At Lancaster University Management School (LUMS) Careers Service, we believe that work experience is a crucial stepping stone toward career success. It offers students the chance to apply academic knowledge, hone industry-specific skills, and gain valuable insights into their future career paths. Recently, a group of LUMS students had the unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the fast-paced world of professional wrestling.

This Valentine’s Day, as part of Europe’s biggest professional wrestling convention, For the Love of Wrestling, PROGRESS Wrestling hosted a show in Manchester called For the Love of PROGRESS 3. Five talented students from Lancaster University were selected to join the action and gain work experience at the event, providing them with an unparalleled glimpse into the workings of the wrestling industry.

Behind the Scenes: LUMS Students in Action

In late January, a special session titled Business and Management with PROGRESS Wrestling was held for LUMS students. During this session, attendees learned about the logistics of running a wrestling show, from marketing and event coordination to social media management. The session was so engaging that several students chose to further immerse themselves in the experience and attend the For the Love of PROGRESS 3 event.

Among the students who participated were Hannah Sullivan, a Marketing Management student, and four members of the Lancaster Pro Wrestling Student Society: Bobby Lee-Ross, Alex Cowdell, Oscar Ward, and Harvey Smith. Each student played a key role in the event, contributing their skills to the seamless operation of the show.

Hannah was tasked with collecting fan reaction videos for PROGRESS’s social media channels, under the guidance of Ross Casey, PROGRESS’s Social Media and PR Executive. Meanwhile, Bobby, Alex, Oscar, and Harvey worked alongside Khalil Butt, a fellow Social Media Executive, assisting with event setup, merchandise sales, and more.

An Action-Packed Show: For the Love of PROGRESS 3

The For the Love of PROGRESS 3 show featured a high-energy, hard-hitting lineup of matches, including appearances from three reigning champions. PROGRESS Men’s World Champion Luke Jacobs and Ethan Allen, the 'Young Guns,' defeated former WWE NXT UK Tag Team Champions, Subculture, in an exciting match. PROGRESS Women’s Champion Nina Samuels retained her title against Emersyn Jayne, and PROTEUS Champion Simon Miller triumphed over Charles Crowley in a dramatic contest that required the winner to use a WWE finishing move.

Bobby Lee-Ross, a History student at LUMS, reflected on his experience at the event: “Stepping behind the curtain at PROGRESS Wrestling offered a rare glimpse into the machinery that powers professional wrestling’s most electrifying moments. From helping transform the exhibition into a wrestling arena to witnessing the seamless coordination between production teams, I gained invaluable insight into the industry’s inner workings, and I am grateful for the opportunity.”

Partnerships and Future Opportunities: Building Careers in Wrestling

PROGRESS Wrestling, in collaboration with Birkdale Collective, launched the Your Next Chapter initiative in 2024 to promote work experience opportunities in professional wrestling. Since then, LUMS has hosted PROGRESS multiple times, and students have been involved in various projects with the company. Currently, LUMS students are working on a Mental Health project with PROGRESS, and the company has attended two career fairs and delivered talks to students.

“We’re all truly grateful for the students' participation in our Manchester show. Their contributions made the event even more special,” said Lee McAteer, Co-Owner of PROGRESS Wrestling.

Peter Davis, owner of Birkdale Collective, further explained the mission of the Your Next Chapter initiative: “LUMS has been really supportive of our efforts to raise awareness about the behind-the-scenes work in professional wrestling. There are so many opportunities in this industry that people may overlook, and our goal is to help students gain valuable experience with PROGRESS, which will make them stand out on their CVs for future job applications.”

A Memorable Experience for LUMS Students

Reflecting on her experience, Hannah Sullivan shared her thoughts: “Attending PROGRESS Wrestling was an incredible experience. Arriving early allowed me to see the behind-the-scenes efforts involved in setting up the event, which was fascinating and showcased the work that goes into each show. I had the chance to learn about how matches were streamed and the editing process for social media posts. I was also able to create my own content, capturing all seven matches and a Q&A session with Lex Luger, which made the night truly memorable.”

The Importance of Work Experience for Future Careers

At LUMS Careers Service, we encourage all students to seize opportunities like this. Whether it’s in corporate settings or creative industries, work experience is essential for building confidence, gaining industry knowledge, and expanding professional networks—three critical factors that shape a successful career. Through programs like Your Next Chapter, students can explore industries they may not have initially considered and build valuable skills that will set them apart in the competitive job market.

For more information on upcoming work experience opportunities, be sure to stay connected with LUMS Careers Service and take advantage of every opportunity to boost your career prospects.

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