Getting a new perspective

Dawn Edgington has a BA in travel and tourism management, but felt that she needed a stronger base of education in order to be able to compete for a graduate career. She is currently studying for an MA in tourism management (visitor attractions) from the University of Wolverhampton. Here she shares her experience and advice for others looking to get into the hospitality, leisure and tourism sector.

'I have been working for my current employer since finishing my undergraduate degree but I decided to do a postgraduate course to give me a broader knowledge of the industry as a whole. It has also given me a new perspective on the job that I’m doing and was something I really wanted to do. Hopefully having a postgraduate qualification will stand me in good stead in terms of putting me ahead of other candidates in the job market and will help me to gain a greater understanding of managing visitor attractions.'

Studying part time

'I applied for the course after seeing it advertised in TARGETjobs Hospitality, Leisure & Tourism. I’m studying part time and funding the course myself so I attend lectures and seminars one day a week and work full time the rest of the week. The work on my course includes essays, reports and presentations and I will have a dissertation to write at the end of it.'

Best and worst

'It’s great gaining a deeper insight into the industry I’m working in. I also appreciate studying much more after having had a few years of experience in the workplace rather than going straight into it. Managing my time can be difficult though – it’s sometimes hard to find the energy to study after a long day at work.'

Top tips

'If you have the opportunity to do postgraduate study and want to do it then I’d say go for it – it’s very rewarding and it will benefit you in your future career.'

Dawn Edgington is admissions manager at Legoland Windsor. She has a BA in travel and tourism management from Norwich City College and is studying for an MA in tourism management (visitor attractions) from the University of Wolverhampton.