Creative Events graduate Charlotte Lam recently returned to Kent to see the new developments and talk to staff and students about her experiences and successes and how she put her learning into practice.

Graduating in 2010 with her degree in Creative Events, Charlotte then returned to her home in Hong Kong to undertake an internship with Katemagg and was shortly snapped up by EC Square PR and Events where she was PR and Events Executive. This exciting experience gave her confidence to set up an events company called AHHA Events & Projects, where she now project manages brand launches, provides media marketing campaigns and organises products launches.

During Charlotte’s recent visit to the UK, she took some time out from her busy schedule to come and talk to students about the experiences of her studies, internship and her recent business start-up. She reflected upon working some exhausting 14-hour days during her time with EC Square PR and Events, as well as producing events for clients such as Louis Vuitton with a group of current 3^rd year students.

Charlotte also told students about AHHA Events & Projects recent work in designing and producing the Junghans Store opening in Macau, as well as the 60^th Anniversary celebrations for Max Factor in Hong Kong, and how she has been able to apply her education into the real world.  “One of the main parts of my job is pitching ideas to my clients. I regularly put into practice my learning from my 3^rd Year Project Pitch module, but I do find I have to be a bit sharper on the costs and budgets now!” said Charlotte during an informal chat with staff and students who enjoyed her candid reflections.

Director of Studies of Creative Events, Peter Hatton said “it was fascinating to hear how Charlotte now knows every venue in Hong Kong and its suitability for client events, as well as how she has had to become a tough negotiator with suppliers and contractors. The staff here are extremely proud of her achievements”.

During her visit she was treated to a guided tour of the School’s new facilities, where she was both surprised and impressed by all the additions since her graduation in 4 years ago. The tour encompassed the new Engineering Workshop and the Smithery studios, the audio studios and the workshop as well as the Hub and the new café, all of which was new to Charlotte, as the Galvanising Shop was the only creative space when she studied here.

“The changes are phenomenal and it is exciting to see so many students together here in the workshop, they have such great facilities at their fingertips” said Charlotte, “I want to come back and study here all over again!”