Graduate to Executive, Sammie is going from strength to strength at the DCC!

This week is National Careers Week, and what a better way to celebrate than to share the successes of our most recent graduate placement, Sammie.

As an organisation the Derby Conference Centre have been working with the University of Derby, for several years, to offer yearlong placements for university students as part of their studies. The Centre has welcomed students from courses such as Events and Hospitality Management over the years, helping support students and Graduates with their education and career planning.

During the pandemic we continued the support by accepting Samantha O’Neill onto a 1 Year student placement within our Sales & Marketing team, who then went on to secure a full-time role as Conference & Events Sales Executive/Marketing Co-ordinator here at the DCC.

Now, 6 months into her new role, Sammie has settled in and is now responsible for in house events such as our renowned monthly Derby Comedy Club, all of our marketing activities and has also taken on a range of meetings, conferences, and events for a range of clients. Throughout her role, a large focus has been expanding our Free Events Membership, which now has over 700 members!

When speaking with Sammie, she said, “Moving from an internship, my role has developed to have a lot more responsibility. The DCC continues to allow me to develop my skills and learn about a recovering industry throughout my new role. I enjoy the range of people I get to meet and work with, whether that be clients, delegates at the conference centre, or attendees at our events – no day is ever the same!”

The conference centre is a great venue for students to learn as there is so much opportunity and variety across the whole business. Being a multi-purpose venue, the DCC holds weddings for up to 200 people, as well as over 100 events a year, alongside conferences and meetings, as well as having on-site office space and hotel.

Sales and Conference Office Manager, Jessica Wood, says “Sammie has grown and developed her skills from starting as a student with us, she has always been enthusiastic and keen to learn, taking everything in her stride. I’m looking forward to continue to work with Sammie and with future placement students we have”.