CoEM grad and award nominee Amanda
Corporate all the Way – meet Amanda
I interned for Westpac for 2 months (wage free), a job position came up and I was personally approached!
Event Manager program graduate Amanda Laverack is an outstanding example of what happens when all the elements align to create the perfect career storm… hard work + passion + determination = awesome job!
After impressing the folks at Westpac during her time as an intern, Amanda was offered a full time role. Here’s what she has to say about working in corporate events.
What would a typical work day look like for an event coordinator in your sector?
That would depend on which events are coming up. If it’s a large event, we would start the day with a WIP or top line meeting. This is to determine ‘next steps’ and who is responsible for each. I would usually research some venues and create a top level run sheet for some of the smaller events I have coming up. There is, of course, continual engagement with all stakeholders to allow clear good lines of communication.
Why did you you choose to enter the corporate sector?
I feel my strengths lie within strict organisation which fits perfectly in this world. I also really want to bring new ideas and innovation into the corporate events sector which can be a little dry at times.
Is the industry as glam as it all looks?
Our team create such fun, flowing events which is the glam part of the job! There is a lot of great things about working for a big corporate enterprise, including the glamorous side of things but at certain times of the year when there are a lot more events, that can mean very long hours. Having a good work ethic in the time leading up an event really pays off and makes it easier to come out the other side in one piece.
What’s your favourite event you’ve ever worked on and why?
Personally I really enjoyed coordinating a large external facing event called the Scholars Summit. As an event coordinator, my role was heavily focused on the attendee experience and registrations and of course the logistics surrounding this. It definitely keeps you on your toes. But no matter how good the plan is, things can sometimes go wrong. Learning to remain level headed is a great new skill that I’m learning all the time.
Nominees for Westpac’s Scholars Summit program
What attributes would it be handy to have to work in corporate?
Being a hands-on person and a quick leaner. The amount of processes I have to learn is insane. I now understand what people mean when they say ‘a lot of red tape’! It’s also important to be organised and to understand how important deadlines are. If a deadline isn’t met it can throw out a whole string of people, including those that aren’t even in your business unit. Eg, Accounts payable!
What advice would you give someone trying to crack it in this particular part of the industry?
My advice is to intern or do any work experience you can! Your networking opportunities are the only way to get ahead of the game these days, especially within the corporate sector.
Most people who are in the sector have qualifications, so it’s important to set yourself apart by immediately showing your superiors and your peers how you work and learn and what you’re truly capable of. That is in fact how I got this job. I interned for Westpac for 2 months (wage free), a job position came up and I was personally approached!
What do you love about being an event manager?
The draw card for me is the addiction to pulling off any amazing event! it is definitely something I look forward too, even if it’s a small conference or a large corporate dinner. Event management is a field where you can always improve on and really draw on other aspects such as social media marketing or operational skills and I love that about it.
Can you give a brief description of the types of roles within the corporate sector?
Operation manger – the ops manager role is centred around overall support and processes behind an event or the workings through your the day especially when things need to be processed or day to day admin for an event.
Event manager – this is generally a more senior role. An event manager within a corporate environment juggles more then 2 or 3 projects at a time, definitely something to strive for when you are seeking a career within events.
Event coordinator – this person coordinate logistics and the overall attendees experience and focuses strongly on stakeholder engagement, both external and integral affairs I.e. Hotels, Venues, vendors, design agencies.
Event and communication manager – usually this role is divided, depending on the work load. They will be across the ins and outs of the event planning but have a strong focus towards the actual content for an event. Such as the activities, videos, speakers etc. They may also work on event collateral, printings, media walls, media engagements pieces and brand.
CoEM grad Amanda at CoEM Sydney Campus
Many thanks to Amanda for helping us with this informative blog post. Amanda was recently nominated for B&T’s 30 under 30 people’s choice awards.
Graduates from College of Event Management are job-ready! If you’re wanting to find out more about a career in event management there’s plenty of information on our website about our specialised event courses. Any of our course advisors will be more than happy to chat to you on 02 9280 4912 or you can contact us HERE >>
