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Æß²ÊÖ±²¥ Business Management with Finance graduate Josh Smith is working as part of a team to deliver the 2024 Brew Beat Festival in Leicester.  

The festival will be held between Friday 30 August and Sunday 1 September 2024 in Jubilee Square.  

Æß²ÊÖ±²¥ connections 

Josh was recommended to study at Æß²ÊÖ±²¥ by family members. His parents had both studied at the university previously, his mother having started her degree at the age of 30 whilst Josh was a teenager.  Josh proudly attended his mum’s graduation ceremony at the Curve theatre, Leicester, where he would go on to graduate himself several years later.  

After starting at Æß²ÊÖ±²¥, Josh found it was a good fit for him. 

“Æß²ÊÖ±²¥ was the perfect place for me to complete my degree, both in lectures and seminars, but also through its location in Leicester.” 

“I loved getting to meet a wide range of students from different backgrounds and cultures. Æß²ÊÖ±²¥ is a great, accepting place for all, and it’s nice to see that reflected in the students and societies”, Josh said.  

Whilst studying at Æß²ÊÖ±²¥, Josh identified an opportunity to work at a start-up in the city. During his self-initiated placement Josh took the brand into print publications and event shows, gaining key employability skills.  

After completing his degree, Josh was able to relive a key milestone in his life, graduating at the Curve theatre, where he had witnessed his mother graduating as a teenager.  

Entering a world of creativity 

Josh went on to work across a range of small and medium enterprises in Leicester, focusing on sales and growth. After seeing a role with Leicester-based Arch Creative in a Æß²ÊÖ±²¥ job opportunities email, Josh successfully applied for the position as Accounts Executive.  

Arch Creative is an independent design studio based in Leicester’s cultural quarter, whose clients have included huge brands such as the NHS, the BBC, and IKEA. The company also employs other Æß²ÊÖ±²¥ graduates and has a proud history of recruiting recent graduates.  

As part of his role at Arch Creative, Josh has worked to bring a number of creative projects to life, most recently the Brew Beat festival.  

In the heart of the city 

First hosted in 2021, Brew Beat is a free craft beer and music festival hosted in Jubilee Square near Æß²ÊÖ±²¥’s campus. Visitors can purchase craft beers, cocktails, and street food from vendors on site. 

Musical acts for the festival are coordinated by Leicester based company HQ with both local acts, and some from further away. It will provide a platform for acts to showcase their talents, as well as showcase the city itself.  

13 Æß²ÊÖ±²¥ graduates have worked on delivering the festival across multiple organisations.  

A bright future 

Josh’s hard work and obtaining work experience during his degree were key elements to his success after graduating.  

His advice to current students is: “Don't stress about what you want to do too much and be willing to try new things. University is a great stepping stone to set you up for the working world. Get experience and learn what you enjoy doing on a daily basis and what roles you really don't enjoy.”   

From Æß²ÊÖ±²¥ student, to bringing a festival to the heart of Leicester, Josh’s career continues to go from strength to strength. Setting his direction during his degree, getting involved in opportunities, and working hard has ensured that Josh’s career will continue to go from strength to strength.