UCFB graduate Minnie Roe recently shared her journey in the latest episode of the institution’s ‘In The Hotseat’ podcast, reflecting on how her academic and practical experiences at UCFB propelled her career in sports. Minnie completed her MSc in Football Communications and Digital Marketing, a postgraduate degree designed to prepare students for senior roles within media and marketing departments of football and sports organisations. She currently works as a partnerships executive at Premier Sports Network, having previously spent three seasons with Fulham FC.

Reflecting on her time at UCFB, Minnie highlighted the university’s unique balance between study and practical experience, noting that her course schedule, which involved full days on campus only on Mondays and Tuesdays, allowed her ample time to work on assignments while also pursuing additional industry-related opportunities. “There’s a lot of talk at UCFB about extra-curricular, volunteering, gaining experience anywhere you can, and I really took that on,” she said. This approach of combining academic learning with real-world experience is a core part of UCFB's ethos, aimed at giving students a competitive edge in the sports sector.

Minnie also spoke warmly about the community she found during her studies, underscoring the importance of building a network with like-minded individuals. “Some of my best friends are friends I made on my Master’s course,” she remarked. The group of close-knit peers collaborated on projects and shared a common passion for sports, many going on to forge successful careers within the industry. This networking aspect is further bolstered by UCFB’s emphasis on alumni engagement and extracurricular events such as the Inspirational Women in Sport series, which brings successful graduates back to mentor and inspire current students.

Her career trajectory, moving from a Commercial Sales Executive role at Fulham FC—where she was involved in selling matchday and seasonal hospitality packages and working operational matchdays—to her current position, illustrates the practical application of the skills and knowledge she gained during her studies. Fulham’s status as a Premier League club provided a rewarding environment, complementing the learning experience she had at UCFB’s Wembley campus, a location Minnie notes as iconic.

UCFB’s commitment to supporting students’ careers is evident in its reported statistics, with over 90% of graduates securing employment within six months of finishing their degrees. Graduates have gone on to roles across Premier League clubs, governing bodies, and community football organisations worldwide, showcasing the effectiveness of UCFB’s tailored degree programmes aimed at integrating academic theory with industry practice.

In mentoring prospective students considering postgraduate study, Minnie is unequivocal: she “would 100 per cent recommend going for it,” highlighting the unmatched networking opportunities, the supportive environment, and the extra-curricular activities offered both at the Wembley and Manchester campuses. Her story exemplifies how UCFB's distinctive approach and strong industry links serve to bridge the gap between education and the professional sports industry.

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Source: Noah Wire Services