'I left university with a good degree, confidence and a willingness to seek out the next adventure.'
Amelia Ashton-Jones
Current role
I have just returned to Deloitte after 3 years with LOCOG, the Organising Committee for the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games where I worked in the Venue Management Team, and was part of the venues operations teams at the Velodrome, BMX Track and Basketball Arena. I sit within the Sports Business Group at Deloitte, working on sports assignments to deliver financial and business advice to clients across the sporting spectrum.
After graduating I did a PGCE at UoB in Physical Education and then taught for three years at a secondary school in East Sussex. Quick gap year and then a change of direction to train with Deloitte to be an accountant. After three years of training I transferred to the Sports Business Group at Deloitte.
Outline the course you studied at the University of Birmingham and how it benefited you?
I started doing a joint honours degree in Sports Science and Maths. After the first year, I transferred to a straight Sport Science and Recreation degree which suited me better. I’m a big believer in doing a degree that interests and challenges you and that you enjoy; if you get this right I think most degrees keep doors open for you post university, and I certainly got this out of my course.
In my day there weren’t many Universities offering highly respected Sport Science courses and I had my heart set on this. I looked at a couple of others but immediately felt UoB was the right university for me when I visited.
How did you find your first year in Birmingham?
Fantastic – first time away from home, huge opportunity to meet like-minded people both on my course and in my accommodation up at the Vale, and we seemed to spend a lot of time drifting between the pool, gym, tennis courts, golf course, dance studio etc.
How did going to University as a whole benefit you?
I did a lot of growing up at University – it provided so many opportunities and it was largely in my control to make the most of these be they in sport, academia, social or other areas. I left university with a good degree, confidence and a willingness to seek out the next adventure.
How did you find campus life?
One of the reasons I chose UoB was because of its campus structure and the amount of green space. I loved being able to wander between areas and bump into people I knew and feel like I was part of a community. In some respects it’s a protected environment and this helped my transition from school through to the wider world.
How did you find living in Birmingham?
Trips in for sporting events, the odd shopping spree and various nightclubs to be forgotten but there was so much to do around campus that I spent the majority of my time here.
Did you join any student societies during your studies?
I joined various sports clubs whilst at the UoB and represented the university a number of times but was more jack of all sports that an expert at one. I also did a fair amount with the UOTC (the Officers Training Corps part of the Territorial Army) and spent a number of cold, wet days and nights on various training grounds around the country.
Any tips to pass on to students thinking of coming here?
I think you realise once you’ve left what the potential opportunities are at university. Whilst there is a time and place for taking it easy after years at school, don’t be afraid to ‘get busy’ when at university making the most of all the opportunities.
What are your aspirations for the future?
2012 has been a fantastic year having been heavily involved in the London 2012 games. I am keen to make the most of the energy I have from this incredible project; at work, in sport and in life in general.