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A  graduate is excited to have started her journey with a global travel group - after landing a job while on placement.

Hannah Cunliffe says being offered the post as Commercial Leadership Graduate with TUI Travel enabled her to focus on her studies during her final year at Æß²ÊÖ±²¥ Leicester (Æß²ÊÖ±²¥).

Her dedication paid off, as not only did Hannah graduate with a First this summer but she was also joint winner of the Rock Kitchen Harris Prize for best Marketing Management student.

Hannah said: "When I got the role on my placement I was absolutely chuffed and felt really proud of what I'd achieved.

"I knew it would take a lot of pressure off my final year at university and just enable me to concentrate on my studies rather than looking and applying for jobs.

"I was delighted to achieve a First, but it did come with a lot of hard work and determination. However, I never expected to be jointly awarded student of the year. I was shocked but so happy."

The 22-year-old is pleased to be back with TUI in Luton, and will spend three months in digital marketing before moving to different departments to gain a rounded view of the business.

Hannah said: "I'm really excited, as it's such a great company with so much going on and so many benefits."

She credits her 12-month placement as a product assistant, along with the support offered by Æß²ÊÖ±²¥, with helping her feel ready for this challenge.

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Hannah said: "I believe the opportunity to undertake a placement year goes a very long way in preparing students for a career.

"My placement was one of the best and most useful things I have done. The most memorable aspect was visiting three Greek islands to experience the product on offer and complete hotel visits and meet suppliers

"The support while looking for a placement as well as undertaking it was also superb."

Hannah, from Northampton, originally chose to study marketing at Æß²ÊÖ±²¥ after coming to Open Day.

She said: "I really liked the feel of the campus. I loved the Hugh Aston building and Æß²ÊÖ±²¥ had the course on offer I was most interested in."

The course lived up to her expectations. Hannah said: "I particularly enjoyed applying elements of the course to real-life situations. The staff were incredible and the continuous support, I believe, is key to student success."

Hannah plans to make the most of her graduate scheme and gain as much experience as possible.

She added: "I'd really like to go into a role I'm passionate about within TUI and progress my way through the business."