“When I turned 18, I started working in my local pub. I quickly became the assistant manager and so then I had quite an interest in the hospitality area of work.”
“This is really why I chose this course, focusing on event management with a particular interest in pubs, clubs, and nightclubs at the time. So, this was kind of the perfect course for me to delve deeper into the business and events strategies that isn't just centred around the standard pub hospitality.”
How was your time at Nottingham College?
“My time at Nottingham college was a positive one. Not just due to the staff members and support you were given but very much also the people you did the courses with. We developed a lot of friendships here with the people I'm still in touch with today. I couldn't speak more highly of how enjoyable my time at Nottingham College was and I feel like I learned a lot here.”
A lot of people know Rough Trade in terms of Nottingham as the local city record shop, but it is much larger than that. There are 4 stores in London, 1 in Bristol, 1 in Liverpool, and 1 in Berlin and New York.
“My role particularly focuses on the UK side of things, but a lot of times I may be working with the German or American side of the business, so there is a lot of responsibility in my day to day.”
What do you do within your role?
“Its super exciting really, you’re working with international artists and quite often you'll work with exciting new grassroots artists that you are helping build along the way.”
“It's been really cool to evolve from doing that local scene thing to doing something that is internationally seen as big for artists and shows and album sales.”
What are some of the most exciting parts of your job?
“You get to work with labels and artists pretty much day to day. You get to hear albums early, get records signed. If you're that way inclined it's crazy how the day is someone's dream, and I do it all the time.”
What advice would you give to someone at Nottingham College?
“Nottingham college was a big part of my journey, it especially helped kickstart where I am now in giving me the tools I have to actually make what I do for Rough Trade valuable.
“If I had any advice for people studying now it would probably be taking advantage of your tutors. They have a variety of knowledge and helped a lot in terms of who they know and their industry knowledge.”
Sam’s piece of advice is to believe in yourself. He knows people don't do it enough, and struggle with it these days but everyone has a strength and when you find yours, you should be flaunting it and pushing for what your good at. He believes that is what has helped him get to where he is today.
Want to hear more from Sam? Watch his video below!
