Back to Goodwood James returned to Goodwood in late 2012 as a contractor, supporting the global product communications manager, and credits Southampton Solent University with equipping him for life after studying. “My lecturers gave me the theoretical and all-important practical grounding that gave me the confidence to excel the moment I entered the world of work. They tirelessly encouraged and supported me in seeking meaningful work experience whilst studying, something that proved invaluable to me in securing my first role,” he said. “James was an excellent journalism student,” said Andy Chatfield, course leader for the BA Hons Journalism at Solent. “He’s a great example of how the skills learned on our degree course can lead to all kinds of careers, both inside and outside of the media.” James’ enthusiasm for cars helped him stand out during that first internship, and reinforced his belief that you need to love what you do. “This is a business full of passionate people who fundamentally ‘get’ Rolls-Royce’s place in automotive history,” he said. “As an enthusiast myself, I feel I’m able to extol this passion when communicating on behalf of the brand.” But there’s also no substitute for hard work, he said. “Our dealings with the press have to be as peerless as the cars we produce. Maintaining those standards is a tough but rewarding challenge. My day sometimes starts at 6.30am and when we’re hosting the world’s media can go on till 1am. It’s a hugely enriching, albeit exhausting, experience.”
Wraith – Roll-Royce’s high-tech new model has just been launched to the media
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