Grace Dunne

I was inspired to study this degree after previously studying Leisure and Tourism at A Level, which sparked my interest in the industry and gave me a strong foundation in the subject. I really enjoyed learning about how businesses operate within the tourism and hospitality sectors, so progressing onto a degree that combined both business management and leisure felt like a natural next step.

I was particularly drawn to Edge Hill because of its welcoming campus, great location, and the structure of the course itself. The campus environment stood out to me as somewhere I could feel comfortable and motivated, and the course content aligned perfectly with my interests and career goals.

The Business School has played a key role in supporting my development, particularly through the guidance of lecturers such as Dr Helen Eccleston, who has been incredibly supportive. The second-year employability module was especially valuable, helping me build confidence, refine my CV, and prepare for real-world recruitment processes.

Through my degree, I have developed a range of important skills, including communication, professionalism, and resilience. I have become more confident in communicating in a professional environment, learned how to present myself effectively, and developed the ability to adapt to new challenges and step outside of my comfort zone.

During my degree, I’ve been able to secure a work placement with Hilton. The recruitment process for the placement was rigorous, and included submitting an application, completing AI-based interviews, undertaking psychometric testing, and attending an assessment centre. Although it was a challenging process, it was also highly rewarding and helped me develop my confidence and interview skills.

Whilst on placement with Hilton, I worked within the HR team, where I gained experience across a wide range of responsibilities. I was involved in organising office events, contributing to employee engagement projects, and supporting internal communications. The role was dynamic, with no two days the same, and I also had the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues from different departments, which broadened my understanding of how the business operates as a whole.

My hard work during the placement paid off, and I have been offered a permanent position as Graduate Associate at Exclusive Collection when I graduate. I will be based at their prime location, Pennyhill Park in Surrey. I am really excited to continue developing my skills within the hospitality industry and hope to progress into a management role in the future.

My advice to anyone considering this course at Edge Hill would be to make the most of every opportunity available, particularly placements, networking, and support from lecturers. The course provides a great balance of academic knowledge and practical experience, so staying proactive and open to new experiences will help you succeed and stand out.