Published on 07 August 2023
Aimee Kahn graduated from the University in 2012 with a degree in Fashion Product and Promotion.
During her studies, Aimee completed two summer International Programmes offered by Universal Orlando Resort to work in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at its Islands of Adventure theme park, where she helped to load and operate rides.
In 2013, Aimee began working in hospitality at Walt Disney World Florida’s United Kingdom Pavilion in Escot as part of their Cultural Representative Programme. Two years later, she married her husband Andy, who she met back in 2011 while they were both working in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Andy is an American citizen, so Aimee began the process of moving to the US permanently.
In 2017, Aimee started working at Universal Orlando Resort full time within their Guest Services department. She then transitioned to the VIP Experience Department as a VIP Tour Guide, taking guests on tours of the park and helping them plan their days. Aimee was then able to progress her career within the department to become a member of the Management Team, handling the daily operation of the VIP department and running their training programme.
So, after 10 happy and successful years in the US, what brought Aimee back to Sunderland?
“When I came across the Student Ambassador Coordinator role online it sounded like so much fun,” she said.
“It’s all my favourite things about my role as VIP Management – being able to mentor, support and help people achieve their goals. I love a fast-paced changing environment, so anything with lots of planning towards big events is my favourite thing to do.”
In her new role, Aimee will be responsible for recruiting, training and assigning roles to the University’s Student Ambassadors, as well as working closely with the Events and Applicant Experience Team to ensure Student Ambassadors are involved in events and open days.
Aimee, 32, has moved back to her hometown of Seaham with Andy, who now works for Sunderland AFC in their events department.
Aimee said: “It feels great to be back home and closer to my family. It is made even more special being back at the University I loved attending as a student. I would never have thought that 10 years later I would be back here working.
“I hope that I can continue to bring on board the enthusiastic and dedicated Ambassadors that represent everything the University has to offer.”