How Freya's Business Management and Entrepreneurship degree led her to work at Disney in her placement year
What degree did you study?
I studied BA (Hons) Business Management and Entrepreneurship at the University of Portsmouth. I really enjoyed this degree, especially the Business Innovation Development Project as it gave me the opportunity to get to know people on my course on an intellectual and personal level.
Did you take a placement year?
I chose to do a sandwich course so the core focus of my second year was to secure a placement. I worked hard from September through to February doing interviews, going to assessment centres and doing psychometric tests alongside my studies. This paid off when I was offered a placement at Disney. I moved to London for my third year, living with two other Disney interns.
Taking a placement was the most valuable year of my university experience both socially and professionally. The role at Disney was the perfect opportunity to be thrown in at the deep end of the corporate business world. I really enjoyed working in a fast paced environment dealing with ever-changing needs, from Disney acquisition of 20th Century Fox to working from home as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
My placement was a great way to apply business and entrepreneurial knowledge from my first and second year.
University has taught me the true meaning of hard work, aspiration and adulthood
How did the University of Portsmouth support you?
The staff have always been so supportive throughout all the years at university. It is so important to make use of them, ask your tutors and lecturers questions about your course, your interests and their career journeys – they have a wealth of knowledge that you can take lots from. It is also a great opportunity for you to network for your later professional life when you come to look for a job.
What are you doing now?
After my graduation I found a job working in an events company delivering a concierge service to exhibitors and visitors. Unfortunately, the job did not work out as I wanted, however, after a month of working with them I was offered a job at a marketing agency in central London working with the biggest brands in the entertainment industry.
In the next 5 years, I see myself managing a small team in the entertainment industry working with some of the world's biggest brands. Later in life, I envisage owning my own business by the sea.
When entering the doors of the Business School building four years ago, I was a young and ambitious girl who still lacked a lot of confidence. I have now left the university a hardworking, enterprising and conscientious woman.
Find out more about placements here on our page.