UWTSD graduate Nia Moores celebrates first-class degree after seizing opportunities around the world
From organising a record-breaking industry conference to working at world-famous theme parks in Florida and preparing for an event at the House of Commons, Nia Moores has packed more into her three years at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) than she ever imagined.
The 22-year-old from Aberdare is graduating today with a First-Class Honours degree in Events and International Festival Management, reflecting on a university journey that transformed both her confidence and her career prospects.
Nia began her university journey elsewhere but quickly realised it wasn’t the right fit.
“I originally went to a different university to study the same degree, but I didn’t feel I was reaching my full potential,” said Nia. “Making the decision to leave was difficult, but it led me to UWTSD, and it turned out to be the best decision I could have made.”
Having grown up attending concerts and coming from a background in both music and business, Nia brought a different perspective to the course.
“I’ve always loved live events, so I knew this was the industry I wanted to work in. What really attracted me to UWTSD was the range of placement opportunities. When I attended my first open day, I saw the photos and videos of previous students’ experiences before the presentation had even started, and I knew this was where I wanted to study.”
Before joining the University, Nia had even attended the first-ever ITT Future You Conference as a prospective student. Inspired by what she saw, she set herself an ambitious goal.
“I remember thinking that one day I wanted to be one of the students organising the conference.”
That ambition became reality during her studies, when she helped lead the record-breaking ITT Future You Conference, an experience she describes as the highlight of her degree.
“It opened so many doors for me and made me realise what I’m capable of.”
Nia also embraced opportunities beyond the classroom. During her first year, she was the only student in her cohort to complete an overseas placement.
“It was daunting because I was away from home and didn’t have anyone to share the experience with at first. But it gave me so much confidence, and later I loved encouraging other students to step outside their comfort zones and take similar opportunities.”
Her degree has taken her across the world, including two summers working in theme parks in Florida with Yummy Jobs, experiences that helped her grow both personally and professionally.
“I became a local, worked full-time, met incredible people, and made friends from all over the world. I learnt so much about the industry, but also about myself.”
Alongside her studies, Nia has built an impressive CV, working with Swansea Building Society Arena, Celtic Manor Resort and AU Vodka. She began volunteering at the Arena before progressing to become a VIP Lounge Host, working at a wide range of live events.
Although she is proud of her practical experience, Nia admits that academic study did not always come naturally.
“I’ve never considered myself the strongest academically, and at the beginning I put a lot of pressure on myself. I spent hours in the library trying to produce the best work I could. Coming from a different educational background meant I had to work hard to build my knowledge, but my classmates and lecturers were incredibly supportive. We helped each other through the challenging moments.
“If someone had told me in my first year that I’d graduate with a first, I wouldn’t have believed them.”
For Nia, the friendships she built throughout her time at UWTSD have been just as important as the professional opportunities.
“We spent so much time together, whether working on events or travelling, including our trip to Malaysia. Those friendships made the long days worthwhile and have become one of the biggest highlights of my university experience.”
More recently, Nia attended the ITT Annual Conference in Malaga after being selected to represent Future You, giving her the opportunity to network with industry leaders.
“If I hadn’t been involved with Future You, I would never have had that opportunity. It was an amazing experience and showed me how many doors this course has opened.”
Looking ahead, Nia is preparing to work at an event in the House of Commons as she begins her career in the events industry.
“My goal now is to find a role that I genuinely love and continue building a career in events. UWTSD has shaped me both personally and professionally, and it’s given me opportunities I never imagined possible.”
She has one piece of advice for future students.
“Take every opportunity you’re offered. You never know where it might lead. The lecturers are there to support you every step of the way, and the experiences you gain outside the classroom are just as valuable as what you learn in it.”
Further Information
Rebecca Davies
Executive Press and Media Relations Officer
Corporate Communications and PR
Email: rebecca.davies@uwtsd.ac.uk
Phone: 07384 467071