UCFB BA (Hons) Sports Business and Coaching student, Christopher Abbott, was lucky enough to obtain some valuable work experience at this year’s Ulster Grand Prix event in Northern Ireland.
The Ulster Grand Prix is the world’s fastest road race, with speeds of up to 200mph. The race takes place at the 7.4 mile Dundrod Circuit, made up entirely of closed-off public roads near Belfast. Annually the event attracts over 50,000 spectators as the fans turn out to watch some of the world’s best motorbike riders compete.
Asked how the opportunity to work at this year’s event arose, Christopher said: “During my first year at UCFB I took it upon myself to try and find some work experience. I contacted a friend of mine, Geoff Wilson, who has worked for many sports organisations such as FIFA and UEFA. He introduced me to working at this year’s Ulster Grand Prix.”
Christopher was granted a whole host of different responsibilities as he helped out with the social media and marketing of this year’s Ulster Grand Prix event. Some of his on-the-day duties included running the UGP snapchat account, managing the podium presentations after the race and managing Q radio’s outside broadcast of the event.
Christopher went on to speak of how UCFB encouraged him to put himself out there and search for work experience that would help him with his degree and career aspirations.
He said: “Listening to a lot of the guest speakers and the lecturers made me more aware of how important work experience is. Getting yourself out there into the field gives you a better understanding of how it works and of what it takes to be successful in the sporting industry.”
Speaking about his time at the Ulster Grand Prix, Christopher added: “It was a fantastic experience which I truly loved and enjoyed every minute of. Hopefully I will get the chance to go back to the event in the coming years.”
