While studying on UCFB’s BA (Hons) Football & Finance programme, Karl White immersed himself in the world of sport. From working for the FA to helping out at the EURO’s semi-final and final last year, he gained a wealth of experience, setting himself up perfectly for a full-time role upon graduation.

Here, Karl fills us in on his job at Arsenal FC and why working in football is incomparable to any other industry…

Tell us about your role as Premium Sales Executive at Arsenal FC and what it involves.

My role at Arsenal FC involves generating new business and delivering the sales of club level season tickets, Premium and regular seasonal dining and match by match hospitality for both personal and corporate use.

What’s the best thing about working for a Premier League club?

Working for a Premier League club is great. The best part has to be the variety of people you get to deal with on a daily basis. With it being the biggest league it has a global fanbase, meaning you speak with people from all around the world, which is always interesting.

What have you brought into the role from your BA (Hons) Football Business & Finance degree?

The skills and knowledge I gained throughout my degree definitely help me on a daily basis. The one that always stands out has to be the knowledge that I gained around the fan loyalty module. Having a strong understanding of this has undeniably helped me throughout my time here.

During your degree, you secured work placements at The FA and Luton Town FC. How important do you think these were in landing your current job?

One of the first things that became apparent during my time at UCFB is how crucial gaining experience is for your career. My time with The FA and Luton Town FC allowed me to work across different sectors, helping me find where I excelled. This ultimately led to me knowing exactly what role I wanted once I graduated and having relevant experience which increased my chances of getting a job.

What were some of your personal highlights from your time at UCFB outside of your studies?

During my time at UCFB, I was able to work on some great events, despite studying during the heart of the pandemic. Working at Wembley allowed me to work on England games, domestic finals, and concerts. The one that stands out is definitely the Euro’s - being able to work on the semi-final and final is something that I will never forget.

Why do you love football?

I feel as though it is hard to put into words. Football is something that allows millions of people from all backgrounds to have a common interest. Now that I work in football, I can see first-hand the impact it has on so many lives.

What advice do you have for anyone thinking of studying at UCFB?

If you are willing to work hard and be proactive, UCFB will give you the experience and knowledge to be successful. I always say that your degree can get you the interview, but it will be your experience that will get you the job. UCFB has great opportunities to gain experience, however you must be proactive outside of this to make you stand out against other students.