The O2 gets boost from University of Greenwich students
When the marketing team at AEG, the company that runs The O2, needed extra hands they turned to the University of Greenwich and got exactly what they wanted.
“We are currently going through one of the busiest periods ever with the launch of The O2,” says marketing executive Richard Philip. “We wanted to recruit some local young people with energy and marketing knowledge to help out. The university was the obvious place and they have sent us two stars. In fact we are already in talks to get more.”
Lucky students Simon Jones and Samantha Stagg, who get to watch big acts like Snow Patrol and Justin Timberlake while they work, are studying at the university’s Business School. “We can’t believe our luck,” says Simon. “It’s much more hands-on than I expected. We are being given loads of responsibility and a wide range of jobs. On opening day we looked after the press so we were there for the Bon Jovi concert. Before I started I thought I’d be making the tea.”
Sam, who is graduating this summer and hopes to develop a career in sports marketing, says: “I never miss a chance to tell my friends that I sat next to Westlife, or met Bon Jovi at an after show party.”
The students are on three month summer placements to gain work experience. AEG found them by contacting the university’s Research and Enterprise office which offers a range of services to businesses from recruitment and training to research and problem solving.
Ricardo da Cāmara e Sousa, Business Development Manager in the Research and Enterprise office says: “We were able to find the right students for the job within days. The University of Greenwich is committed to preparing its students for employment by providing them with the skills employers want, and through work experience. Employers should think of the university as a one stop shop for recruitment and business consultancy.”
The university has campuses at both ends of the Thames Gateway and works in partnership with businesses from small and medium enterprises in the region to big international companies.
For more information about student recruitment and other business services contact Ricardo on 020 8331 8799 email: r.sousa@gre.ac.uk
For images of Simon and Sam in front of The O2 please contact:
Hester Brown
Press Officer
University of Greenwich
Tel: 020 8331 7663
hester.brown@gre.ac.uk