We’ve done lots of blog posts which detail university life – but what about after people graduate? We have decided to do an interview series to give our readers an insight into what paths can be taken after the course. Our graduates have gone on to do some amazing things, so it’s only right that we celebrate their achievements! For the third and final post we interviewed 5 graduates. Enjoy!
#1: Froso Demetriou
Quick Facts
Age: 23
Where are you living? South Yorkshire
Are you from a therapist background? Yes
Course title: BSc (Hons) International Spa Management
What year did you graduate in? 2016
What did you do before you attended university?
I did beauty therapy at college.
What is it about the spa and wellness industry that interests you?
The holistic aspect - the use of old therapies for health benefits.
What drove you to apply for the course?
The management aspects along side practical.
How did you find the course?
There was a lot of information about the industry which was very interesting and useful for future use.
What was your highlight over the 3 years?
The small classes - it was easy to make friends. Also networking and speaking with potential employers.
What are you doing now?
I'm a Head Therapist in a hotel spa.
------------------------------------------
#2: Chantelle Whitham
Quick Facts
Age: 23
Where are you living? Rotherham, South Yorkshire
Are you from a therapist background? Yes
Course titles: BSc (Hons) International Spa Management/MSc Marketing Management
What year did you graduate in? 2017
What did you do before you attended university?
I was at college studying level 2 and 3 Beauty Therapy and working in a beauty salon as well as caring for the elderly on night shifts.
What is it about the spa and wellness industry that interests you?
I love the spa industry because it is always growing and developing, it's never boring and I love meeting new people and making them feel good!
What drove you to apply for the course?
I studied A-Levels so I wanted to go to uni but I didn’t think there was a course in the beauty industry, then my beauty therapy lecturer told me about the course and encouraged me to apply.
How did you find the course?
I loved the spa management course as it gave me so many transferable skills for the industry.
What was your highlight over the 3 years?
My highlight was moving to Buxton in my third year, I wish I had moved sooner!! I also enjoyed training in Elemis and going on trips.
What are you doing now?
I’m studying a masters degree in Marketing Management and working self employed in a beauty salon.
------------------------------------------
#3: Gemma Hartey
Quick Facts
Age: 22
Where are you living? Spain
Are you from a therapist background? Yes
Course title: FdSc International Spa Management (Foundation)
What year did you graduate in? 2017
What did you do before you attended university?
Before attending university I previously studied the spa industry, starting when I was in school at GCSE level. I completed level 1 over two years of school. I left school and spent two years in college. I then studied level 2 and specialised in level 3 massage. I was also working within the industry whilst studying.
What is it about the spa and wellness industry that interests you?
I love the spa industry because there is always something new to learn! The guests teach you so much, it is also very rewarding.
What drove you to apply for the course?
A college tutor told me to apply for the university course... so I did!
How did you find the course?
I enjoyed my 2 years of uni. I made some memories that I’ll treasure and some friends for life.
What was your highlight over the 2 years?
Highlights have to be the practical lessons... never a dull one! Also working in the spa.
What are you doing now?
I'm currently working for a world leading spa in Spain - seasonal from March till November.
------------------------------------------
#4: Aimee-May Webb
Quick Facts
Where are you living? Kent
Are you from a therapist background? No
Course title: BSc (Hons) International Spa Management
What year did you graduate in? 2017
What did you do before you attended university?
I started studying at university straight from sixth form where I studied Maths, Business, Health and Social Care, and Media.
What is it about the spa and wellness industry that interests you?
I have always had a particular interest in the benefits associated with spa and wellness treatments, and how the popularity of beauty treatments has evolved over the years.
What drove you to apply for the course?
I originally looked into applying for business undergraduate courses and happened to come across this course. I applied for the course as I thought it was a fun and clever way to incorporate business knowledge whilst applying it to a real world business situation.
How did you find the course?
Coming from a non-therapist background I found my initial year really crucial in learning a lot of basic spa related knowledge. Studying around the topic really helped me to love the industry and I enjoyed the course hugely.
What was your highlight over the 3 years?
The trips to Center Parcs and Champneys were really fun, and allowed us to understand the spa industry from a consumer view rather than a therapist or management view. I also really enjoyed the spa conferences that were hosted each year as they introduced new products and ideas from the industry.
What are you doing now?
I am currently working within a finance role whilst studying my Masters in Business Administration at Canterbury Christ Church University.
------------------------------------------
#5: Natasha Stanbury
Quick Facts
Age: 25
Where are you living? Devon
Are you from a therapist background? Yes
Course title: BSc (Hons) International Spa Management
What year did you graduate in? 2016
What did you do before you attended university?
I was at Exeter college studying beauty.
What is it about the spa and wellness industry that interests you?
Making clients feel great about themselves and educating clients on the importance of looking after oneself.
What drove you to apply for the course?
To get the best qualification in the spa industry out there!
How did you find the course?
Amazing, I would do it again in a heartbeat.
What was your highlight over the 3 years?
Working for Elemis, the UK's largest skincare brand.
What are you doing now?
I'm in the early stages of designing my own day spa.
------------------------------------------
Thanks to Froso, Chantelle, Gemma, Aimee-May and Natasha for their responses!
The Spa and Wellness Blog