Lauren O'Brien
My Graduate Story
My name is Lauren and I complete a BA in Music at the University of Birmingham.
I am currently working as a Supporter Engagement Executive at the Natural History Museum to market the amazing membership programme they have, encouraging more people to enjoy the museum and become advocates for the planet. After studying music and doing social media work for the Uni cycling team, I wanted to keep the creativity there and went on to work in marketing. I have previously worked at music venues like the Royal Albert Hall and Philharmonia Orchestra.
A Day in my Life
Working at the iconic venue is a dream every day. My day mainly consists of finding more ways for not only current members to get the most of their memberships, but also creating acquisition campaigns to encourage more people to become members of the Museum. This is both out of house materials and digital campaigns.
My Journey to The Natural History Museum
Well I actually had a really rough start when I moved to the Uni - I packed my bags within 12 hours and was back in Yorkshire. So never in a million years would I have then thought three years later I'd be moving to London. It was the experience of Uni that really made that possible. I received some support from the student union, and someone came to visit me once a week for those first few months which really helped. It makes me feel a bit emotional again thinking about it because it was really hard but I wouldn't be working at the Natural History Museum today without that experience and the support I received. I started with internships and secured one in London starting a week after my graduation so it all happened really quickly. It was stressful finding something for when the internship ended but that internship helped me secure the role at the Philharmonia right after it finished and I guess the rest is history!
My Birmingham Experience
The course itself really helped me hone my passion for music and it did make me realise I wanted to keep focusing on music and see where it took me! The fact that music was regarded as an important subject. Two concert halls and right in the middle of campus, it felt important. The topics were so varied and the chance to do a recital as a dissertation was such a great idea, or a composition!
Birmingham's Impact
No one really mentioned arts marketing to me but going to the career talks helped me get an idea of various companies such as music agencies, which is where my first internship came from!
My Achievements
My end of year recital. I'm not the best singer in the world but having the chance to sing in front of all my family and friends who came down from Yorkshire was really special. I never thought I could do that.
Advice for Students
Don't panic about getting a job or internship asap. I was surrounded by so many people worrying about getting something quickly. Focus on completing your degree and looking around at what is out there, and it will all work out when it needs to.