Here we are folks, the last recap for our final events workshop held last Wednesday (*sad face*), but at least we went out with a bang! We first heard from our awesome teacher Travis, who presented some valuable insight and advice on the current landscape of the event industry, before hearing from Holmesglen alum, Adrian Cusmano who discussed his studies and career in events with Siemens Healthineers.

This recap will cover just Travis’ presentation, but stay tuned for part 2, where I sat down with Adrian to discuss in-depth his experiences post-study and his inspiring advice to current students.

If you missed the workshop, the link to the recording can be found here otherwise, keep reading to get the scoop!

 

It feels like a lifetime since Miss. Corona stepped onto the scene, shutting down businesses and a thriving events industry worth $2.4 billion. I think we as students, have been finding comfort in the hope and reassurance that events will be back, bigger and better than ever, but it’s difficult during a time like this to feel ready to step into the industry with little experience. Trav outlined some key questions to ask ourselves which can help guide our actions to take now, to be prepared for when the event boom hits.

 

  1. What is your career goal?
  2. What are the key milestones?
  3. What is your elevator speech?

 

All good plans require goals and objectives. Now is the time to reflect and define your answer to these questions. I guarantee your event career pathway will become a lot clearer!

 

  1. What are your transferable skills?
  • What kind of skills have you acquired in other workplaces that can help you now?
  1. What is your work ethic?

 

As Amanda from the Skills and Job Centre mentioned in workshop two, you have skills from previous work experience that are applicable to event positions. Cultivate and showcase these skills

 

  1. What are the types of events and festivals, venues you want to work on?
  • Write them down
  • What are your key milestones to get there?
  1. Do you want to travel? Where? How long? Create a plan
  • What states and events do you want to work in?
  • Make the plan and implement it

 

Melbourne has been branded as the events capital of Australia, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t other opportunities in other states or internationally. Research, discover and create a bucket list for the types of events you want to work on.

 

  1. Stick to your goals and keep your eyes on the prize
  • People who lose sight of their goals never get there
  • Focus on what you should be doing right now to get where you want to be
  • Where do you see yourself in 2, 5, 10 years - define and visualize your goals and check in every week, month or  bi-annually to stay on track

 

Lastly, it sounds obvious but, this is the number one reason people fail to reach their goals. Sure, times get tough, but the tough get strong and as Craig Lovett from Incognitus said, ‘the events industry will either infect or affect you’. 

 

I want to give a huge thank you to all of our industry guest speakers for taking valuable time out of their day to speak with us. I also want to especially thank Amanda from the Skills and Job Centre, Michaela Manager of Student Engagement and Success, as well as our teacher Travis for creating these informative and entertaining workshops for us event students. Without your dedication and efforts, the workshops wouldn’t have been possible. Thank you!