as it would be such an amazing experience and a great way to gain knowledge of the industry within a different country.”
Claudio: “The opportunity to work closely with an organization in Texas and Texas A&M college students came suddenly. I didn’t think twice before applying and immediately started writing my application form.”
Cerys: “I was given the opportunity to apply for the live project in partnership with Century Square in Texas [a multi-use retail and leisure facility] in Texas at the start of 3rd year. In order to be considered I had to write a short essay which explained why I would be a good fit for the trip and how it could benefit myself and my experience.”
Dean: “I was reading the IFEM bulletin which I would normally do as it always has great opportunities then I spotted that there was a project and a trip to Texas being organised as part of the live project module which I had chosen. I applied but I wasn’t expecting to be a part of the project as there were only four places available so when I got told the news that I got a place I couldn’t believe it as I had always wanted to go to the USA so doing it with university made it even better as I knew that it would be worth something and not just a holiday.”
Question: What are your thoughts on the Live Project module and how has this shaped your learning experience and professional development?
Bethany: “By being given the opportunity to work with and provide recommendations for a business it enabled myself to finally put my degree to use and know that all the hard work over the past three years is paying off and that I do have the skills to work in a real-life environment. This module has enabled myself to develop my professional skills and learn a lot about the inner workings of professional environments.”
Claudio: “The Live Project module is an incredible experience for students who can finally implement what they have previously studied and use and discover their own skills. Working with a live organization puts you in a position to see things from the perspective of the business owner or manager, and experience their stress, to improve or find appropriate solutions for the business.”
Cerys: “I learned how to work well within a team, distributing the work evenly to ensure no one felt under pressure with the workload. In a professional sense I got an insight into what can differ between a business in the US compared to ones in the UK and how they can do things slightly differently.”
Dean: “I found the actual module interesting and challenging at times, but I enjoy a challenge, so I thoroughly enjoyed working on the project. This module has definitely helped my future goals as I have made international contacts in which I can use when I graduate.”
Question: In what ways has this experience inspired your future goals/plans in Tourism, Hospitality, Festival and Events or Marketing?
Bethany: “This experience has taught me that within the industry the most beneficial factor is networking with other students, universities, and businesses to gain knowledge and contacts worldwide.”
Claudio: “This experience made me understand that despite your age, background, or belief, you can achieve incredible things in life. I met so many people, with different experiences and backgrounds, different passions, different paths, but the same desire to learn and make a difference.”
Cerys: “My plans for after graduation has always been to travel and work internationally. Doing this live project has shown me that it is something that is indeed possible and that I would be able to do it with the experience that I have already gained through this opportunity.”
Dean: “This experience has really opened my eyes to what opportunities are out there in terms of different events and universities.”
Question: What were some memorable moments related to the module but also beyond the classroom?
Bethany: “A memorable moment within the classroom would be the initial receival of the project brief, it was exciting as a group to gain information on the company and brainstorm initial ideas for the objectives we had been given. (…) The professors at Texas A&M were incredibly welcoming and also invited us along to the hospitality scholarships banquet.”
Claudio: “I think every minute of this module, the project, the meetings, the trip, was memorable. I will bring these memories forever with me. I met and worked with fantastic people with whom we shared thoughts, discussed and come up with interesting ideas. I had the opportunity to attend class at an American University and understand what life on campus really is, their culture, tradition and the spirit of belonging, something incredible…. Truly an unforgettable experience.”
Cerys: “Some of my most memorable moments from this module have to learning all about Texas and Century Square but then getting to actually experience it. Although my academic experiences come from the classroom, the real life experiences and moments came from the trip itself.”
Dean: “… the banquet that Texas A&M students were hosting, I networked with so many different people from different backgrounds and professions.”
Question: What life skills do you think came to light post-trip?
Bethany: “Improved confidence, adapting to new cultures”
Claudio: “Problem solving, teamwork and organizational skills.”
Cerys: “Communication and collaboration”
Dean: “Teamwork, networking skills and communication”
Question: What advice would you give future students about taking the Live Project module?
Bethany: “The best advice would be to thoroughly communicate with all team members, it is really important to ensure you all have the same work ethic and maintain styles of work throughout the report and presentation. I would also say to just enjoy the experience as much as possible and remember that your supervisor and the other module lecturers are always there to support your experience and make sure it goes as smoothly as possible.”
Claudio: “My advice is to take the Live Project module as a real work experience, never be afraid to express ideas and always listen to criticism and learn from it, you learn by making mistakes.”
Cerys: “Just enjoy it! The live project can become stressful at points as it is a lot to in a short period of time. My advice would be to embrace the experience to its full potential, and all will work out in the end.”
Dean: “…that the dynamic in your project team is crucial so I would recommend getting to know a little more about your teammates outside the classroom.”
