From graduate to gown guru: The NTU alum who knows the secret to looking great on your big day
NTU’s December graduation ceremonies are just around the corner. They are a time for celebration, reflection, and to look your absolute best.
By John Anderson | Published on 29 November 2023
Categories: Alumni;
We reckon there's no better time to catch up with Dominic Chandler. The BA (Hons) Business Management and Marketing alum knows a thing or two about graduation ceremonies – and is keen to help make yours one to remember.
Q: Tell us about your role
A: I’m the Client Success Manager for Evess Group. We handle the gowning contracts for 13 UK universities – including NTU. My current day is varied and involves managing everything from booking systems, to overseeing our customer service team. They help students choose the right gown, arrange photography, and ensure their big day is as memorable as possible.
Q: What attracted you to this field of work?
A: That’s quite a story! It all began when I was a sixth-form student looking for a summer job. I cheekily approached the director of Evess who gave me my first taste of the industry. This all happened before I started my studies at NTU. After finishing my sandwich course, which included a placement year, I wanted to put what I’d learned into practice. I returned to Evess and that’s when things really took off.
Q: Career highlights so far?
A: Where to start! A major one was co-managing the first virtual graduation in the UK during COVID, after supporting the development of an online booking platform.
Q: Tell us about your time at NTU
A: I have very fond memories! One of the most useful things I gained from my course was learning about the art of management. I applied this to everything including organising trips for the NTU Wakeboard and Waterski team. I’ll also never forget performing a solo on the tenor saxophone for the NTU Big Band at the National Concert Band Festival. I don’t need to tell you that NTU is an epic university!
Q: What was your own graduation day like?
A: Mine took place at the Royal Concert Hall in the blazing July sun. In truth, it was a whirlwind! I’d spent four years of my life with these people, and it felt so important to be there celebrating with them all. I’ll never forget walking across the stage as they read out my name and hearing cheers from the crowd.
Q: Seeing it from both sides, what’s the most important thing to get right on graduation day?
A: These days, when I manage graduations, I remember my own day and think, how would I want to be treated after all my hard work and achievements? From the moment you walk through those doors to the moment you leave the campus, it should feel like a celebration. That’s how it felt during my graduation at NTU, and that’s what I aim for every time.
Q: You’re the expert – please share your top tips for the perfect graduation!
A: Get everything booked well in advance! Complete your gown hire and photography as soon as you can, arrange your travel and accommodation, and have a look at the advice the online advice from the NTU graduation team. The sooner you complete all of the above, the sooner you can relax and focus on the important bit – celebrating your achievement!
Proud to be NTU
Whether you're about to graduate, or did so years ago, there's no better time to connect with the NTU alumni community. With more than a quarter of a million members, it reaches around the world and into every industry you can imagine. Whether you’re looking to find old friends, give something back, or want to take advantage of our range of alumni benefits, we’re still here for you.