After, years of working as a customer service advisor for the wholesale department of a fashion brand. I became Stagnant, bored and in need of a change. Wanting, desperately to move into a career where I could utilise my skills, put my ideas forward and nurture my creativity. I had the will. But where do I begin? I decided to enrol on a project management course, this involved learning about planning, scheduling, teamwork, communications, and risk management. Feeling more equipped I got out on the job hunt.

However, I soon realised the experience I had was not enough to bag me a job within the industry. Faced with this obstacle I began to look for work experience and internships. Inspired that this route would get my foot in the door, and increase my employability. I am now feeling confident and secured a voluntary position with the Charity Shelter.  Stationed at the charity’s head office in the community and events department, I began learning lots of new things and engaged in the arrangements for their upcoming sporting events. 

I sourced this voluntary work via charityjobs.com they have plenty of voluntary and internships within the charity events sector. Wether you’re a student or a career changer volunteering and interning have many key benefits for your career, it’s a great way to gain practical experience within your chosen field not forgetting a great addition to your CV.

One tip, along your career journey always stay in touch with new contacts including people who have interviewed you for jobs, if you check in with them every now and again they may keep you in mind for any upcoming opportunities or recommend you to other people within the industry, this is how I gained an internship with Egg.

And I must say so far so good!  To date I have participated in the managing of the Egg stand at the Story Events London Summer show Exhibition and much more, although scary thrown into the deep end I felt it was the best way to learn about the venue.

Making the decision to take a step back to work as an intern was a bit of a risk and daunting especially being in my 30s, but I felt confident in my decision that an internship would provide me with a valuable experience, especially in an industry or field where I don’t have much experience.

“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream”

C.S Lewis

Coming from a musical background, I have always had creative streams oozing from my vains. As well as dabbling in the world of events, I work as a part time session singer for weddings, batmitvahs, parties, as well as live lounge sessions.

I have always had a passion for organising events, whether it be small family gatherings or celebratory occasions for friends. I see them as fun opportunities in creating memorable experiences for people to come together and enjoy. This interest and passion led me onto taking on a BA Hons degree in Events Management, using this course to help unlock the skills needed to equip me within the industry, from finance to risk assessments to live events projects.

Upon graduating, I went onto gaining my first Post Graduate job in events at the ground-breaking white canvas venue Olaf Street, working on events from Private Weddings to events for well known brands including; Armani Private Dinners and Land Rover car launch’s. The role allowed me to connect with high profiled clients and expand my skills in the areas of communication, finance and even better still Creativity. Walking in with a client to a blank canvas space always leads to heaps of options and the endless possibilities of what can be done, from Brazilian Shanty towns themes to Kids Pokémon themed parties.

“I did then what I knew how to do. Now that I know better, I do better.” – Maya Angelou 

I moved on further into the world of events, working on various creative briefs, with clients such as H&M and Braun. My growth and skill within the sector started to increase in interest and love. Alongside the busy world of events, I formed my first function band, taking on Weddings and Festivals. Some would have called this a crazy idea with the hours, stress and dedication events bring, but surprisingly hand in hand, the two became the perfect combination. Being able to see and work with both creative worlds, on the same plate is amazing. My event auto pilot mode would always be on, even at function gigs, always at hand to help the organisers.

Summer 2016 I joined the EGG Events team, the multi-purpose space, the maze of all mazes. The beautiful space saw me straight into a month full of events, exhibitions and an glimpse of Christmas in early July! Working with an array of talented and amazing individuals from production to catering companies, I continue to enjoy the different clients the space brings and new brief challenges to suit any one of the quirky spaces.

“A positive attitude can really make dreams come true - it did for me.”  – David Bailey

The smile and positive morning emails, after an event is always so satisfying, it makes the running around, late nights and extra prep all worth it. I continue to aspire to develop and grow within the world of events. As they say, The World’s your Oyster, especially events.

Over the next few blogs, find out how the Egg Events team landed their dream career.

Imagine it: you have one of the coolest clubs in London as a venue to play with. You get paid to use your creative flair to create an unusual, unreal, unrepeatable event for clients who want to use the space to party in the heart of London. Sound like a dream job? About 2 months after finishing our course Gabby applied for job as corporate events assistant with Egg Events LDN. After only one month in the new role, her manager got offered a job somewhere else and asked Gabby to step into the role of Corporate Events Manager! She then had to appoint the assistant …

If I am going to do this, I’m going to get a distinction!

We know why Gabby aced the interview and got offered a top role instead of the assistant role at an amazing London venue. Like most event managers, she’s a perfectionist. She spent 15 years working as a dancer and a performer and when she was injured she realised she could no longer dance at the level she demanded of herself and started looking for a new challenge.

As a dancer and as an event manager you have to be driven and have fantastic attention to detail to succeed as the environments are so competitive. The second Gabby decided she was going to do theeventcourse and get a distinction she was on to a winner!

I didn’t realise that what I do naturally – organising things – is so useful in event management

So what made Gabby think events was the right thing for her? It took her a while before she realised that because she naturally steps into the role of organiser this natural talent would earn her a living and, better, get her into a job she loves.

It started out with organising her best friend’s wedding. Everyone else kept telling Gabby to chill out, it was just a wedding and it would all be fine. Gabby was the one keeping everyone to time on the day and planning for weeks in advance. She drew up her own function sheet (this is before she’d done any event management training!) and managed the whole event. Her reward was seeing her best friend have his wedding dreams come true and have the best day of his life.

I never thought about setting up my own business – I thought I was a Creative Director not a leader

Students often tell us the group projects are a massive turning point – Gabby was scoping out who she wanted to work with from the first day of the course! Classic event manager … and control freak! This should have been the first signs of leadership.

However, when the group project rolled around, Gabby knew she wanted to be the creative director or creative lead on the project. As a performer and a dancer she already knew she is fantastic at bringing the beauty of an idea to life. Our courses don’t simply give students what they want, though, they give them what they need. Gabby’s group persuaded her to take on the role of Team Leader. After some resistance (as I’m sure you can imagine, our Gabby can be very persuasive when she knows what she wants) she finally decided she’d get more out of the course if she did something she wasn’t used to. And … ?

Gabby was a great success as team leader and absolutely loved the role. It gives her some great examples of team management and leadership to share in an interview and get whatever team she’s working with on side. She’s even considering setting up her own business later down the line. Gabby says:

“I would love to run my own business creating private events and celebration parties. It is the best feeling in the world to make people happy and seeing the smiles on their faces.”

Are you interested in doing the things you love, having the confidence to carry it off and getting paid while you do it? If yes, come and have a chat with us at our next open evening or call our student recruitment team. Gabby’s advice is to be open to anything – there’s no harm in trying something and deciding later it isn’t for you.