Meet our new intern
Kristell Excell
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
Meet the Team
"How I Got into Events"
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.
Meet The New Egg Events Team!
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
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
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.