Nurturing Talent: CloserStill Media's Graduate Bootcamp Journey
CloserStill launched the Graduate Bootcamp iIn 2021 amid the uncertainties of the pandemic. This initiative aimed to provide recent graduates with invaluable hands-on experience in the dynamic events industry and an opportunity to understand CloserStill Media as a company and the events that we run, alongside guidance on their career development. Mentored by seasoned professionals across various departments, including Marketing, Operations and Telemarketing, the Bootcamp offered a unique opportunity for aspiring event professionals to gain practical skills regardless of previous experience or degree.
Programme creator and CloserStill’s CMO Alexia Maycock reflected, “In the past four years, we’ve had the incredible privilege of welcoming 46 outstanding individuals into our Bootcamp programme. With an impressive 78-80% of graduates securing permanent positions at CloserStill Media, this initiative is truly transforming potential into permanency. What’s even more inspiring is that 14 alumni have been with us for over two years, a testament to the lasting impact and long-term success that this programme fosters. We’re not just developing talent; we’re securing the future of the industry."
The Bootcamp has not only served as a stepping stone for graduates' careers but has also contributed to the growth and success of CloserStill Media. Bootcamp alumni have gone on to achieve impressive milestones, with many now assuming manager roles and making significant contributions to our organisation through their achievements:
- Woubet Mekonnen (2021) is now a Senior Conference Producer and is about to start managing a new Bootcamper who has joined her team.
- Hattie Fawcett (2021) has excelled as a Marketing CRM Manager, and is also taking on a mentoring role
- Emily Quinton & Hannah True (2021) are both Senior Marketing. Hannah True won the Best Newcomer at the 2023 EN Awards.
- Kevin Alfred (2022) has been promoted as a Sales Executive onto the London Vet Show team.
- Molly Benson (2023) has secured a promotion to Content Producer in less than a year of being employed.
- Ahmed Almubarak (2021) works purely with onboarding acquisitions onto our digital platforms and won Digital Marketer of the Year at this year’s EN Marketing Awards..
Programme manager Joe Leadley said, “This year, we are particularly proud to announce that 9 out of 10 graduates have secured permanent positions at CloserStill Media. This exceptional rate of placement underscores the programme's ability to provide graduates with the skills and opportunities they need to thrive in the events industry.”
2024 graduates have shared their positive experiences. As Lily noted, "The graduate bootcamp at CloserStill Media offers an insightful and engaging experience across these key departments. The program has been eye-opening, providing a wealth of skills and knowledge." Another graduate commented, "I have found that it's been invaluable to gain a better understanding of where my skills lie and the tasks that I enjoy most, which is something I'll be able to use throughout my career."
The list of 2024 Bootcamp placements:
- Finley Matthews – Junior Content Producer, EU Tech Portfolio
- Emily Mace – Marketing Assistant, US Vet
- Leigh Campbell – Operations Coordinator
- Lily Gessey – Speaker Liaison Coordinator
- Leo Barrios Gomez – Marketing CRM Assistant
- Vicky Ware – Digital Marketing Assistant
- Latoya Cardoza – Delegate Relationship Executive
- Lora Naydenova – Delegate Relationship Executive
- CJ Morvany – Delegate Relationship Executive
For more information, please visit: https://careers.closerstillmedia.com/
Press Contact: Rachel Kilmartin, Senior Communications Manager,