Michelle Hopwood

The strategic management placement at Coastdale Parks enabled me to apply the key tools and learning from my strategic management module in a live business, gaining a practical understanding of their use whilst also testing the transferable graduate attributes I gained from previous placements and internships, such as complex report writing, teamworking, communication, and critical thinking.

This placement not only secured me a subsequent employment contract as a Sustainability Strategic Management Officer but also paved the way for establishing my own social value and sustainability consultancy business. It also enhanced my credibility and reputation resulting in being invited to co-author a journal article and an upcoming book alongside industry experts and leading academics, providing cross-disciplinary learning that significantly enhances my existing skills and knowledge. As a result, my placement experience has led to opportunities where I have been pursued by other tourism organisations to assist with their strategy development.

‘I’m delighted with the report that Michelle compiled, without doubt, I regard the project as having exceeded the required standard.

I’m more than happy with the work that Michelle produced and the ideas that she shared with me.’

– Peter Brewer, Director at Normanhurst Enterprises Limited

When asked to comment on Michelle’s attendance, teamwork, creative problem-solving skills and communication, Peter Brewer stated that Michelle was, ‘Outstanding in every single respect.’