Investing in future talent: Emota’s undergraduate placement year programme

Author:

Helen Capelin, Director, Talent Acquisition

At Emota, we believe the future of our industry depends on the people coming into it. Investing in emerging talent isn’t just important, it’s essential.

That belief sits at the heart of our undergraduate placement year programme. Designed for Event Management students across UK universities, the scheme offers a meaningful, hands-on introduction to life in the events industry. It gives students the opportunity to step beyond the classroom and into a fast-paced, real-world environment.

Running for 13 months from June each year, the programme is a fully paid placement that places students directly into our teams from day one. This isn’t a traditional shadowing experience. Our placement students are active contributors. They support live projects, collaborate with colleagues across the business and, in all cases, spend time on-site helping to deliver meetings and events.

From logistics and planning through to on-site delivery, students gain exposure to the full event lifecycle. It’s a chance to build confidence, develop practical skills and understand what it really takes to deliver high-quality experiences for clients. Just as importantly, it allows them to build relationships, learn from experienced professionals and start forming the networks that will support their future careers.

A Day in Manchester: Finding the right fit

As part of this year’s recruitment process, shortlisted candidates were invited to our Manchester office for an in-person assessment day.

We designed the day to be as much about showcasing Emota as it was about assessing potential. Alongside individual presentations, group problem-solving exercises and IT-based tasks, candidates had the opportunity to experience our culture first-hand.

They met members of the wider team, heard directly from our current placement students about their experiences and took part in open conversations about what it’s really like to work in the events industry.

The energy throughout the day was clear to see. Candidates brought creativity, curiosity and enthusiasm in equal measure, reinforcing just how much exciting talent is entering the industry.

Welcoming our 2026 cohort

Following a highly competitive selection process, we are delighted to be welcoming three outstanding candidates to Emota this June:

• Eleanor Crowly, Liverpool John Moores University
• Josie Bailey, Manchester Metropolitan University
• Lorrie Anderson, Leeds Beckett University

Each of them demonstrated not only strong academic foundations, but also the attitude, curiosity and collaborative mindset that are so important in our industry.

We’re looking forward to welcoming them into the business, supporting them as they settle into their teams and helping them make the most of every opportunity the placement offers.

A programme that builds careers

Since launching the placement year scheme in 2012, we have welcomed 41 undergraduate students into Emota. What’s particularly rewarding is how many of those individuals have chosen to return to us after completing their degrees.

For those who do come back, the programme often marks the start of a long-term career with Emota. Every returning graduate has been promoted at least once, with the majority progressing through multiple roles. Many now lead their own teams within the business.

This progression reflects both the capability of the individuals and the strength of the foundation they build during their placement year. By the time they return as graduates, they already understand our business, our culture and the expectations of the industry, which allows them to develop quickly and confidently.

Why it matters

Placement years play a vital role in bridging the gap between education and industry. They give students the opportunity to test their skills in a real-world setting, build confidence in their abilities and gain clarity on the direction they want their careers to take.

At Emota, we see these placements as more than just a year in industry. They are an opportunity to create meaningful experiences, build lasting professional relationships and, in many cases, form friendships that extend well beyond the workplace.

We are incredibly proud of the achievements of our placement students, both past and present, and of the role the programme plays in supporting the next generation of event professionals.

As we look ahead, we’re excited to see what our 2026 cohort will achieve, the ideas they will bring and the impact they will make as part of the Emota team.