The experts speak: Sarah Gordon
Sarah Gordon is event manager for Thames Valley University. Sarah has more than 11 years experience in event management. She has an HND in Hospitality Management and experience in organising a range of events including weddings, conferences and breakfast meetings.
How did you become interested in the events industry?
I sort of fell into Event Management by accident! My first job was as a wedding co-ordinator and then it moved on quickly from there. I completed an HND in Hospitality Management and then completed a top-up course in Hospitality and Events Management all the while working in the Hospitality Industry, mainly in front of house roles. I'm now responsible for a wide range of events ranging from University Recruitment events through to corporate dinners and ceremonies and a staff of 64. I love my job but the hours are very long. I count flat shoes, pockets, sticky tape, balloons and chocolate biscuits in my essential 'kit list'.
Don’t give up! It really is hard nut to crack but when you do manage to – it will be worth it.
What advice would you give to someone considering working in the events industry?
The best ways in, really, are volunteering work and networking. The more people you manage to meet and impress with your skills, the more chance you have of finding something. Employers really do want to see you’re dedicated as it really is hard work sometimes. I would also try and ensure you are promoting your experience and suitability for the industry in equal measure to whatever qualifications you have got or are studying towards.
How important is a degree?
I'm a huge advocate of education. I work in the education sector and think it is so crucial however experience and key skills are just as, if not more important. Particularly when working in events. Not many courses can teach patience, common sense, the ability to stay calm and collected when chaos swarms around you!
A basic level of education is great to prove you can read and write, problem solve and perhaps most importantly, communicate effectively. Once you have some experience under your belt as well and have an idea of where you want to go in the industry then some more focused qualifications would be hugely beneficial. Project management, marketing, PR will all help expand your knowledge base and you will probably get more out of them having some experience to base your study on.
What kind of things are employers looking for?
Qualifications are fantastic to have behind you backing you up but you have to manage to show employers that you have all of the key skills they will be looking for. Traits like common sense, enthusiasm, excellent communication skills (listening as well as speaking), a sense of humour, great work ethic all spring to mind. The next tip is to volunteer as much as possible. The more you get yourself out there, there more you will meet key players in the industry and improve your prospects of finding something suitable.
After my HND I did a top-up in Hospitality and Events Management however I’m doing CIM qualifications now as I prefer the Marketing and PR side of events. My degree was hugely beneficial but mostly to help me understand how to balance a workload and commit to large projects.
