Q&A with Urté Jonavičiūtė: A journey in Creative Business

What was your journey leading up to BUas? 

Urté: ‘I had always wanted to study abroad to experience different cultures and expand my horizons. I was particularly interested in marketing-related fields and sought the best study options outside of Lithuania. With the help of a recruitment service, I discovered BUas and read about the Creative Business programme. What attracted me the most was that it not only focused on marketing but also covered a wide range of media projects, providing a solid foundation in various areas.’ 

Can you describe a project you worked on? 

Urté: ‘One of the biggest projects I worked on was on the BUas open days. Our team of six students was responsible for designing and executing open day events, offering prospective students an engaging and immersive experience.’ 

‘Each open day required detailed planning and execution. We rotated roles within the team, which allowed us to develop different skills. For the first event in November, I served as the Project Manager, overseeing the team and ensuring smooth execution. The second open day in February saw me taking on the role of Logistics Manager, where I focused on scheduling and ensuring that all necessary elements were in place. For the final open day in April, I will take charge of volunteers and staff, ensuring that everyone has clearly defined roles, receives their t-shirts and vouchers, and that communication remains seamless.’ 

‘The first event was a learning experience, and we relied heavily on our supervisor, Nina Saunders, for guidance. However, by the second open day, we had gained the confidence to manage the project more independently. We brainstormed themes for each event—starting with a "Galaxy" theme, then an "Ocean" theme, and finally, for the upcoming open day, a "Creative Factory" theme to align with the essence of Creative Business. With each iteration, we refined our approach, improved logistics, and created a more interactive experience for attendees.’ 

Can you share some memorable experiences from your project? 

Urté: ‘One of the most stressful yet rewarding moments was two days before the first open day, when we were finalising all the details, such as printing name badges and ensuring all materials were in place. It was intense, but it taught me how to manage stress effectively. Looking back, it was a great learning experience that strengthened my problem-solving and teamwork skills.’ 

What are your plans for the future? 

Urté: ‘Initially, I was focused on marketing, but through my experiences at BUas, I have developed a keen interest in project and event management. Working on the open days gave me a deeper understanding of the responsibilities involved, and I realised how much I enjoy organising and coordinating events. As I am on the fast-track, next year will be my final year, during which I will complete an internship. I am currently exploring opportunities in event management, particularly within communities or organisations that host diverse events.’ 

What advice would you give to current students? 

Urté: ‘Be open to trying out different roles and experiences. Many students tend to follow a specific career path early on, but I believe it is valuable to explore different opportunities. Hearing alumni stories and learning from their journeys helped me realise that flexibility is key. Through these experiences, I discovered that project management is a better fit for me. Understanding various aspects of the industry helps in developing a well-rounded skillset and better collaboration with others.’ 

Where can people follow your work? 

Urté: ‘You can connect with me on LinkedIn: Urté Jonavičiūtė’