The Biz
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Hello Getting down to business Facilities at ABS City Life Events Management student wins Spanish placement opportunity Placement Abroad Tourism Management Field Trip ABS Fashion Show University drive to develop a new generation of enterprising students Torcher Parade Study Abroad Careers RGU Useful Contacts
Hello, Welcome to the 2011 – 2012 edition of The BIZ. My name is Roslyn Stephen and I am a 3rd Year Journalism student, and I am currently doing my placement with the Marketing team in ABS. Before coming to RGU, I spent a year doing Media and PR and two years doing an HND in Communication and Media course at Aberdeen College, so coming to university was a very daunting prospect for me. I first came to RGU on Open Day and had a chance to find out about the courses. It was a fantastic
opportunity to have a look around the university and see the facilities it had to offer. There was also a chance to meet and talk to some current students. During my first two years at university, I was part of a great class and made some great friends, had great nights out and began to build up confidence and learn all aspects of what it takes to be a successful journalist. One of the best experiences I’ve had are our News Day events. My placement has given me the the perfect opportunity
to apply what I have learnt throughout my three years. One of the many things that I have enjoyed about being at university is the friendships that I have made along the way. Whether you’re celebrating the end of exams or on a class night out, there are plenty of places to go and enjoy yourself in. For all students who are about to begin their first year of university, it can be tough and stressful at times, and it’s certainly not an easy ride, but the rewards are very satisfying so make the most of it!
In this edition you’ll find information on Aberdeen, the facilities the university can offer you, events, success stories and the great opportunities for you to study abroad. Enjoy and all the best with your chosen course!
Roslyn Stephen Stage 3 BA (Hons) Journalism
Ros Steph
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s s e in s u b o t n w Getting do A flourishing reputation for innovative research, studentcentric approach, strong industry links and an exceptional graduate employment record sets it apart from its peers. Its graduates gain the advantage in their career. (Sunday Times University Guide, 2011)
Here at Aberdeen Business School (ABS) the academic and support staff can prepare you with important skills that will help you kick start your career. The University proudly boasts strong links with a broad range of dynamic industries and a reputation for providing employers with professional individuals with exceptional technical and professional skills. Almost all of our courses offer you the opportunity to go on placement. Placements can be short-term or longer salaried positions.
Placement is the opportunity for you to put your skills into practice in a real life environment. This practical element of your course can really boost your CV and help you stand out when applying for jobs. “Work placements, lasting up to a year, are the norm, helping an employment record that has been Scotland’s best for several years and consistently one of the UK’s leaders.” (The Times, 2010)
Aberdeen Business School’s strong links with industry are not exclusive to the local area and these networks are becoming ever more international, enabling the school to provide a wide range of placement opportunities for students undertaking placements in the UK, Europe and the USA.
The University is also proud to have been recognised as being a leading modern professional university with a focus on producing exceptional graduates. Top Modern University in the UK
(The Times, 2009, 2010 and 2011)
Independent statistics show that almost 98% of ABS graduates are in employment, or have gone on to postgraduate study which can open up even more job opportunities. The University also offers a strong portfolio of internationally, professionally accredited and recognised postgraduate courses and those who have studied their Undergraduate degree here are entitled to an automatic alumni discount if they do decide to go on to further study. “Scottish University of the Year”
(The Sunday Times, 2011)
ABS
Facilities at ABS Here at ABS, there are a wide range of facilities to help enhance the student experience and give a flavour of the world of work! The Law students will have the benefit of presenting in the Moot Court - taking part in mooting competitions and debates. Every year the students compete against Aberdeen University law students in the “Granite Moot”. The students get to engage in real legal debates in the prestigious setting of Aberdeen Sheriff Court.
Fashion management students will take part in workshops and use mannequins as a design tool to create new products for showcase in the main atrium of ABS.There is also an exclusive fashion management workshop. The Georgina Scott Sutherland Library is open to all RGU students and provides a wide range of information which is especially useful when studying for exams (because it’s so peaceful).
Journalism students will participate in ”News Days” where they will go out and interview real people, sourcing real news stories which they will write up and post online. Communication, Marketing and Media students will also benefit from TV and radio studio, news and control room facilities.
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City Life
Aberdeen is situated in the North East of Scotland and the city has a thriving student community, which is great if you are a student - as most shops, pubs and restaurants offer student discount. On days when you find you’re lucky enough to have no classes, then a good place to start off at is the Student Union where you will find other students, fantastic promotions for a night out and range of events throughout the week‌
Benefi
ts!
Union Street
The Unio n The Union Situated on Schoolhill right in the heart of the city centre, RGU Union is a good place to base your social life. Not only is it a bar to hang out in but it’s also where the Student Association meetings are held so new students can find out information about societies, clubs and volunteering. During Freshers’ week the Union is definitely the place to be. Events include everything from pub quiz nights to toga and foam parties.
For clubs and bars, Aberdeen offers something for everyone. A wide variety of venues include Slains Castle, Siberia Vodka Bar, Exodus, Tiger Tiger and The Priory. There are also plenty of places to shop with four big shopping centres including the Bon Accord and St Nicholas Centre,Trinity shopping centre and the newly opened Union Square which offers shopping as well as a range of restaurants and a cinema.
Studying There are two semesters per year and a typical university week consists of 12 hours of structured study and the rest is flexible self study time for students to prepare for thier classes, catch up on their reading, complete coursework and prepare for exams.
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s n i w t n e d u t s t n e m e g a n a M s t n e Ev y t i n u t r o p p o t n e Spanish placem In September 2010 we introduced a new course in Events Management. After applying to five different universities through UCAS, Chloe Scamps chose the course she has always wanted to study. The course offers a range of opportunities for new students including a fieldwork placement. For Chloe a placement in Barcelona assisting at a four day event was an awesome opportunity. During the week long placement there were 1,200 delegates attending conferences to be held over a four day period. Chloe was in charge of 150 delegates and also assisted with ground transfers of over 1000 delegates.
I asked her if she thought being away for only one week was long enough to gain and build up experience needed for a career in Events Management. “I would like to have stayed there longer because being in a city like Barcelona was just amazing, but I loved every minute of it and I hope to go somewhere like that again next year.”
In her spare time, when home for the holidays in France, Chloe is a sailing instructor and has been involved in organising different events and competitions. Throughout, Chloe has gained a lot of experience, which will be exceptionally good for her in the future.
What was so appealing about the Events Management course at RGU? “RGU appealed to me because of the fantastic reviews that the university receives and because it was voted the top modern university in Scotland in the Sunday Times. In working on this placement and throughout the course, I have gained experience and confidence in organising different types of events. I really enjoy planning and seeing the end result of all the work which I have put in. I’d like to build my experience in organising all different kinds of events. I am certain that the hard work I have put into this course, will pay off”.
Do you hope to go on further placements abroad during your studies and where would you go? “I am hoping to go to the Zematt resort in Switzerland where they hold music festivals every April – beginning this year.”
Where do you see yourself in four years? “Ideally, I see myself working for a corporate events company. I would like to work in a big capital city - so London or maybe Paris“
Chloe impressed the team at Roselle Events so much that she has been offered a parttime job with the company!
“I must say how impressed, delighted, thankful and blessed we were to have Chloe with us at the event. During 21 hour working days, she never moaned once and gladly completed any task given to her quickly and efficiently... she fits in with the company so well.”
(Charlotte McIntosh, Head of Operations in Roselle Events)
lP acement Abroad Bicycle race?
I completed my 12 month tourism placement in Nice, on the south coast of France, 40 minutes from the Italian border. I worked in a family run hostel which has been rated ‘best hostel in France’ two years running. As it is a small, growing business I was able to get involved in every aspect of the day to day running; including cleaning, driving, accounting, bar work and reception. As a business student my opinion was valued and by being there for the full year I was involved in some of the big decisions. Half way through my placement, the owners opened a second hostel in a different location within the city. This was a fantastic learning opportunity as I could see every step and detail which was necessary for opening a new successful hostel from scratch. This
was an amazing experience which has created a future job opportunity for me and given me invaluable hands on business experience. I was also able to experience business within a different culture, learn a new language and apply what I had learned at university to a professional business environment. Jean Jardine BA (Hons) Management
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d a o r b A t n e m Place As part of my third year I took the opportunity to participate in a 48 week ERASMUS exchange work placement in Nuremberg, Germany. The placement was with a globally recognised market research company called GfK and I was working within the brand and communication research department. My main duties included assisting in the preparation of final presentations and reports, supporting the preparation of questionnaires and analysis of data using descriptive and statistical methods. This placement enabled me to gain valuable experience in working in an office environment and to further increase my knowledge of market research and IT. Although the placement was primarily about gaining experience in the workplace, I was able to gain much more on top of that. When living abroad you learn how to adapt to a different culture and fit in with the locals. This was quite difficult at first but after time I became much more comfortable with my surroundings due to an increased knowledge of the language. I was also fortunate enough to be staying in a student accomodation which allowed me to meet lots of new people who helped me feel right at home.
Through the International office at one of RGU’s partner universities I was informed about all the ERASMUS activities and gatherings and participated in most of them which allowed me to bond with people from a variety of different countries. I also took the opportunity to travel around Europe whilst on placement and saw many amazing cities. My work placement in Germany was an unforgettable experience and I enjoyed every minute of it. It allowed me to improve my career prospects at the same time as making many new friends and gaining an understanding of different cultures. I believe it helped me develop more as a person and improved my confidence. I would highly recommend undertaking a placement abroad. Matthew Bell BA (Hons) Management with Marketing
I am currently on placement with Preiss Imports, an alcoholic beverage producer and importer based in San Diego in the USA. My role is in sales and marketing and has involved personal selling, market research, planning marketing campaigns, e-marketing and PR. I have helped plan and exhibit at trade and public events all over the country, conducted presentations and sampling of new products and planned a marketing strategy for a brand to be re-launched in the US. I also gained experience in web design and liaised with journalists.
The role has been both challenging and rewarding at the same time. I have met some very good contacts and gained a good understanding of the industry. I have hugely enjoyed my time in the USA. It can be a daunting experience starting in a new job and especially in a different country, but I would recommend it to everyone. Andrew Shand BA (Hons) Management
A rrival
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the group
the sites
Tea mbuilding
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In and around Glenshee...
l a n o i t a n r e t n I e n Stage O p i r T ld e i F t n e m Tourism M anage 12
Welcome to Wonderland In May 2011 the BA (Hons) Fashion Management students organised a fashion show event to raise money for the Archie Foundation. The students’ creativity was apparent throughout from the models’ hair and make-up to the students’ innovative choice of “Wonderland” theme. The show was a huge success raising £10 000 for the charity.
The ABS fashion show was previously managed by Communication and Media students and 2012 will be its 5th year. The event is set to be a permanent feature of the 3rd year BA (Hons) Fashion Management syllabus and students are assessed on their contribution and a report which is submitted after the event.
When you think of a fashion show you think bright lights and glamorous models. However after planning our own fashion show I automatically think endless hours, hard work and great fun (a slightly odd combination). Like all of the hands on projects within the course, the fashion show helped develop my communication skills and apply these to the academic theory I have learned throughout my three years at RGU. Adele Slater, Stage 3 Fashion Management
p lo e v e d o t e iv r d s ’ y Universit s t n e d u t s g n i s i r p r e t n e f o n o i t a r e n e a new g Offering students the chance to have gain real life experience and tuition in what it takes to become an entrepreneur… In these harsh economic times with unemployment figures on the rise, the emphasis on graduates’ expertise, skills and experience has never been greater. A new initiative has been set up by two business experts, Honorary Graduate and award winning Hotelier, Charles Skene, and Robert Gordon University’s very own Dr John Park. Dr John Park Experienced industry professional with an in‐depth knowledge of the enterprise skills critical in a competitive work environment. Worked in the Charles Skene Centre for Entrepreneurship from 2001 to 2006 teaching and researching technology entrepreneurship. John also worked for Pepsi where he re-engineered the consumer and technical evaluation of new food products across the entire European region and raised over £2million investment to create a global food forensic laboratory before returning to RGU to lead this exciting new initiative.
Charles Skene Honorary Graduate, entrepreneur and award winning hotelier.. Owner of the Skene House (luxury serviced apartments), OBE, local businessman, entrepreneur, avid innovator and… in his spare time… Honorary Professor of Aberdeen Business School. He is a long term champion of Enterprise Education for primary, secondary and higher education students in Scotland.
The two aim to spark creativity and inspiration into the minds of these young students, who may one day blossom into successful entrepreneurs. Dr Park explains: “The type of classroom and real-life experiences this initiative will involve are highly practical and will seek to enhance students’ transferable skills. The programme will also see successful alumni come back into classrooms to share their experiences and offer expertise.”
the new
generation
The students will have the chance to transform their ideas into opportunities and learn the key components of a successful business.
Aberdeen Business School Louise Dawson (Management) & Adrian Bell (Management with Marketing)
Professor Skene adds: “By
giving every student the chance to gain first-hand experience and to understand the value of enterprise, we hope to produce graduates with a real competitive advantage. This is extremely important to the future of the economy, not only in Aberdeen, but on a global scale, as we help to equip the next generation of business leaders with an entrepreneurial skill-set.”
This year the competition received over 120 entries and featured some stimulating new venture ideas, from which three prize winners were selected from each Faculty, whose ideas showed real potential:
• Devised an idea for a multi-platform web portal that would provide students with a one-stop, student-owned Aberdeen directory and community - as well as direct routes to events, products and businesses in Aberdeen. Faculty of Health and Social Care David Lumsden (Pharmacy) • In-Pharmacy testing and personal health scorecards to enable consumers to take more responsibility and control of their own health diagnosis as an alternative to the costly and time consuming use of GPs.
Faculty of Design & Technology Andrew Stalker & Ben Owen (Computer Science) • A range of bespoke computer products involving service support access for rural areas and recycling and upgrading computers rather than sending them to waste. The three finalists will get to take part in the Scottish Institute for Expertise start-up day for the chance to have their ideas refined and made into a reality. In the end the students with the most innovative idea can become fully fledged entrepreneurs and will run their own business for a year as a fully credited industrial placement.
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! ! ! s t n e d u t s t a s in o c w o r h t s ’ t e L(And all in the name of charity…) Torcher’s Week is an opportunity for students to show off their creative side. Students design themed floats which are driven around the city centre. It is the largest torch-lit parade in Europe and brings the whole of Aberdeen together as a community. With over 2000 students taking part each year, the torcher parade has become a well loved tradition, bringing residents of Aberdeen out on the streets to have fun! Back in the olden days Torcher’s Week was known as “Rag Night”. This was because the university students would collect old rags and clothes to give the poor people of the parish.
This year the Torcher Parade celebrated its 89th year and was held between the 8th and 13th of February. “I got involved through the Media Society that was newly set up. We all thought it would be fun and a good idea as it would raise awareness of our society and money for a number of local charities. Our float was the biggest mess there but that made it more fun as we could laugh about it and mess around to make up for lack of design! It was cold pretty much all day and people were lobbing coppers off us which was a bit painful but we endured it for charity and actually had a great time!”
Each of the students that take part get to choose their own theme and design the float themselves. The team that Kirstie was part of chose Superheroes. “Needless to say the other floats were much better and more thought out than ours. Actually considering we only decided on a theme that morning it wasn’t too bad...” Kirstie Topp 3rd Year BA (Hons) Journalism
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Study Abroad Our Study Abroad opportunities provide students with a unique opportunity to spend the semester abroad. Here’s a word from some of our students who have recently studied abroad…
“Participating in the Erasmus programme ended up being one of my most enjoyable experiences! I lived and studied in Nicosia, in Cyprus for the first semester of my second year. Studying in another University is a real eye opening experience as they have different teaching methods, class times and rules.
“The four months I spent studying at the University of Tulsa were definitely the best four months of my life.
I am now in my 3rd year and completing my work placement in Nice, France. Adapting to life in a different country, being surrounded by a different language and learning new things about a new city makes daily life much more interesting.
I would recommend people take the opportunity to go to Tulsa! It was a once in a lifetime opportunity where I experienced a completely different culture, made some amazing friends and came home with lots of unforgettable memories and experiences. P.S. If you go to Santa Monica in California, look for the British shop. You really start to crave Irn Bru after three months away from it!”
Leah Smedley LLB Law
Embarking upon such experiences allows you to learn about yourself, to grow as a person and gives you the chance to make life long friends from all around the world! It can be scary packing up and leaving home for a different country but don’t knock it until you’ve tried it!”
Natalie Hindle BA (Hons) International Tourism Management
“When I arrived at Tulsa airport with my peers, we were greeted by some Tulsa University (TU) students. Amongst the group was a student who came to RGU last semester.
And we also have some overseas students who study here for a semester…
I studied 5 classes consisting of business law, energy management and Latin classes.
“I used to live in a small town in Estonia and I never thought that someday I would leave it.
TU also offers a lot of support and hosts a number of free events for students. From this experience I feel I gained improved time management skills and some friends for life!”
Finally, in October my studies started. I experienced totally new studying conditions: huge audiences and cosy labs, hundreds of students, and lecturers and professors instead of teachers.
Vincent Chung LLB Law
In terms of English language I still do not have enough confidence to take part in discussions. In order to improve my English skills I watch different films or programmes as well as listen to the radio. I find these things really helpful!”
good times
I really appreciate that I am studying at Aberdeen Business School!
Valeria Kuznetsova BA (Hons) Communication with PR
a mazing experience!
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“The thought of going away for 5 months is a daunting prospect, especially when you are away from your friends and family. Luckily for me I went away with my best friend. Initially I was nervous about travelling to a strange city on my own but Rotterdam was one of the best experiences of my life! It is hard leaving your friends and family but knowing they are just a Skype phone call away was reassuring. I never thought I was the type of person that would go away but so glad I did. Rotterdam is a lovely city where I met the most amazing people and the 5 months I was away flew past so quickly. I was fortunate enough to do some travelling where I visited The Hague, Belgium and France. It was such a good experience and it is great to meet people from all different backgrounds.
Amie Harkins BA(Hons) Media
le Great peop
Careers RGU Choosing the right course to study can be a difficult decision. The Career Centre at Robert Gordon University aims to encourage you to start planning your future early to ensure that you are well equipped to select the right course which fits in with your long-term career ambitions. The Career Centre will help and support you throughout the entire duration of your studies. The team provide helpful advice on preparation of CVs, applications and job interviews as well as more general guidance on choosing the right career and the various options which are available. The team also assist in helping students secure part time work, internships and build up confidence and experience to inform the journey from prospective student to alumni!
) : n o i t a u Grad E: careers@rgu.ac.uk
the tea m
T: 01224 262110
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Useful Contacts
ACCOMMODATION OFFICE 01224 262130 www.rgu.ac.uk/accommodation ADMISSIONS 01224 262728 UGOffice@rgu.ac.uk ARTICULATION & INTERNATIONAL ACADEMIC DEVELOPMENT Richard Barnes 01224 263030 r.barnes@rgu.ac.uk INFOZONE infozone@rgu.ac.uk PLACEMENT OFFICE 01224 263827 www.rgu.ac.uk/abs/placements RGU: SPORT 01224 263666 www.rgu.ac.uk/rgusport RGU: UNION 01224 262236 www.rguunion.co.uk STUDENT FINANCE 01224 262664 studentfinance@rgu.ac.uk