The star-studded experience that helped forge a stellar career

The star-studded experience talented portrait painter Lucie Algret’s gained during her part-time work as a student has played a key role in her successful career as account manager for the Budweiser Brewing Group

AS a student, Lucie Algret was used to moving in elite circles – her part-time job as a matchday host at Newcastle United, looking after high-profile clients, saw her rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous.

Engaging with everyone from former footballers David Ginola and Alan Shearer to entertainers like Sting and Ant and Dec, in addition to chief executives of companies like ASOS and Boohoo helped her grow in confidence.

Having graduated from Newcastle University with a first-class degree in modern languages, following A-levels in French, psychology and art at RGS in 2018, her next move was no less star-studded.

While applying for graduate roles, she worked as a host at the Michelin-starred Shaun Rankin restaurant at five-star luxury hotel, Grantley Hall, loved by premiership footballers and celebrities.

“I learned to be calm under pressure, professional and cheery at all times, again, interacting with high profile clientele with high expectations of good service,” she says.

But it wasn’t long before Lucie was recruited by a sales and marketing agency in Newcastle, where she worked her way up to lead account executive before landing her later role as account manager at Budweiser Brewing Group, part of the largest brewer in the world.

She now looks after well-known brands like Stella Artois, San Miguel, Corona and Camden Hells.

Her role involves everything from entertaining clients to drafting new business deals: “No two days are the same,” she says. “The best bit of the job is definitely meeting people, whether that’s wholesalers, customers or colleagues.

“My previous experiences, as well as giving me bragging rights, also gave me confidence in my interactions with people, I feel at ease with colleagues and customers at all levels, which has really benefited my career in sales.”

In addition to being a successful saleswoman (Lucie won an all-expenses-paid trip to Majorca for her top-performing sales figures) she has also launched a Women in Sales network, which now has 100 members.

And as a side hustle, she explains, she has also been painting portraits since she finished her art A-level and receives commissions through her Instagram, selling her stunning acrylic works for up to £1,750.

“I've always loved to draw and paint. My family would take a pad and pencils everywhere to keep me occupied as a child,” she says.

Lucie is used to being busy. She credits RGS, and the many activities she enjoyed at school, with giving her a well-rounded education: “I was on the swimming team, played the flute in wind band, performed in the school production of Les Misérables and was on the French debating team, and out of school I completed all grades in ballet, tap, modern and jazz dance. Safe to say, I kept busy!”

One of the things which inspired her was the successful past pupils who returned as speakers at Speech Day: “Listening to them I thought, ‘Wow, I hope that’s me one day!’,” she says.

For now, her ambition is to progress her career in sales: “And maybe one day I’ll qualify for a guest appearance at Speech Day!”

Q: What was the most important thing you learnt at RGS?
A: A strong work ethic and the confidence to speak in public.

Q: What do you wish you’d known back then?
A: How much of what you learn at school can help you in random situations - from pub quiz questions to helping Uni friends with their quadratic equations!

Q: What did you want to do when you were at school?
A: I had no idea! All I knew was I wanted to be successful and had a passion for languages.

Q: What is the one piece of advice you’d give students interested in following a similar career path?
A: Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there! Reach out to people, ask questions and be confident in your own abilities.

Q: Who was your favourite teacher and why?
A: Mr Davies in the Art Department. I loved our chats about jazz music (Billie Holiday especially!).

Q: Who or what inspired you when you were at school?
A: The Old Riponians who returned as Speakers at Speech Day. Listening to them I thought – wow, I hope that’s me one day!

Q: What have been the biggest challenges you’ve faced?
A: As a Languages student during Covid I unfortunately had to miss my year abroad, which meant I had to work extra hard on my spoken language skills to compensate.

Q: And biggest disaster?
A: On my Graduation Day during COVID I was concentrating so hard on not falling up the stairs to the stage, I didn’t hear the social distancing announcement (you were supposed to just bow at the dean at a safe distance). I confidently walked up the stairs and grabbed his hand for a good shake!

Q: What do you miss most about Yorkshire/Ripon?
A: A traditional Sunday lunch with real Yorkshire puddings!

What are your hopes for the future?
I hope to progress my career in Sales and maybe one day I’ll qualify for a guest appearance at Speech Day!

*See Lucie’s art Instagram page @lucie_algret_art