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Laura Farrell, a BA Events and International Festivals Management graduate from UWTSD, has combined her love for events and the outdoors to make a career for herself. Now working for PGL Travel in Australia in a position she once dreamed of, she inspires young people to embrace outdoor adventure. She credits her degree with helping her shape experiences - for herself and others- that make a difference.

Laura, who graduated in 2022, has always had a passion for bringing people together through impactful experiences. Events Management provided the perfect avenue to turn this passion into a career, leading her to UWTSD for its strong reputation in the field as well as its emphasis on practical learning and global opportunities.

When it came time for her placement module on her course, Laura saw it as a chance to gain hands-on experience and apply her skills in a real-world environment. She sought a role that would challenge and inspire her while broadening her expertise. Her opportunity came during placement seminars where she learned about PGL Activity Centres that offer educational experiences in the outdoors for young people.

Laura said: “This was a dream come true for me! I had always wanted to work in the outdoors with children, and PGL’s ethos of enriching young lives through outdoor education aligned with my personal goals. Since the structured programmes they offered were considered as ‘events’, this opportunity fitted perfectly with my degree. It was a great match, and I needed no convincing to apply.”

When the global pandemic hit in 2020 while Laura was on placement, her adventure at PGL was cut short, though this didn’t stop her persevering in her education and gaining a first-class degree. 

While waiting for the events industry to recover from the hit of the pandemic, she excelled in a career in hospitality, gaining promotions in various restaurants around Swansea. Although Laura thrived in this area, she had an urge to travel, and in early 2024, she made the decision to pack her bags and make the bold move to Sydney, Australia in search of new opportunities. 

Navigating the challenges of building a new life abroad, she found herself thinking back to the positive experiences she’d had with PGL so began searching for similar opportunities. To her surprise and excitement, she discovered that PGL had centres in Australia.

Laura said: “I was overwhelmed with happiness when I learned there were PGL centres here. It was a chance to finally achieve what I had set out to do during my time at UWTSD – to travel, work in outdoor education, and inspire young people.”

With her experience and qualifications, it wasn’t long before she secured her new role at PGL’s Campaspe Downs Centre in Victoria. She now spends her days leading outdoor activities, fostering experiential learning. 

She said: “At PGL, I run small-scale events focused around outdoor education to schools and community groups, leading activities like abseiling, rock climbing and orienteering. I help children step beyond their indoor comfort zones, contributing to their growth and development. Many have never faced such challenges before, and it’s incredibly rewarding to guide them - whether conquering fears or learning to trust their equipment.

“My studies at UWTSD reinforced how impactful events can be in shaping people’s experiences – for children especially, who will carry these memories for a lifetime. This is something I reflect on daily in my role with PGL, knowing that each session has the potential to leave a lasting impact.”

By embracing the opportunities presented to her, both through her course and her own proactive efforts, Laura was able to transform challenges into stepping stones toward her dream career. Her story shows the wide range of possibilities available to graduates and the global reach of their skills and qualifications, showcasing how perseverance and real-world experiences can open doors across industries and borders.

Further Information

Mared Anthony

Communications and PR Officer: Alumni Relations   
Corporate Communications and PR    
Email: mared.anthony@uwtsd.ac.uk    
Phone: +447482256996