Prerona
Chatterjee

What inspired you to choose Nottingham Business School and your course?

I chose Nottingham Business School because of its strong reputation for industry-focused learning and its emphasis on real-world applications. What really inspired me was the School’s approach to blending academic knowledge with practical experience, something that aligns perfectly with my own journey of working in events, marketing, and entertainment for over two decades.

My course stood out to me because it offers exactly what I was looking for: a deeper understanding of digital marketing, consumer behaviour and strategy – skills that are essential today, whether you’re building a brand, managing clients, or growing as an entrepreneur. I wanted a programme that wasn’t just theoretical but would help me apply these skills immediately in the real world, and NBS provides that through live projects, industry collaborations, and its strong support for creative thinking.

For me, studying at NBS wasn’t just an academic choice; it was a strategic decision to refine and elevate the skills I’ve built over 20 years in the events and entertainment industry. I wanted a place that encourages innovation, leadership, and purpose, and Nottingham Business School felt like the right environment to grow both personally and professionally.

What aspect of Nottingham Business School stood out to you during your decision-making process?

What really stood out to me about Nottingham Business School was its strong focus on experiential learning and industry relevance. I wasn’t looking for a university that only teaches theory; I wanted a place where I could apply what I learned directly to real-world scenarios.

NBS stood out because of its integration of live client projects, its close collaborations with industry partners, and the opportunity to engage in practical, hands-on work throughout the course. As someone with over 20 years of experience in events and entertainment, I wanted a business school that values professional experience and encourages students to bring their industry insights into the classroom.

I was also impressed by the School’s commitment to responsible and ethical business practices. Their emphasis on leadership, sustainability, and creating positive impact resonated with me because my long-term goal is to build something meaningful, whether it’s in the food, entertainment, or creative industries. NBS felt like the right environment that not only supports academic growth but also inspires personal and entrepreneurial development.

What was your favourite aspect of your course and why?

My favourite aspect of my course was the practical, real-world application of digital marketing concepts. I really enjoyed how every module encouraged us to take theory and immediately connect it to real business scenarios, especially through case studies, live projects, and hands-on assignments.

Coming from a background in events, entertainment, and client relations, I thrive in environments where I can apply ideas creatively, and this course allowed exactly that. I particularly loved the research and consumer insight components because they helped me understand how people think, behave, and make decisions. It sharpened my ability to design strategies that truly connect with audiences, whether in hospitality, events, or digital spaces.

This practical focus gave me clarity, confidence, and a toolkit I can use instantly in professional settings, which is why it stood out as the best part of my learning experience.

Could you tell us a bit about your placement experience and how it supported your professional development?

My placement experience has been incredibly valuable for my professional development. I currently work in Radisson Red, London Twickenham, assisting guests and supporting high-pressure match day operations. This role gave me hands-on experience in delivering premium customer service, managing VIP expectations, coordinating with multiple departments, and ensuring everything runs smoothly in real time.

Working in such a fast-paced, high-stakes environment sharpened my communication, organisation, and problem-solving skills. It also strengthened my ability to stay calm under pressure, something that is essential in events management.

What I appreciated most is how this placement allowed me to apply what I was learning in my course directly to real situations, understanding customer behaviour, enhancing guest experience, and managing operations with a strategic mindset.

Overall, the placement didn’t just add experience to my CV; it helped me grow into a more confident, adaptable, and service-driven professional, fully prepared for a managerial role in hospitality and events.

What initially attracted you to your current line of work?

What initially attracted me to my current line of work was my love for people, energy, and creating memorable experiences. I’ve been in the events and entertainment industry for over two decades, and even from the beginning, I was drawn to the way events can bring people together, transform a space, and leave a lasting emotional impact.

As a DJ, I learned early on how powerful it is to understand an audience, to read a room, create a mood, and make people feel something. That naturally pulled me toward hospitality and events management because it’s the same foundation: people, connection, and experience.

I’ve always been someone who thrives in dynamic environments where no two days are the same. I love the adrenaline, the creativity, the problem-solving, and the satisfaction of seeing everything come together seamlessly.

So, for me, this line of work wasn’t just a career choice, it felt like a natural extension of who I am. I enjoy creating moments people remember, and that passion continues to drive me every day.

What does a typical working day involve for you in your current role?

I currently work at Radisson Red as a Front Office Executive, where a typical working day involves a mix of administrative tasks, guest relations, and problem-solving. I deal with clients daily; some are easy to assist, while others are more challenging. These challenging interactions are where real learning comes in, as they teach me patience, people management, and effective communication.

A typical day starts with administrative work, such as preparing checklists, VIP cards, assigning rooms, and creating call lists. Depending on the schedule, I then handle guest check-ins or check-outs, ensuring everything runs smoothly. Engaging with guests in person is something I genuinely enjoy being a ‘people’s person’ and creating a positive experience gives me a sense of satisfaction and motivation.

Even when dealing with demanding guests, I embrace the challenge, working to ensure they leave with a memorable and enjoyable experience. This drive to overcome challenges has paid off within just two months – I earned the nickname ‘Review Queen’ from my Operations Manager by breaking the office record for the highest number of guest reviews for two consecutive months.

Overall, this role has strengthened my communication skills, enhanced my ability to manage people and processes, and reinforced my passion for delivering exceptional guest experiences skills that are directly transferable to a managerial role in events and hospitality.

What challenges have you encountered in your career so far?

One of the biggest challenges I’ve encountered in my career has been managing high-pressure situations where things don’t go according to plan, which is common in events and hospitality. Whether it’s last-minute changes, technical issues, or unexpected client requests, I’ve often had to think on my feet and resolve problems quickly without letting the guest experience suffer. These moments taught me to stay calm, prioritize effectively, and lead with confidence even when situations are unpredictable.

Another challenge was transitioning from being a performer in the events industry to taking on more operational and management responsibilities. It required me to upgrade my skills, understand the strategic side of events, and manage teams from a leadership point of view. Studying at Nottingham Business School helped me bridge that gap and build the analytical and organizational skills needed today.

I’ve also worked in very fast-paced, demanding environments like VIP hospitality, where expectations are extremely high. Meeting those standards consistently pushed me to sharpen my communication, become more detail-oriented, and maintain a service mindset even under pressure.

Overall, every challenge has helped me grow stronger, more adaptable, and more confident.

Looking ahead, what goals or aspirations do you hope to pursue in your career?

Looking ahead, my goal is to take on a leadership role where I can combine my experience in events, hospitality and customer service to create exceptional guest experiences. I want to grow into a position where I’m managing full-scale events, leading teams, and shaping the guest journey from start to finish.

In the long term, I aspire to build my own venture in the events or creative industry, whether that’s a boutique café, a DJ school, or a unique concept that blends food, music, and art. I’m passionate about creating spaces that bring people together, and I see myself growing into an entrepreneur who delivers meaningful, memorable experiences.

Right now, my focus is on gaining strong managerial experience, working closely with clients, planning events end-to-end, and strengthening my operational and leadership skills. Every role I take is a step towards that bigger vision of creating something impactful and purpose-driven.

So, for me, this next role isn’t just another job; it’s a chance to learn, grow, and move closer to the kind of legacy I want to build.

What have been the biggest highlights or achievements in your career to date?

Some of the biggest highlights of my career come from the diversity and scale of experiences I’ve had over the past two decades. One of my proudest achievements is performing over 2,000 shows as a professional DJ across multiple countries, including Singapore, Dubai, Iceland, London, Scotland, Mauritius, Greece, Italy, and more. Connecting with global audiences and consistently delivering high-energy performances has shaped my confidence, discipline, and understanding of people.

Another major highlight was hosting my own talk show, The Donna Show, where I interviewed well-known DJs and shared honest conversations about the industry. This experience strengthened my communication, storytelling, and content creation skills, which continue to support me in marketing, hospitality, and events roles.

In the UK, key achievements include working in VIP hospitality at Nottingham Forest Football Club, where I was trusted to deliver service at the highest standard, and my placement at Radisson Red, London Twickenham, where I gained hands-on experience in guest relations and services at a high-profile venue. Both roles allowed me to adapt quickly to new environments while enhancing my operational and people management skills.

Across all these experiences, the biggest highlight has been my ability to consistently build relationships, handle pressure, and create memorable experiences for people. These experiences have shaped me into a confident, service-driven professional, fully prepared to step into a managerial role in events.