April 2020
Emma’s Story
By Emma Rankin
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Emma Rankin
Events Management (with placement) BA (Hons)
Birmingham City Council Events Officer
From the London 2012 Olympic Games to Birmingham’s famous Frankfurt Christmas Market, Emma has worked on a string of iconic events – and it all started at University College Birmingham.
While studying, Emma spotted an opportunity to volunteer at the European Gymnastics Championships, giving her practical experience for one of her modules, after which she quickly secured a paid role supporting the team at the Olympics.
Organising conferences and exhibitions to support Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, Emma then received an opportunity to work on the 2018 World Indoor Athletics Championships in the city.
“The connections I made while at university enabled me to make a lasting impression,” said Emma.
“For anyone studying events management, it’s really important to get those experiences, make connections and good impressions – if it wasn’t for those, I wouldn’t be where I am now.”
She now plays a key role in managing some of Birmingham’s top annual events, including Pride and St Patrick’s Festival.
“There are things I learned on my course that I use every day when it comes to project management, planning and organisational structures,” said Emma. “It gives you the theory to support any work you do – I would definitely recommend it.”